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Tightness worse after exercising

Posted , 4 users are following.

ellen09443
ellen09443

Really have enjoyed this website and hearing everyones experiences. I have had big problems with tightness across the kneecap. I have a 123 flexion and good extension. Have really worked on it. My surgeon told me my kneecaps higher than normal peoples. They had to create a place for fluid to go to and IDK if that is why I am so stiff b/c the muscles/tendons were burned and havent healed. I am six weeks out and dread getting up to walk or exercise because I know how bad I am feeling. surgeon said give it time, but work is bugging me to return and I know will have to hit the ground running when I go back, so not ready yet. I do my exercises 2x daily, do my 15 stairs 2x daily and walk around 15 minutes each day. Has anyone else had this problem? My brain says my knee should feel looser when exercising. I still go to outpatient therapy 3x week. I go see the surgeon Wed. Any suggestions for questions. He doesnt have the best bedside manner. Thank you for your comments!!!

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • lynda49844
    lynda49844 ellen09443

    Posted

    At 6 weeks you are only an eighth of the way through a year recovery that can be longer still. I had a lot of issues around the kneecap area with my first and it can still feel tight if I do too many stairs or a lot of bending. It's a year old now and there are a couple of minor issues still that the surgeon tells me will take another 6 months to settle, mainly with the Iliotibial band (you can google what it is and stretches to help). It's a fairly common problem after a TKR. Maybe it's the cause of your tightness too. I'd ask about it. Also if your knee swells due to exercise it will feel tight. Are you icing and elevating still? That might help, as will cutting back on exercise until your knee feels better. I found a little exercise more frequently helped more than 30 minutes in one go.

    6 weeks is early to be going back to work. Many need 12 weeks. Can you extend it, or could you do a phased return?

    Don't be disheartened. These knees take time and we have to learn to be patient and be kind to them. It doesn't always come easily! Good luck and I hope you have a productive meeting on Wednesday.

    I

  • anna59931
    anna59931 ellen09443

    Posted

    Far to early to go back to work your consultant n physio should know. Im still having problems with mine and it will be 2yrs at the end of this month i got mine done i notice promblem with mine at 7mths pain n stiffness i have found out it was the hamstrings to do with the tendons and ligaments. Hope you start to feel better soon.

  • Moosn8r
    Moosn8r ellen09443

    Posted

    Its so early in your recovery. I'm 6 months post double knee replacement. I went back to work after 4 weeks. Please make sure to ice and elevate as often as you can after work. I still dislike stairs and sitting down and getting up. Hang in there...I was told 12-18 month recovery...so be patient. Good luck

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