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TKR 6 weeks ago burning pain and stiff leg 80 degree bend only help

Posted , 10 users are following.

ddaapp
ddaapp

I had a first TKR 10 weeks ago, after 4 weeks they had to reopen and reline as it was infected. Now 6 weeks after second op the burning sensation and tightness from ankle to hip is keeping me awake at night and in pain through the day. My knee is red and hot but my surgeon is just monitoring it. The skin is fragile and the lightest knock skins it and makes it bleed. Getting in the car is a struggle, and I can only sit on a bus with my leg stuck in the isle. I can straighten my knee when doing exercising but to bend it back I can only get to about 80 degrees. The physio tried to push it back but the pain was too much and I was sick. She said to keep trying. Has anyone else had this problem, and is there light at the end of the tunnel . I am taking Codeine 4 times a day the pain is so bad.

0 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • yve20637
    yve20637 ddaapp

    Posted

    HI

    Im just over 6 weeks post op TKR. Ive found this recovery very hard- im still on 4 or 5 codine each day ( plus 8 paracetamol and 2 naproxen).

    My ROM is now +5/82.

    Over past few days ive been in so much pain- the numb area on my knee now seems to have spread to about 3inch circle. I seem to have new swelling. The physio has suggested its over working it- i really hope so. Has this happened to anyone else?

    • Caitibean
      Caitibean yve20637

      Posted

      I am also just over 6 weeks post op and have found it all so hard too. This past week things have improved but it doesn't take much to set me back again. For example, I've managed to increase my bend significantly in the past week (yesterday I estimated my bend to be about 120, whereas it was only 105 a week ago) and over the weekend my leg felt less tight and less swollen. As a result, I pushed more on the exercises. Today though, it feels stiff again (I feel like I have a circle of tight elastic bands around my knee and my thigh is really tight) and today I have some funny clicking feelings in my knee accompanied by sharp pains that weren't there before. And, despite really improving my quad strength (I can now do leg lifts with an almost straight leg), my knee still buckles when I walk. I think probably I've overdone it these past few days because I got all excited thinking I've turned a corner (and to sone extent, I have).

      It's all very frustrating but I guess we are going to go through these constant ups and downs for done time yet. Chico's progress chart is one to check out because it says it all: progress isn't a nice straight line but a series of peaks, dips and plummets!

      I hope you see another peak on your chart soon! GOOD LUCK!

    • yve20637
      yve20637 Caitibean

      Posted

      Thank you. I think the hardest thing ( apart from pain and not sleeping!) is trying to figure out what is 'normal' . I now have this strange numb patch- dont know if i should worry?

    • Caitibean
      Caitibean yve20637

      Posted

      I've got a numb patch - a strip about an inch wide that runs up the left side of my incision. Nerve endings in the skin are damaged during surgery and take a very long time to recover, so my GP told me. If you are worried, see your GP. Good luck!

  • lynda49844
    lynda49844 ddaapp

    Posted

    Your knee has been through an awful lot. I'm not surprised you're having problems with pain ans swelling. I don't believe in doing anything that causes pain that is more than discomfort. I would be inclined to bend the knee until it's uncomfortable, but no more than that, and hold it there for 20 seconds buiding to 30 seconds as it becomes easier. If 20 is too much, try and build up to it. Don't push your knee to do more repetitions than is comfortable. If 2 are enough, do 2 an hour rather than trying to do 10 at a time.

    Are you taking paracetemol as well? That seems to work better than codeine and you can add codeine in if you need extra. Make sure you take 1000mg every 6 hours to keep on top of the pain and ice and elevate (toes above nose) for at least 40 minutes a minimum of 4 times daily.

    Has anyone offered any advice for your skin? I hope things improve for you soon.

  • karen14697
    karen14697 ddaapp

    Posted

    I am 5 weeks post op LTKR. I cry getting in and out of a car. The intense burning lasts 7-10 seconds. MY SURGEON said it was my sciatica and took a back xray. My pt has had me on a traction machine for 2 sessions and its worse. MY KNEE has healed beautifully. I am 125 rom and 0 degrees extension, but this burning is holding me back.I wish i had a solution for both of us ! I'll be following.

  • purplerlover
    purplerlover ddaapp

    Posted

    You need to get to get your doctor to DO something NOW!!!. What kind of cruel surgeon would watch you for observation if you skin is so swollen it bleeds when touched? Or you are in so much pain. I to have burning pain but nothing like I am guessing yours is. I am in month 7.

    Please get help soon and let us know what happens. Prayers and good thoughts for you.

    • bradley_33200
      bradley_33200 purplerlover

      Posted

      same here I feel something is going wrong with her surgery I would get in there s**t bleed when touching it oh hell naw praying for you

  • jenny61596
    jenny61596 ddaapp

    Posted

    Codeine in not strong enough! Ask for better medication even with no problems like you have had I was given slow release and 4 hourly morphine based tablet eg endone , tramadol etc I was also on a nerve pain one ,Lyrica, no wonder your pain isnt under control ! Hope you start to feel better , and infection all gone

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