Total knee replacement

I found the first 4 weeks the worst. It started to improve after that and then I overdid it! From week 6 things steadily improved and at week 10 I started to feel I was getting back to normal. I had a lot of pain in my calf to begin with, although it didn't cramp. In fact I seemed to have all sorts of aches, pains, clunks and clicks for a few weeks.

If your calf is cramping, maybe you're on it too much. Are you icing your knee whilst elevating and taking regular pain medication? Cramp can also be a sign that you need to drink more water. As for the back, I have lower back issues and found the best thing was to apply heat to my back whilst icing and elevating my leg and to get up and walk around for a few minutes every hour. Hang in there, it will get better. It's a 12 month recovery and you're only in your first month. Take care.

Keep icing your knee and elevate the leg. It will get easier If you can obtain an ice machine thats the best thing to do I borrowed one from my neighbor I could not get one thru insurance Tried in 3 counties! I then found one on the site LETGO for $10! I slept with that ice machine for over 2 months! Instant pain relief! Exercise by stretching your calf muscles before you start waking Keep moving This surgery is traumatic physically and emotionally Not for the faint if heart! God bless!

I use a pillow behind my back. I have a LazyBoy recliner and it does not support your back. The pillow really helps. And I have a ice machine, I use it 3 or 4 times a day. I am 2 weeks into my 4th month. I still have the numbness 2" wide and 6" long down the side of my knee. Between the knee pain and swelling it almost i impossible to bend it. It feels like a tourniquet. Getting into the tub is a real trick. It is way better than day 1 but I wonder if the pain will ever go away. BUT I think it depends on your age, medical conditions, and what kind of shape you are in. Also how hard you are willing to work for it. I have been told it can take 6 months to a year for real improvement. At 68 and having Diabetes and Hashimoto's ( thyroid) my surgeon says it will take longer. So disappointing. And depressing. But you are not alone Jeep15, we are here to support you and share how our TKR's affect us. Please let us know how how you are doing.

I have a tip for folks who are lucky enough to have an ice cooler. Instead of using ice in bags, a pain in the butt to drive to get and gets expensive as you have to keep replacing , I use frozen water bottles. 3 of them fit in my cooler. I just pop them in and when they melt just replace. I have 2 coolers, one in the bedroom and one in the living room.So I keep about 10 in the freezer. I use them over and over.

Have you tried taking magnesium supplements?

It worked for me. And lots of water..... think of the extra trips to the bathroom as bonus physio. 😮)