Knee Stiffness
I've been using my stationary bike daily for several months following a TKR one year ago. Initially I cannot pedal a full revolution going forward because of stiffness and pain and have to start by pedaling backwards until I can make a full revolution, then I'm good to go forward. The next time I use the bike, it could be the same day, it's the same problem. I would think my knee would eventually bend easier. My home exercises are the same. Following a session of squats I'm loose but about an hour later I cannot get up from a chair without difficulty. Can anyone explain why the stiffness returns?
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I asked my family doctor about this a few years ago. At the time I was complaining about how stiff I was anytime I would get up after sitting for a longer time, (this was before I had any TKR's.) He said that as you age your muscle fibers lose their ability for instant flexibility like you had when you were a child. When you sit or stay in one position, those unmoving muscles shrink and contract, and when you first get up, it takes a while to stretch them out to where you can move normally. I guess there is no cure for aging. All we can do is try to keep active so we don't completely go to pot!
Thank you for an excellent explanation for knee stiffness. At 89 years old it makes a lot a sense. I still have an issue with my one year old revision TKR knee still being stiff with so much activity and bending while my successful TKR knee is 99% normal with very little stiffness after only 3-4 months. Thanks again.
Hi Im 10 months out from my TKR which was a horrible experience, I had many issues that I won’t go into.
I have the same stiffness problem, my ROM has stayed at 115 and it won’t budge as hard as I try.
My new issue is numbness in my big toe and a little into the ball of my foot,
has anyone else experienced that.
I can’t complain though, I’m thrilled with my better quality of life with my new knee. Good luck to all of you
Keep moving!