TKR

Posted , 8 users are following.

Hi all had a TKR 3 weeks ago and can walk on it but it swells up is this tm soon. Unfortunately my after care is bit rubbish and got discharged from hospital with some pictures of exercise nothing about how long to use sticks for or when to start walking on it

Any help would be appreciated

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  • Posted

    Barry I had both of mine done it will be 3 weeks on Monday it's currently Friday. But I had in house pt which we have Ben able to get flexascion of 120 degrees in both knees I started walking about a half mile a day at 2 weeks and continue to increase this. My knees are usually a little sore by the evening hours but nothing my pain meds and some ice can't help. Use ice you should be able to walk on it by now without assistance of a cane or crutches

    • Posted

      Yea I can walk on it without pain but it makes my knee swell and tighten up

      Don't know if that's normal or overdoing it. I don't have problems balancing on one leg the one that I had done. I just don't know how far to push it.

      My right knee has to be done but they wouldn't do that for 6 months after the left

    • Posted

      I think that's normal mine are swollen at the end of the day. All the original swelling from operation is not gone yet so they do feel tight. I feel once that swelled no is completely gone I'll all but be back to normal. Good luck with your knees. It's a process

  • Posted

    For starters, 3 weeks is very, very early in your recovery.  Post-op swelling is totally normal.  As you progress, swelling will be caused more by overusing the knee on a daily basis.  It's good to use a pedometer of some kind to track your steps, find the point of swelling, back off and increase gradually.

    Almost everyone starts PT in the 2-4 week range to get their ROM back to 0-degrees straight and at least +120 degrees bent (0 / +120).  I started PT ar -14 / +84; took 10 weeks of PT @ 2X/weeks to get to -1 / +123.  It's not easy for the vast majority of TKR patients.  Have to break down the forming scar tissue or you'll limp forever.

    Lots to consider: diet, hydration, medications, walking aids, ice, elevation, PT, post-PT exercising to rebuild your dead quads, and more.

    Click on my picture, Discussions, See All.  Lots of posts out there.  Also listen to the Forum members who have lots of great advice for you. 

    • Posted

      Yea thanks for that. Unfortunately there's no pt here it's a case of pictures of some exercises to carry out. 6 weeks after discharge you get to see the surgeon again to see how your getting on.

      Just finding it hard to find out how far to push and how early if that makes sense.

      Never know whether to throw my sticks away and just keep pushing

    • Posted

      Click on MY picture at the left above the "*6".  Under "Discussions (20)", click on "See All Discussions".  

      The "intro" post is the one with "I'd rather have another kidney stone".  Has a lot of different sections.  You need to read the "Zero Degrees" and "Heel Slide Exercises" discussions.  That's for starters...those go along with the PT part of this...breaking down the scar tissue.  Once you get to 0 / +120, there's a whole discussion on Post-TKR Exercising...but first you need your ROM back.  That part can start around 6 months and last another six.  MARATHON NOT SPRINT is what you'll hear over and over again.

      Lots of other posts on meds, walking, sleeping, climbing stairs, etc.  Wander around...  Also, there are lots of other people's posts on the exercises they did to help break down the scar tissue including deep squats.  However, without an actual Therapist forcing your knee down and measuring your bend, I'm not sure how you'd fo this.  Maybe start another post entitled "TKR ROM Without a Physical Therapist"...that might get you some very specific responses from people in your exact situation.

      "Sticks"...  Very individual.  I got rid of the walker in 10 days and my cane after 2 months (during PT).  Never used crutches.  Try walking without them...if you feel safe, put them in a closet.  Usually happens around 60 days...but that's with PT and growing strength.  Lots of work involved in a TKR recovery...buckle up.

    • Posted

      Hi Barry

      Why don;t you call your Surgeon and ask for an appointment to get further information and instruction.  Or at least your GP.  Maybe they could help?  It's important you are clear on what to do, so you do not make any errors that may cause further problems.  

      Good luck!  smile  

  • Posted

    Hi are you in the UK. And is this the NHS.
    • Posted

      Hi.again the same happened to me

      .they are useless. 2 weeks after op seen pt at hospital checked my leg could bend to 90deg when sitting. It did with a lot of pain .so he said didn't need to see me again done nothing for me .5 weeks later seen my surgeon he gave me about 10 min total asked me to bend leg couldn't bend it very far told me I need to bend it more because scare tissue will heel and I'll be stuck with it take more Meds and push myself harder told him the pt don't give any physio. He booked me another appointment to the drop in center. And said he will see me in 1 year and just walked out.unbelievable. been to drop in physio bit more helpfull. I didn't know

      straightending the leg was important as bending .they wash there hands of you .I am 8 weeks post op.. go to you tube and any other sites do pt every day as much as you can do .it is painful but keep pushing. Take Meds and ice leg . after elevate leg higher than hip.and complain to hospital. Good luck.

    • Posted

      Cheers it went in on Thursday for op came out on the today with some pics of exercise and a letter saying surgeon will see me in 6 weeks that's it get on with it lol

  • Posted

    I used two crutches for at least six weeks. It varies from person to person, but when walking hurts then use support. Your muscles need time to build up strength so wise to minimize pressure. You should be offered some physiotherapy surely? Check out my profile and skim through my blog for more general info. Lots of good posts on here look back over the pages for past posts too! 😊

  • Posted

    My PT guy said walk w assist until you dont need it. In other words, dont get bad habits. If u limp wo a cane etc, then use it to support yourself. If u have no limp and its a mental crutch, give it up.

    Heel slides, short arc,quad lift, adductor, abductor, step ups and downs are able to be googled or you tube. Check SEVERAL sites so you can pick and choose. Exercise,rest, ice elevate cycle thruought day. Only do a few exercises not all of them at once. Take all day! You get less swelling and dont overdo that way.

    • Posted

      I was given 2 sticks told to walk as soon as I was out of bed .they said I can put as much weight on leg .there will be no problem.not to use crutches .so this is what I've done .on one stick now.just about get to pub and back.lol on 2 many Meds for alcohol tho.does make my ankles aich and calv muscles.

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