1. < Joint Replacements

Scar tissue after knee replacement

Posted by leithlane @leithlane, Jan 31, 2017

I had knee replacement surgery 6 weeks ago . Through PT I have been working on breaking up the scar tissue only for it to regrow by the time I get back to PT two days later. I have been massaging at home, using a hand held massager and roller. It is painful and swollen. I am getting very disheartened. Any suggestions as to what else I can do. Has anyone had laser treatments to break up scar tissue? Were they effective?

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pamstravel | @pamstravel | Feb 9, 2018
In reply to @kibe75 "Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement...." + (show)
@kibe75

Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement. I am 42 years old and 6 weeks out from a partial knee replacement, at my post op visit this week was basically scolded by the PA I saw about my flexion and extension (9-100) and was told with "only" a partial I should be back to my pre-op of 0-130 and break up the scar tissue. I left that visit so discouraged. I have been doing my physical therapy religiously daily, but the pain has been so bad that I'm in tears most days. The PA upped my physical therapy appointments back to 3x/week. My physical therapist said yesterday that he feels somewhat responsible in the development of the scar tissue because he should have been more aggressive from the beginning but because of the severe pain I was in backed off some hoping that as the pain subsided I would be able to tolerate more. Well, the pain hasn't subsided but I'm still having to push more through the pain to try to get "normal". I was in tears at physical therapy from the pushing he was doing on the knee to get it to bend further and to break up that tissue. I'm back on the Diclofenac I was pre surgery to try to help with the inflammation and was given Tramadol to take before PT and at night to help with the pain, unfortunately that doesn't really help much. I feel like every time I call my surgeon's office to ask for something more for the pain I'm treated like a drug seeker. I was told that if I don't make significant progress in the next couple of weeks, I would probably be needing a manipulation. I've been through 3 surgeries in the past year (knee scope-where the severe osteoarthritis was discovered, the partial knee replacement, and gallbladder removal), that thinking about anesthesia again makes me ill - and I'm almost out of medical leave benefit. My emotions are all over the place these days. Thanks for letting me vent, for reading, and for helping me to realize I'm not so alone in this journey.

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I just joined this group. 9 weeks ago I underwent a total knee replacement with my right knee. My extension was pretty much lost before surgery and it has been a very painful 2 month journey of PT appointments. These are hell on earth. I scream and writhe in pain. It is awful. Now I have plenty of scar tissue to deal with as well as the end of an infection due to dissolvable stitches not dissolving. I am on a 3rd course of antibiotics. Some days the pain level is okay. After PT I am a mess. Cancelling events appointments etc. this has had a huge impact on my life and just getting back to normal. I guess my question is. Should I seek out an acupuncturist or homeopathic manipulator. My other knee was replaced 9 years ago and I experienced none of these problems. Am open to any ideas. Thanks.

REPLY
rayreich3 | @rayreich3 | Feb 10, 2018

Hi my knee Is still covered with scar tissue I’m going to try acupuncture twice a week for the next six weeks I’ll let you know the results after that it’s or arthro scopic surgery

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pamstravel | @pamstravel | Feb 10, 2018

Many thanks. I am anxious to hear how it goes.

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kibe75 | @kibe75 | Feb 13, 2018
In reply to @kibe75 "Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement...." + (show)
@kibe75

Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement. I am 42 years old and 6 weeks out from a partial knee replacement, at my post op visit this week was basically scolded by the PA I saw about my flexion and extension (9-100) and was told with "only" a partial I should be back to my pre-op of 0-130 and break up the scar tissue. I left that visit so discouraged. I have been doing my physical therapy religiously daily, but the pain has been so bad that I'm in tears most days. The PA upped my physical therapy appointments back to 3x/week. My physical therapist said yesterday that he feels somewhat responsible in the development of the scar tissue because he should have been more aggressive from the beginning but because of the severe pain I was in backed off some hoping that as the pain subsided I would be able to tolerate more. Well, the pain hasn't subsided but I'm still having to push more through the pain to try to get "normal". I was in tears at physical therapy from the pushing he was doing on the knee to get it to bend further and to break up that tissue. I'm back on the Diclofenac I was pre surgery to try to help with the inflammation and was given Tramadol to take before PT and at night to help with the pain, unfortunately that doesn't really help much. I feel like every time I call my surgeon's office to ask for something more for the pain I'm treated like a drug seeker. I was told that if I don't make significant progress in the next couple of weeks, I would probably be needing a manipulation. I've been through 3 surgeries in the past year (knee scope-where the severe osteoarthritis was discovered, the partial knee replacement, and gallbladder removal), that thinking about anesthesia again makes me ill - and I'm almost out of medical leave benefit. My emotions are all over the place these days. Thanks for letting me vent, for reading, and for helping me to realize I'm not so alone in this journey.

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Saw my surgeon today for a follow up, I'm now 11 weeks out from my partial knee replacement, I was doing really good until Friday. I left PT that day feeling so good about things, I measured 2-120, almost to where I needed to be. Went to work (I work at a hospital), and was telling my co-workers how well everything was goint, then was walking down the hall and felt like my knee gave out with intense pain. I limped to my desk and called my physical therapist. He said he thought the pain might be some scar tissue breaking up since we were finally getting into new territory with my range of motion. Over the weekend, the pain would come and go getting progressively worse each time. Monday at physical therapy he still thought it was from scar tissue, but could definitely fell that i was in more pain. He didn't measure me on Monday because he knew I wouldn't be happy with the numbers since I went backwards some. He worked more on some tissue massage than he has since the surgery, in addition to the other things we have been doing.

After a couple of nights with hardly any sleep, I called my surgeon's office and talked with a triage nurse who recommended I move my 1w wk appt up to today to make sure nothing else was going on. X-ray and everything look good. My surgeon said it is common to slide backwards periodically. While he wasn't as hard on me as his PA was 5 wks ago, he did say I needed to continue to be very aggressive in physical therapy. In his office today i measured 5-120.

My surgeon restarted me on neurotin hoping that it will help the pain at night so I can sleep. I see him again in a month. He said in no uncertain terms that i have to get my extension back to 0 since that is what it was when I left the operating room.

I'm getting tired if dealing with all the pain, but am very thankful for supportive co-workers who understand that some days I just can't do it and need to leave early.

REPLY
schnauzerkid | @schnauzerkid | Feb 14, 2018
In reply to @cobweb "I had my tkr done 5 years ago, still swells especially in water therapy. That is..." + (show)
@cobweb

I had my tkr done 5 years ago, still swells especially in water therapy. That is why i went to stem cells for the other knee. All i can say is live with it and try to strengthen the leg as best you can. My surgeon just shrugged his shoulders and said move on. I noticed in my years of dealing with it is some really do well and others do not and they have the same surgeons. Pain pills and i do not get along so working out and doing my exercises is all i can recommend. If i had do overs i would never had the tkr done. Next life will be different.

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If I need another TKR, I will cut it off! Any Dr. That tells you to tough it out, find another doctor! Why Dr.'s Think pain is good, haven't had a TKR. Pain can be controlled with combination of pain meds, but Dr. won't prescribed them.

REPLY
rayreich3 | @rayreich3 | Feb 14, 2018
In reply to @kibe75 "Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement...." + (show)
@kibe75

Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement. I am 42 years old and 6 weeks out from a partial knee replacement, at my post op visit this week was basically scolded by the PA I saw about my flexion and extension (9-100) and was told with "only" a partial I should be back to my pre-op of 0-130 and break up the scar tissue. I left that visit so discouraged. I have been doing my physical therapy religiously daily, but the pain has been so bad that I'm in tears most days. The PA upped my physical therapy appointments back to 3x/week. My physical therapist said yesterday that he feels somewhat responsible in the development of the scar tissue because he should have been more aggressive from the beginning but because of the severe pain I was in backed off some hoping that as the pain subsided I would be able to tolerate more. Well, the pain hasn't subsided but I'm still having to push more through the pain to try to get "normal". I was in tears at physical therapy from the pushing he was doing on the knee to get it to bend further and to break up that tissue. I'm back on the Diclofenac I was pre surgery to try to help with the inflammation and was given Tramadol to take before PT and at night to help with the pain, unfortunately that doesn't really help much. I feel like every time I call my surgeon's office to ask for something more for the pain I'm treated like a drug seeker. I was told that if I don't make significant progress in the next couple of weeks, I would probably be needing a manipulation. I've been through 3 surgeries in the past year (knee scope-where the severe osteoarthritis was discovered, the partial knee replacement, and gallbladder removal), that thinking about anesthesia again makes me ill - and I'm almost out of medical leave benefit. My emotions are all over the place these days. Thanks for letting me vent, for reading, and for helping me to realize I'm not so alone in this journey.

Jump to this post

Hey You are doing great compared to many others sounds like you just need to hang in there and you’re in going in the right direction I’m envious

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pamstravel | @pamstravel | Feb 14, 2018

I am 9 weeks out from a TKR an my scar tissue has been a real problem. I have read that heat really helps. Hopefully you are doing that as well as icing. But I have to add I bought a tiny bottle of Serica, moisturizing scar formula. Got it at the local CVS drugstore. A bi pricey but worth it. I massage in the direction of the scar and then opposite, across the scar, massaging the scar tissue underneath. That seems to help as well. I got ahold of some KT tape (at drug store) and my husband watched U-Tube videos on how to apply the tape to your knee. It feels so good and gives you support but only for a day or two. Its so easy to get demoralized but chin up. As has been said here before, just when you think you are turning a corner, its easy to slip 10 steps back. Day by Day is my motto.

REPLY
pamstravel | @pamstravel | Feb 14, 2018
In reply to @kibe75 "Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement...." + (show)
@kibe75

Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement. I am 42 years old and 6 weeks out from a partial knee replacement, at my post op visit this week was basically scolded by the PA I saw about my flexion and extension (9-100) and was told with "only" a partial I should be back to my pre-op of 0-130 and break up the scar tissue. I left that visit so discouraged. I have been doing my physical therapy religiously daily, but the pain has been so bad that I'm in tears most days. The PA upped my physical therapy appointments back to 3x/week. My physical therapist said yesterday that he feels somewhat responsible in the development of the scar tissue because he should have been more aggressive from the beginning but because of the severe pain I was in backed off some hoping that as the pain subsided I would be able to tolerate more. Well, the pain hasn't subsided but I'm still having to push more through the pain to try to get "normal". I was in tears at physical therapy from the pushing he was doing on the knee to get it to bend further and to break up that tissue. I'm back on the Diclofenac I was pre surgery to try to help with the inflammation and was given Tramadol to take before PT and at night to help with the pain, unfortunately that doesn't really help much. I feel like every time I call my surgeon's office to ask for something more for the pain I'm treated like a drug seeker. I was told that if I don't make significant progress in the next couple of weeks, I would probably be needing a manipulation. I've been through 3 surgeries in the past year (knee scope-where the severe osteoarthritis was discovered, the partial knee replacement, and gallbladder removal), that thinking about anesthesia again makes me ill - and I'm almost out of medical leave benefit. My emotions are all over the place these days. Thanks for letting me vent, for reading, and for helping me to realize I'm not so alone in this journey.

Jump to this post

Oh thanks for that. I really try. It seems like my life is centered around rehabbing this crazy knee. And it's 9 weeks out. Who knew? The gym helps. Leg press and leg extension machines. Also hanging a 5 pound ankle weight and lying face down on a bed with knee hanging off. Really works. Do this 8 minutes. Not easy but do this bit by bit.

