Swelling
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I am 8 weeks post-open and around 3 weeks ago I started swelling above the knee joint. My physical therapists didn't think it looked abnormal, and when I saw my surgeon'said PA 2 weeks ago, he told me it was normal. I went back to work part time last week part time and noticed more swelling which I figured is normal since I went back to work. The swelling has gotten progressively worse, has moved to my upper thigh, calf, ankle and foot. I called the doc and they are getting me in today to take a look and make sure nothing is wrong. (god forbid). I will mention that before the swelling started, I was healing well, x-rays looked good, and I was progressing every week in physical ther any. Once the swelling started, I have not been able to progress with the flexion, stuck around 95 degrees. Anyone ever have an experience like this that can provide some insight as to what this excessive swelling is about? Also, NOTHING elevates it...ice, heat, elevation, compression, anti-inflammatory especially. HELP!
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michelle0137
Posted
Just an update: saw my surgeon today and he said that the cause of the swelling is that the body is trying to heal built up scar tissue that hasn't been broken through by not getting proper range of motion, which rips and breaks it up. He said that I need to continue working on getting my ROM back which will tear down the scar tissue, which will in turn get the swelling to go down. He ordered 12 additional PT visits for me, but I don't know if my insurance will cover it. Guess I'll be working hard at home!