TKR sharp pain outside of knee when doing standing hamstring curls

Posted , 10 users are following.

Three weeks post op. Was doing great until 5 days ago when surgical PA bent my knee to 125 degrees. (Not a smart move). Pain went from 2 to 11. Now no pain when I walk or lie down. But excruciating pain for past five days when I try to do standing hamstring curls. Have tried ice with little results. Anyone have similar pain on outside of knee? I see my PT tomorrow and will get more information. Should I push to get into see the surgeon? Suggestions?

GREGORY M.

1 like, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi. Can't believe your PA bent your knee that far so soon!!! I had pain (still do sometimes on the outside part of my knee (well....more on the inner part, but outside of the replacement part). My physiotherapist reminded me often that although I have a new knee, the surrounding parts are "same old same old"!! Meaning that those old parts have to get used to supporting a new part.  It takes time. She used to bend my knee, gently....but not til about 6 or 7 weeks post op. It helped, rather than cause more pain. And she NEVER pushed it to 125 degrees. Warrants some discussion, I think. 

  • Posted

    my pt pushed my leg back on Fri even when I said it was killing she carried on pushing back. when I left I was in agony my knee is all red s and it's been killing me .wants me to excericise every hour .dreading going back . I know they are trying to help as my degree was 90 when left hospital then it dropped to 54 now up to 64 .I've had what seems to be bruising on the outside of knee

  • Posted

    Four weeks ago the physical therapist pushed down on my knee for 15 excruciating seconds to "measure" my extension. Before she did that I had been able to bear weight and lift my leg enough to get into an SUV. Afterwards, I couldn't put my foot down or lift my leg more than 2". My leg and knee swelled up and the pain was as bad as it was after surgery. That was at 8 weeks post op. I had to start taking pain medication again, icing, rest and stretching gently to allow my leg and knee to recover from her pushing.

    My TKR was May 2, 2017 with post op complications  causing inability to extend leg more than 30 degrees. 

    I have not gone back to PT, instead doing exercises at home and using a JAS brace which will gradullay extend my leg over the next 3-9 months. It's taken 4 weeks to regain the function and comfort level I had before my knee was pushed down.

    i have since read several case studies and articles on the bonesmart website in which the general consensus is to pay attention to your body and what you can do and not let someone else try to make you follow a standard they think is right. They are not the ones who suffer. Good luck.

  • Posted

    Hi Gregory, I had a similar situation with PT after surgery for a torn meniscus.  At Days 5, 6, and 7 post surgery it was like a miracle had occurred!  No pain, gait was 98% normal.  It was unbelievable!  Went to PT on Day 8 where she added 2 lb weights to my ankle and had me doing long arc leg raises, 15 minutes on bike at a tension of 2, therabands ... it was a one-hour workout that I had to terminate or she would have kept going.  I had excruciating pain for three days. I was exhausted, getting no sleep, hydrocodone did not touch the pain.  I am two months post op and am just now getting back to where I was on Day 7!

    I found another physical therapy practice. They are wonderful and I'm seeing results.

    I would definitely push to see the surgeon, which is what I did.  The surgeon ended up talking to the physical therapist.  The whole thing was very disheartening.  The main thing now seems to be that you get peace of mind AND a different therapy practice.   

  • Posted

    Hello.....

    Had my knee replacement 8 weeks ago, did nothing but rest for 3 weeks ( great believer in Chinese methods, the body heals itself given the time it needs) went to Physio and only did minimal foot slides and exercises at home!

    I did suffer pain as everyone does but 'never' allowed myself any extra pain through walking or exercising always rested when hurting!

    My bend is now 110 and I am driving, been on holiday and drove over 500 miles during week, I am walking with no limp, do still use a crutch.... minimal night pain and only in pain when it's time to rest, my knee gets very hot and I know that's enough, I believe the body needs to heal nice a slowly ( my Physio actually said I must have been working really hard, I am doing so good....NO, I am resting and letting myself heal!!)

    I am happy with my improvement and have given myself a year to get through this, nice and slowly, this takes time and I don't believe in being pressured by anyone, I am the one who knows what pain my knee can tolerate! 

    • Posted

      What kind of Chinese methods do you use? I am interested it. I am at 15 weeks out. And there are times I pushed to hard. And had to rest a day and then get moving the next day. I'm at 118 bend

  • Posted

    125-degree bend at three weeks is virtually unheard of except in a minuscule number of patients whose DNA does not generate scar tissue.  No idea why your pro pushed it that far so soon.  This is a very slow, demanding process that takes a long time from which to recover.  I hope that no actual damage was done.  I'd see the surgeon and get some imaging...make sure nothing happened inside. Meanwhile, take the pressure of the knee and let it recover.  I'd play it safe for now.

  • Posted

    You should definately have your surgeon check it out!! At 13 weeks I fell and twisted my knee while turkey hunting. Excruciating pain and I have ever since had a real sharp pain on the outside. Three weeks ago I went back and had it looked at, now I'm scheduled for a total revision!!! NOT looking foreward to it! But dont wait, at least you'll know.

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.