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Swelling after total knee replacement.

Posted , 12 users are following.

Ozziegee
Ozziegee

Hi, in a couple of days it will be 13 weeks since my tkr surgery. So far I haven't had a single day when my knee hasn't been swollen despite my elevating, icing, resting continually. The swelling has contributed to my low ROM which is around 95 degrees. Is anyone else continually swollen after 12-13 weeks?

0 likes, 36 replies

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  • connie80069
    connie80069 Ozziegee

    Posted

    I am 24 weeks out after tkr and  still swollen.  Have no idea what I should do about it.  If you hear of something, please let me know  Thanks.
    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee connie80069

      Posted

      I saw the Dr today. He just said all is ok, the swelling will eventually go down. I need to stretch, exercise but be careful not to do too much.
    • chris00938
      chris00938 Ozziegee

      Posted

      Ozzie, this is so good to hear!  Sensible advice!:-)))))  I've really rested through my TKR and wonder if this is partly why I had an easy time of it.  For weeks and weeks it was purely elevation, ice, and rest with a little bit of exercise here and there.  My husband was my slave for three or four weeks and I've only started doing more over the past few weeks.  Had the TKR 1st March.  I did start the bike at three weeks but built that up VERY gradually and started the treadmill at 5 weeks, but again built that up very gradually and still don't overdo them!

  • faybubbles
    faybubbles Ozziegee

    Posted

    Hey, mine will be 13 weeks on Friday now. Swelling daily. The more I do more swelling but sounds like thats normal. Icing is my best friend yet. My ROM at 8 weeks was 105, the last day of my therapy. I joined a gym now and feel like its helping with my bend and my straightening. I find myself walking with a limp, but they say its because my leg isn't straightened and I need to tighten up my muscles in my thigh. So have really been working on straightening and strength in my thigh. I go to the doctor on Wed now so am excited to see where im at with ROM. Will keep you updated. Good luck. Love reading all the great info on here.

    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee faybubbles

      Posted

      sounds like our situation, progress is pretty similar. My straightening is at zero but bend not so hot.
    • faybubbles
      faybubbles Ozziegee

      Posted

      My straightening at 8 weeks was a 5. Hoping for better come Wed. Its a long process, and everyone is different but I just keep thinking it will be worth it in the end. Keep your head up. 😊😊

  • j21370
    j21370 Ozziegee

    Posted

    It takes longer for some people, but anti-inflammatories and ice is what keeps the swelling down. J-13270
    • Ozziegee
      Ozziegee j21370

      Posted

      hasn't worked so well for me. Looks to me like it will take 6 months to a year to heal up. Now, if I can just keep myself sane during that time....

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX Ozziegee

    Posted

    That is a bit unusual considering all the posts on this forum, and yes, it can interfere with your ROM.  At this point, swelling usually occurs when you push the knee too much in a day...it shouldn't be swollen all the time.

    Are you off your pain meds?  Your doc may want to start you on 800 mg Ibuprofen every 6-8 hours since this sounds like an inflammation issue (unless there's something else going on inside).  You should get some Voltaren Gel (RX in the US).  Second best topical anti-inflammatory on the planet.  Call your doc...

  • lynn53216
    lynn53216 Ozziegee

    Posted

    Yes, I am at 11 weeks and I have gotten no relief from swelling, and I am still having pain; not like it was but there is still swelling.
  • j21370
    j21370 Ozziegee

    Posted

    Ozziegee - I had arthroscopic surgery in my left knee 4 years ago and my knee and leg got very swollen. The PT that I was seeing taped my knee and leg and the swelling started to go down. I don't know if they still use that technique, but it helped me. Take care.

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