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Scar tissue after knee replacement
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Apr 22 9:03am | Replies (1521)Comment receiving replies
Had a TKR in Nov 2017. Went through a very vigorous PT, able to straighten my knee and bend it. My challenge is that after about 4 months, my knee was not feeling any better. I gave up walking because it walking makes my knee swell and tight. I went back to see my surgeon at both 6 months and after a year. He said everything is looking good and some people just take longer to heal. He said if I wanted to walk, take walks but don't overdo it.
I do believe my issues are with scar tissue that has developed above my knee cap. Again my surgeon did not clearly state that was my issue or not. He said it could be one of a few issues. Also, I know they cut through nerves with TKP surgery. Anyone else feel extensive numbness still in the knee after a year?
I'm now taking a more aggressive approach and manually with my fingers and knuckles applying pressure to areas I feel scar issue build up.
I'm now reading that several people have had arthroscopic removal of scar tissue which has helped some of you. I'm also hesitant about this surgery. Open to suggestion for relief without using medications.
Replies to "Had a TKR in Nov 2017. Went through a very vigorous PT, able to straighten my..."
Had my TKR in 2017 too. I have scar tissue and my mobility after a manipulation 2 or 3 months after the TKR was only at 65. I did feel numbness for a long time, probably at least for a year. The numbness eventually dissipated but I do still have scar tissue. I have most recently been applying pressure to my knee while using magnesium oil topically. I do this on my bus commute to and from work (which is about 100 miles each way) as well as when I am reclining at home before bed. I have also been sitting in a jetted tub with Epsom salts (magnesium) for about 12 to 15 minutes 1 or 2 times a week and sitting in a hot tub for 30 minute sessions, while flexing and bending my knees about twice a week. After the hot tub, I find my knees more flexible so push myself into squats. Initially this caused a lot of pain and discomfort but I am currently experiencing some minor improvement in terms of slightly less stiffness in the TKR knee and miniscule improvement in mobility (putting on socks and shoes). For the last several days I have been taking one 500 mg Bayer aspirin daily so have not really felt any pain in either knee (I also massage both knees), and the left knee is bone-on-bone. The movement of warm/hot water around the knee joint seems to facilitate being more flexible but you can ask your doctor. My surgeon said the rehab facility where I was for about 15 days did not do the aggressive therapy, so go figure. I have decided no more surgery for me and I stopped physical therapy some time ago. If you can do water aerobics and swim, they are also helpful.
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I would get a second opinion and perhaps see if a CAT Scan might show scar tissue. If you do have a scar tissue issue, do your research on arthroscopic surgery and speak to at least one dr regarding it. From my understanding, that is often the last resort and not ideal. What is your current ROM? If you have a good bend and extension, scar tissue shouldn't really inhibit your ability to walk and your pain should be subsiding. It's easy to want to blame scar tissue on a problem TKR but often, it is something else. Keep your mind open and if you are not satisfied with your surgeon's response to your concerns, PLEASE get a second opinion. Your TKR was in 2017 and the "healing time" has come and gone. What were the few issues your surgeon was referring to and what solution was offered for a proper diagnosis? Be assertive in your care and get some answers! Please keep me posted because I am curious as to what your problem might be this far out.