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tkr and sciatica

Posted , 4 users are following.

lsuej54
lsuej54

I had a TKR almost 3 weeks ago.  I am doing very good except for a couple of issues.  I have developed sciatica issues on that same side that will not go away.  I have used heat, cold, creams, pain relievers, and some added stretching exercises with my PT.  Nothing seems to give me relief.  Any suggestions?  Also, I am wondering what type of oil or cream I can use on the incision itself to smooth out the rough edges that seem to want to scrape against anything I wear or when I am asleep.  Thanks so much for your help!!!

 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • cheryl90571
    cheryl90571 lsuej54

    Posted

    Hi there!

    I, too, suffer from sciatica. It started many years before my TKR, went away for awhile AFTER my surgery and comes back periodically. Like you I try all kinds of things!

    I have tried to figure out what it is that brings it on again. I also have tried to figure out what causes it to GO AWAY for awhile! HAVEN'T A CLUE on that one!

    I use Ibuprofen for my arthritis pain. That helps the sciatic nerve pain, too. IcyHot roll-on is a go-to method for me, but stretches aleve my pain better than anything else.

    Here are my favorites:

    (I am actually doing them now as I am typing this on my phone!) Lay on your bed on your back.Stretch your legs out as far as they will go. Point your toes and press the backs of your legs into the mattress. Lengthen your legs even more, tightening your quad muscles and your glutes as well. Hold this for a count of ten. Release and relax. Do this as many times as it takes to begin to feel relief.

    Next, take the leg with the sciatica and cross it over your body so that you are doing a spinal twist. This gives me IMMEDIATE RELIEF by taking pressure off that sciatic nerve. I often stay in this position and have drifted off to sleep while in it because it relieves that pressure so quickly.

    Try these and let me know if they help YOU! I came up with them by chance, but they really have helped when my sciatic nerve decides to roar back in ANNOYING FURY!😵

    • lsuej54
      lsuej54 cheryl90571

      Posted

      I will definitely try these. Last night I actually slept 7 hrs but woke up so stiff I'm not sure it was worth the extra rest😟.

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