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Tight skin

Posted , 11 users are following.

PenceJan
PenceJan

Hi all,

One month out, and doing really good.  

Managing on just paracetomol and ibuprofin - much less pain than I ever expected.  

The two needling areas are sleep, or lack of - which I expected and am dealing with.  You can never have too many pillows following a knee surgery!

And then, the tightness on my skin over my knee is intense.  Not only at the scar site, but the whole knee itself.

Has anyone found a way to help ease this and get the elasticity back?

I am using Bio Oil on the scare to help fade it.  But I wondered if there was anything people use for the tightness?

Thanks!

 

2 likes, 18 replies

18 Replies

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  • PenceJan
    PenceJan

    Posted

    Should have said, one month out from a TKR.

    Is there a way to edit our posts?

  • Guest
    Guest PenceJan

    Posted

    Hi, I used organic coconut oil on my last knee, did an amazing excellent job, my wound was glued and I can hardly see it 7 months on. Scar not healed on this one so holding off.
    • LindaSue
      LindaSue Guest

      Posted

      I was thinking about using coconut oil as well. Happy to hear you had such good results!
  • LindaSue
    LindaSue PenceJan

    Posted

    Hi PenceJan! I was wondering how you were doing and am thrilled to hear you are doing well with the pain. I am very interested in any responses you get as I am starting to experience the same with skin tightness. (I am just about 3 weeks post TKR). I'm not yet massaging the incision as I still have some steri strips, but I do massage the area around it and the back of my knee.

    I am also having "hypersensitivity" around the incision, especially at night and can't stand anything touching it. Anyone have suggestions? I do try to use only a light cover, exposing the incision area if I can. Not the easiest when you keep trying to find a comfortable sleeping position!

    Happy Healing to all and many thanks!

    Linda

    • susan25378
      susan25378 LindaSue

      Posted

      Hi Linda Sue,

      Try using a knee sleeve to keep your scar from touching anything. It should help.  Check Amazon. Good luck in your recovery! I am also 3 weeks post op:-)

    • LindaSue
      LindaSue susan25378

      Posted

      Hi Susan,

      Actually I bought one from Amazon after reading about it here on the Forum. The issue is it's really thick and warm. I may just try it again though as the sensitivity at night (among other things) is making it hard to get comfortable enough to sleep. Good to have a partner that is also at the same stage of recovery at me! 

  • judith00931
    judith00931 PenceJan

    Posted

    I used and am continuing vitamin e oil.  It helped/helps a lot.  I was in PT for 10 weeks 3 times a week.
    • LindaSue
      LindaSue judith00931

      Posted

      I think I will alternate the Vitamin E oil with coconut oil. Thanks for the suggestion. My surgeon ordered 5 weeks of PT 3x/week but I'm pretty sure it will be extended.

  • Oldfatguy1
    Oldfatguy1 PenceJan

    Posted

    Vitamin E oil massaged in with the thumbs twice a day has been my best remedy. Besides lubricating it heals all the ay to the bone. Great for scar tissue.
  • Bosco
    Bosco PenceJan

    Posted

    Yes I found that too I use baby oil many times a day and it helps me
  • PenceJan
    PenceJan

    Posted

    Hi everyone. It's really the skin over my entire knee which feels so tight. I suppose it may be the swelling but that is minimal. I like the idea of coconut oil

    And vit E. I have both. Maybe I just need to be patient for the tightness I feel. Must be what a face lift feels like!! Lol

    Lindas glad you are doing OK. ..early days for us but so far I am very happy with the results.

    The physio was astounded tonight...I only see him once every 2 weeks and he checks me over and gives me some home exercises and that's it. he told me tonight to ditch my crutches, that I don't need them.

    And he got a 105 bend and said my leg is as straight as a new leg. 😊 so really feeling good.

    I can tell already that my limp is gone and no more bone on bone pain. All this in just 4 weeks!!

    But like you....good sleep still eludes me. I use loads of pillows to support, bolster or cushion where needed.

    Good luck!!!!

    • LindaSue
      LindaSue PenceJan

      Posted

      That is wonderful progress!! I have PT 3x a week with home exercises in between. My extension is zero and my walking is much improved but my bend is only about 95. I know I need to do better to avoid the manipulation. (The pain from the bending exercises is excruciating just as many others have said!) But I am just 3 weeks tomorrow, so I'm hoping I'm not that far behind. My therapist said today I am making steady progress and that everyone progresses differently. Still, I am pretty anxious about it. If you don't mind me asking, what is a typical day's exercises for you? Keep up the great work...you are definitely inspiring me!

  • AEC_0503
    AEC_0503 PenceJan

    Posted

    Hi 

    I've found massaging vitamin E twice a day has really helped.  The tightness has gone and three months on from op, just thin red line 

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