1. Community
  2. Bones, joints and muscles
  3. Knee Problems

Tkr

Posted , 8 users are following.

louise_48509
louise_48509

It's me again. Sorry, full of questions lol. Right, 4 weeks pre op. No swelling now on my leg at all, APART from my knee. It feels heavy and tight. Is this normal?

1 like, 26 replies

26 Replies

Next
  • dalmation
    dalmation louise_48509

    Posted

    I'm 5 weeks today and knee still feels tight but getting easier day by day. I'm able to sleep a bit better at night which is a BIG bonus. I've got a numb patch to the side of my knee still which physio said may take up to a year to come back 

    • louise_48509
      louise_48509 dalmation

      Posted

      I've got that numb patch too. Good to know that it sounds normal, the tightness. Am I the only person on here that doesn't have a physio? Try a glass of wine lol

  • ellen49890
    ellen49890 louise_48509

    Posted

    I will be watching this as well....I’m 4 weeks today out from Partial (patella femoral). Knee is so swollen and stiff plus most of the time it just feels like someone is squeezing it!  And yes before everyone comes back and says ice, ice and elevate.....if I ice it anymore it’s going to freeze !!  LOL 😳

  • dalmation
    dalmation louise_48509

    Posted

    I asked the physio about continuing to ice and she said only needed if in pain or there was any further swelling. She recommended having a bit of a sleep every afternoon to rest it 😄 No encouragement needed!!

  • sharonc67
    sharonc67 louise_48509

    Posted

    Hi Louise, no idea if it’s normal, everyone is different, but I’m 5 weeks post-op and I’ve got EXACTLY the same symptoms. Very tight knee and very little feeling same area too.  I find that Ice just makes my leg stiffer.  Feeling a lot better though like yourself, at least we’re getting more sleep now. If your knee is tight, how is your bend?  I’m now 80 degrees but struggling to get to the 90 and I’m dredding seeing my consultant in 10 days time. 
    • louise_48509
      louise_48509 sharonc67

      Posted

      I don't have a clue what my bend is cos I've no one to measure it. I think it's got a tiny bit better but I'm not sure. I was 90 when I was discharged from hospital after 2 days. I'm waiting on an appointment to go back and see my surgeon, he said 8 weeks, so I won't really know till then

    • sharonc67
      sharonc67 louise_48509

      Posted

      Wow, 90 was very good on discharge. Maybe that’s why they haven’t sent you to physio. Unfortunately for me, I’m having to work really hard, they won’t let me drive until it gets to 90 & I’m getting so depressed not going out now, need to drive & see something...anything apart from Home & the physio! 

    • louise_48509
      louise_48509 sharonc67

      Posted

      Physio wasn't even mentioned. Im guessing nobody in my ward were offered it. I know what you mean about getting out. I've only been married 2 months and half of that's been taken up with this. Hubby is fantastic, but once he's away to work it's me and the 4 walls

  • gerianne_69769
    gerianne_69769 louise_48509

    Posted

    Hi everyone! What you are feeling is normal. I’m almost 11 months post TKR...I remember feeling as though here was a tourniquet around my thigh above my knee. Swelling lasts for a while...icing a LOT helped. I still use an ice pack occasionally as I have a little pain sometimes. We may have new knees, but the surrounding parts are “same old, same old”! The numbness is also normal, mine is starting to feel more like before, but just recently. Louise, I’m surprised you haven’t been sent to physio...you might want to ask about that. Good luck with the healing...it DOES get better!!
    • gerianne_69769
      gerianne_69769 louise_48509

      Posted

      When I was done physio (22 sessions, all told), my knee started to stiffen up by the 3rd week. I joined a gym....and did aqua fit classes. I use the treadmill (low speed as I couldn’t walk too fast), and the recumbent bike. Now, I also use the leg press, and the elliptical machines. If you go that route, make sure you explain to the people at the gym that you’ve had a TKR, and just want to keep your knee moving, and building strength as time goes on. Only mentioned this in case you DON’T get physio. Good luck! 
    • louise_48509
      louise_48509 gerianne_69769

      Posted

      Thank you. I'd love to go swimming but I don't know if I'd be able to up and down the steps

    • sharonc67
      sharonc67 louise_48509

      Posted

      I’ve been having hydrotherapy which has been great, although a little expensive. I’ve now decided to go to the local ‘learner pool’ to see if I can replicate the exercises done before. My local pool also do therapy sessions but it is the getting in and out of the large pool that could be tricky. At least I’m now at a stage where I want to exercise. It may be worth looking at local classes for yourself. 
    • louise_48509
      louise_48509 sharonc67

      Posted

      I can't wait to go swimming, I'll have a look into hydrotherapy too. Thanks for that

    • gerianne_69769
      gerianne_69769 louise_48509

      Posted

      I don’t actually swim. Lol. The classes are just an hour long exercise class in the water. We have about 5 or so shallow steps, and I hold on to the rail to get in and out. The pool is only as deep as up to my neck/shoulders. Not that high on a lot of the people... I’m only 5’1”. Lol
Back to top
Next

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.