Thigh muscle pain after total knee replacements

Posted , 12 users are following.

I had 2 knee replacements, one on Aug. 28th, 2016 and the other Nov. 2, 2016.  I was doing good, then had a setback and back to therapy, now doing pool exercises.  My problem is not the knee, so much (except I can't kneel without feeling like I'm pinching a nerve on the kneecap) but the thigh muscles right above the knee are very sore, (like you feel when exercising too much) and it is hard to stand up without aid from sitting.  It's very frustrating, and I don't know why it feels this sore.  I wonder, did they cut muscle and it just takes longer to heal?  I'd like a doctor to answer these questions.  I had the therapist do dry needling and it helped for a short while, then the pain was just as bad, so it's a waste of time for me.  They told me it could take a year to feel normal, but I'm thinking it's not going to happen.

2 likes, 25 replies

25 Replies

Prev
  • Posted

    Every doctor is different. I've found that out. I've had 2 partial replacements. 1st one when I was 27 years old and then followed 3 years later for 2nd one on left knee. The first lasted 10 years. So in late May I had my revision to a total Knee which I guess is a more complicated surgery since you have to take out the old, prepare, then work with the new hardware. I was in surgery over 4 hours and in hospital 4 days. Now, most people I know who have had tkr walk as soon as possible. I wasn't full weight baring for 3 weeks. I was in home health for a month before beginning outpatient therapy. I'll be in therapy for at least 2-3 more months. I'm 39 now (just had my birthday). He's almost guaranteed me that I'll go through this at least 2 more times. One for the new right one we just did and then one for the left one that is still doing okay with partial. So in order to keep things as long as possible, he's given my a list of no-no's. No squatting except to be seated, no knealing, no running or jumping, nothing that causes an impact, limit my stair use and my walking on uneven surfaces like at playgrounds, and no treadmills. He'd rather me be on an elliptical or recumbent bike.

    • Posted

      Your list of no-no's, was that for a period of time, or forever?  I have 16 steps to climb to my apartment, which I was doing well at then I have this pain in my muscle, so more difficult.  I can go up easier than down.  Have to take one step at a time.  When I am in a crowd or on uneven surfaces, I take my cane to give me stability, plus it warns people to stay out of my way.  I don't want to get knocked over.  

    • Posted

      It's a forever list, not just so a certain amount of time, but for length of time I have the component.

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.