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TKR

Posted , 5 users are following.

kathleen_65043
kathleen_65043

At first when I start walking the knee feels funny but ok but after a few  minutes the knee becomes very stiff and difficult to bend  and then getting in to the car is an absolute nightmare and also getting out of the car is an absolute nightmare  i’m constantly rubbing my knee and the scar to keep it nice and supple but it’s just the pain when trying to walk normal anybody got any tips on what to do gratefully appreciated Kathleen 

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • kamran62982
    kamran62982 kathleen_65043

    Posted

    Hi Kathleen. So sorry to hear about your predicament. I'm on about 5 months postoperatively with kneecap fracture. I had to be surgically operated and was put wires in it. I still cannot bend my knee too. My physiotherapy has been erratic too. What exactly happened to you?

    • kathleen_65043
      kathleen_65043 kamran62982

      Posted

      Hi it’s been 10wks both knees had gone down to bone on bone they did the right one first said the left should be done at the end of this yr but I can face it the infection turned into an abscess and the pain was hell the hole is now closed but has taken 10wks 

      Ido the exercises daily and a little walk around the house I did a 2 mile walk on Friday with my friend but we had to get a taxi back getting into the taxi was fun because I could not bend the knee as it had become very stiff which  drives me mad with luck one day it will be better as for the other knee it will have to wait till the end of next yr as long as I can cope good luck with your knee stay strong keep positive x

  • CHICO_MARX
    CHICO_MARX kathleen_65043

    Posted

    "...when I start walking the knee feels funny..."  We know.  It's so hysterical that we fall over laughing...or just fall over...

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/two-guys-with-canes-limp-into-a-bar--534980

    You didn't say how far post-op you are.  However, it sounds like you haven't gotten your ROM back which will allow you to bend and straighten it with little to no pain.  The scar tissue needs to be broken down for the knee to move properly.

    If you've done that, you need to keep doing it so the knee doesn't regrow any more scar tissue and you regress.  Then you need to start the exercise program to regain all your muscle strength.  Without that muscle rebuild, all the pressure falls on the knee instead of back on the muscles where it belongs just causing more pain.

    Typically, ROM is done in the first 12 weeks.  After that, the rebuild takes up the remainder of year 1.  By then, you should be feeling waaaay better but need to keep stretching and exercising to prevent long-term stiffness.  This is a lifelong recovery...you must keep the knee active.

    • jean04276
      jean04276 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Hello Chico, can you still gain ROM after one year? Although l am  generally better now and exercise daily, my bend is stuck at 100/110. This affects walking down stairs and maybe is the reason my walking is limited to around two miles. 
    • kathleen_65043
      kathleen_65043 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Once again thank you 

       I do constant  massage the scar area and make my leg/knee work for a living😂😂 I am afraid of falling 1 because of my back and 2 my knee and 3 the old palvic floor😂😂 it could be an embarrassing moment 😂😂 

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX jean04276

      Posted

      I finished PT at -1 / +123...now more like 0 / +133 at 2 1/2 years p/o.  I'm a "Not-A-Doc" but my personal experience is that it got better over time because I kept doing the work.  If you stop, you're done.  Gotta keep the knee active and moving.  The muscle rebuild helps a lot since it involves leg presses for the quads.  The deeper you go, the more flexion you can achieve...but it's very slow and gradual.

      Then, of course, there the "practical" limit.  Getting to 140 is athlete range and 161 will allow you to touch your heel to your butt...as in yoga poses.  IMHO...

      DON'T DO THAT!!!!!  EVER!!!!

      These devices have limits and no one knows what they are.  I have talked to many docs and PTs.  They all agree that you have to get to +120 to be able to walk correctly and do stairs again. Anything between 125 and 135 is still safe.  More than that and you risk either damaging the device or greatly reducing its lifespan.  Make your own decision but I would not go past where I am now...ever...

    • CHICO_MARX
      CHICO_MARX kathleen_65043

      Posted

      If you are in fear of falling, please...PLEASE...use a cane or walker until you have rebuilt the musculature to support the knee.  Once you have done that, you can start to get rid of the walking aids as you gain that strength and the confidence that goes with it.  No one can tell you the exact point in time this will happen.  However, with the strength comes the confidence and you will overcome this in time.  Patience and work!!!
    • jean04276
      jean04276 CHICO_MARX

      Posted

      Thank you Chico. Your ROM experiences make me feel better and more determined to give consistent exercise and time a chance to improve my rom.
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