REPLY
pamstravel | @pamstravel | Feb 14, 2018
In reply to @kibe75 "Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement...." + (show)
@kibe75

Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement. I am 42 years old and 6 weeks out from a partial knee replacement, at my post op visit this week was basically scolded by the PA I saw about my flexion and extension (9-100) and was told with "only" a partial I should be back to my pre-op of 0-130 and break up the scar tissue. I left that visit so discouraged. I have been doing my physical therapy religiously daily, but the pain has been so bad that I'm in tears most days. The PA upped my physical therapy appointments back to 3x/week. My physical therapist said yesterday that he feels somewhat responsible in the development of the scar tissue because he should have been more aggressive from the beginning but because of the severe pain I was in backed off some hoping that as the pain subsided I would be able to tolerate more. Well, the pain hasn't subsided but I'm still having to push more through the pain to try to get "normal". I was in tears at physical therapy from the pushing he was doing on the knee to get it to bend further and to break up that tissue. I'm back on the Diclofenac I was pre surgery to try to help with the inflammation and was given Tramadol to take before PT and at night to help with the pain, unfortunately that doesn't really help much. I feel like every time I call my surgeon's office to ask for something more for the pain I'm treated like a drug seeker. I was told that if I don't make significant progress in the next couple of weeks, I would probably be needing a manipulation. I've been through 3 surgeries in the past year (knee scope-where the severe osteoarthritis was discovered, the partial knee replacement, and gallbladder removal), that thinking about anesthesia again makes me ill - and I'm almost out of medical leave benefit. My emotions are all over the place these days. Thanks for letting me vent, for reading, and for helping me to realize I'm not so alone in this journey.

Jump to this post

You sound just like me. You keep thinking that it will all get better as the days pass by. But no. It really puts you back to square one and it is disheartening. My knee pain at night is off the charts. Still have ICY HOT patches on from applying them at 4:00 am. I would really welcome a good night's sleep. Got sleep to heal, right? Well, how does that work I ask? Go easy on yourself. Its great you can leave early some days. Also try and put your leg up during the day.....Scar tissue is the worst!

REPLY
pamstravel | @pamstravel | Feb 14, 2018
In reply to @kibe75 "Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement...." + (show)
@kibe75

Hi. Just joined today after finding this thread while googling about scar tissue after knee replacement. I am 42 years old and 6 weeks out from a partial knee replacement, at my post op visit this week was basically scolded by the PA I saw about my flexion and extension (9-100) and was told with "only" a partial I should be back to my pre-op of 0-130 and break up the scar tissue. I left that visit so discouraged. I have been doing my physical therapy religiously daily, but the pain has been so bad that I'm in tears most days. The PA upped my physical therapy appointments back to 3x/week. My physical therapist said yesterday that he feels somewhat responsible in the development of the scar tissue because he should have been more aggressive from the beginning but because of the severe pain I was in backed off some hoping that as the pain subsided I would be able to tolerate more. Well, the pain hasn't subsided but I'm still having to push more through the pain to try to get "normal". I was in tears at physical therapy from the pushing he was doing on the knee to get it to bend further and to break up that tissue. I'm back on the Diclofenac I was pre surgery to try to help with the inflammation and was given Tramadol to take before PT and at night to help with the pain, unfortunately that doesn't really help much. I feel like every time I call my surgeon's office to ask for something more for the pain I'm treated like a drug seeker. I was told that if I don't make significant progress in the next couple of weeks, I would probably be needing a manipulation. I've been through 3 surgeries in the past year (knee scope-where the severe osteoarthritis was discovered, the partial knee replacement, and gallbladder removal), that thinking about anesthesia again makes me ill - and I'm almost out of medical leave benefit. My emotions are all over the place these days. Thanks for letting me vent, for reading, and for helping me to realize I'm not so alone in this journey.

Jump to this post

Hang in there. All docs need to tell us it is NORMAL to slide backwards from time to time for no apparent reason.

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