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Hi Everyone --
?Yesterday, July 31, I had my 9-month check up with my orthopedic surgeon. I've been having problems with the bending, which most of you know and have answered my posts. When I saw the surgeon in January 2017, he broached the idea of a manipulation or another 30 days of physical therapy. I chose the physical therapy because it was less invasive. Now, this is what the surgeon told me yesterday: " I should have had the manipulation because my bend is only 105." Can't have it done now because I have developed adhesions/scar tissue and it is not advisabe to have one done at this late. He said that he cannot scope it because the adhesions/scar tissue will grow back within a few days. So bottom line -- there is not much that he can do and the pain might eventually go away. He told me to continue my exercise at home and the gym, especially on the bicycle. I have pain everyday in the back and outer side of the right knee. I still ice and rub my knee every night. I know that many people have told me that the bend and pain will take up to 18 months. I can deal with not being able to bend it to 120, but the pain is a different story.
?Anyone have any suggestions other than what I have mentioned. At the present time I am very depressed. Thank you. J-21370
2 likes, 26 replies
laurel65763 j21370
Posted
Epsom salt soaks will help. Magnesium aids in muscle relaxation and once your leg has soaked for several minutes in a tub, you can stretch your leg in the warm water. It is a gradual process but better in the long term. TKR means having to be patient. My therapist pushed my knee down for 15 excrutiating seconds unexpectedly 3 weeks ago and I lost the ability to lift my leg or weight bear. I haven't been back since, just doing my exercises at home and Epsom salt baths and I am almost regained the improvement lost. Since then I have done some research on MUA and conclude that while it works for some people, the general consensus is to do gradual rehab for better long term results. But get a second opinion and make a decision that's right for you.
Best wishes!
j21370 laurel65763
Posted
kimmers88 j21370
Posted
I say find another Dr. and get a second opinion. I had my TRK Nov. 10th of 2016. I just had surgery again on July 19th of this year. I had scar tissue that was holidng me back from bending as well as I wanted. He also scoped my knee and tried to bend it some more. He did sucessfully remove scar tissue but the bending wasn't so easy. I am however in PT now and bending is getting much better!! It has only been 2 weeks ago that I had this done. Don't give up!
j21370 kimmers88
Posted
joan99539 j21370
Posted
I'm also experiencing behind the knee pain, when I try to bend past 95 I get shooting pain that feels like tendonitis, is that the pain anyone is experiencing??? I'm now 4 months out from surgery, had the MUA in May with little improvement. It actually helped the front of the knee but can't bend past 120 without excruciating pain as I described. My therapists are great and constantly try different methods. I'm really depressed and the surgeon just says it's tight hamstring see you in April?!?!?!?
cheryl86544 joan99539
Posted
It does sound like tight hamstrings, sorry. Google tight hamstrings to find good exercises.
cynthia89958 joan99539
Posted
Hi Joan, If you can get to 120 degrees even though painful, are your physios saying you need more bend at only 4 months? As I am 5 months on and being discharged form physio as they are happy that I have 110 degrees after an MUA in May. They say it is still early and may continue improving for 12-18 months and that I likely would not expect to bend as much as the non op leg with a replacement. I do get pain at the back of the knee if I try to bend any further. I noted that 10 or 20 degrees is not really that much of a difference when you look at it so I hope it will increase once my leg is less swollen and tight - which it still somewhat. I'm just pleased that the MUA released the bend this much as it was really bad before that. Have you tried exercise in water - I'm trying aqua treadmill and it seems to loosen thinge up?
joan99539 cynthia89958
Posted
Thanks for the info and encouragement, there are so many people that think I'm really behind, I am def considering the aqua idea once my PT time is done
joan99539 cheryl86544
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cheryl86544 joan99539
Posted
Find a PT who will write a proper program for you. (Maybe the one you're seeing?)
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