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Knee Stiffness

Posted by ouch89 @ouch89, 1 day ago

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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ddsack | @ddsack | 1 day ago

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!

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ouch89 | @ouch89 | 1 day ago
In reply to @ddsack "I asked my family doctor about this a few years ago. At the time I was..." + (show)
@ddsack

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!

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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.

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robinleslie | @robinleslie | 1 day ago

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!

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