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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damewocane | @damewocane | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @gator1965 "Hi I had my total knee replacement in April last year. My surgery was scheduled for..." + (show)
@gator1965

Hi
I had my total knee replacement in April last year. My surgery was scheduled for 1730. I was advised that the surgeon preferred to complete quick procedures first.
I was allowed to eat up to 5 hours before the admission time, and 1 hour before admission time was my last drink (water).

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Thanks gator- I really appreciate your input--I asked for insight Friday afternoon from the DO's office-re. the surgery timing-and have so far been ignored. I truly appreciate this forum as so many of us really Can help each other with pertinent info!

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1 reply
gobigorgohome | @gobigorgohome | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @gator1965 "Hi I had my total knee replacement in April last year. My surgery was scheduled for..." + (show)
@gator1965

Hi
I had my total knee replacement in April last year. My surgery was scheduled for 1730. I was advised that the surgeon preferred to complete quick procedures first.
I was allowed to eat up to 5 hours before the admission time, and 1 hour before admission time was my last drink (water).

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Gator1965. I’m currently scheduled for 8:30 am but have been told the same thing .... that the Dr. will probably move me to later since it’s bi-lateral. No one has mentioned being able to eat. I’ll have to check into it. Thanks for the info.

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shermann | @shermann | Apr 15, 2019

I’m almost 3 months post opportunity TKR. The various post on stiff knee or the feeling of tight tape as others describe I cantinue to experience.The other day I stepped on the curb and my foot stuck while my knee continued forward ( at least 145 degrees) . I was playing Golf and looking at my ball in the sand trap. My other knee made a 3 point landing and broke the fall. I don’t think I hurt anything but now my knee feels like I have have wet tape around it. I can still bend it after a warm up.
My other problem is in bed at night my leg bends in a tight cramp and I have to gently bend it with my hand. I’m no kid I’m 80 and when I do things I haven’t done for awhile both legs hurt equally. Left had TKR. Thanks for sharing it’s helped me to feel that I’m having a somewhat typical recovery.

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1 reply
gobigorgohome | @gobigorgohome | Apr 15, 2019

Sherman, Golfing at 3 months. That sounds pretty good to me! I’ll be very happy if I can get out on the course in 3 months. And, I’m only 67. You’ve helped raise my expectations.

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1 reply
mhort1213 | @mhort1213 | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @shermann "I’m almost 3 months post opportunity TKR. The various post on stiff knee or the feeling..." + (show)
@shermann

I’m almost 3 months post opportunity TKR. The various post on stiff knee or the feeling of tight tape as others describe I cantinue to experience.The other day I stepped on the curb and my foot stuck while my knee continued forward ( at least 145 degrees) . I was playing Golf and looking at my ball in the sand trap. My other knee made a 3 point landing and broke the fall. I don’t think I hurt anything but now my knee feels like I have have wet tape around it. I can still bend it after a warm up.
My other problem is in bed at night my leg bends in a tight cramp and I have to gently bend it with my hand. I’m no kid I’m 80 and when I do things I haven’t done for awhile both legs hurt equally. Left had TKR. Thanks for sharing it’s helped me to feel that I’m having a somewhat typical recovery.

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I'm 14 weeks post-op and still have the tight band feeling around my knee and tightness. I also have some fluid around the knee. I see the doctor this week so I'm anxious to hear what he has to say and how long this tight band feeling will last. I hope it goes away soon.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @damewocane "Has any one ever been concerned about your surgery being the last one of the day?..." + (show)
@damewocane

Has any one ever been concerned about your surgery being the last one of the day? It sounds and feels ominous. My revision is scheduled for 3pm and I've been told that its the best they could do as more urgent procedures are being performed by the OS that day starting at 7 am- No water or food after midnight .- Seems pretty rough. Any one with this experience -please relate!

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@damewocane - Do you have flexibility in your own life? If so, and if it really bothers you, I would consider talking to the surgeon about your concerns and maybe rescheduling.

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LKinNY | @lkinny | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @marthajean "A friend of mine resides in Las Vegas. She says CBD oil has helped her condition..." + (show)
@marthajean

A friend of mine resides in Las Vegas. She says CBD oil has helped her condition substantially but the CBD oil may contain another ingredient. Don't know for sure at this time. However, I don't think I can readily purchase CBD oil in NYC or PA but am conferring with my friend about how to get some. I think different states have different laws.

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Hi, you can easily get CBD oil in NYC; unfortunately it's expensive. I haven't found it that helpful. Maybe should try again!

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LKinNY | @lkinny | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @dkapustin "How does one know that it's scar tissue causing a struggle with ROM and not something..." + (show)
@dkapustin

How does one know that it's scar tissue causing a struggle with ROM and not something else? I'm 7 weeks out today and was measured on Monday. My extension is zero but my natural ROM is 105-106 and my self assist ROM is 112-115 depending on how sore I am. No-one has mentioned scar tissue to me but that seems to be the big reason why people struggle. Is that ALWAYS the case with ROM or COULD it be other things? Thanks, everyone!

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That's a pretty good flexion and perfect extension. There are various reasons for trouble with flexion; I think there are many of us here who can tell you our shock at being a year out and still not reaching the flexion we expected. 115 is about my max - very disappointing. But I am much more stable and able to do more things with less pain than before.

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2 replies
JK | @contentandwell | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @hoover "I am 4 months post op from TKR and extension is real good but only 70-80..." + (show)
@hoover

I am 4 months post op from TKR and extension is real good but only 70-80 degrees ROM! They won’t scope to remove scar tissue as there is other issues similar to CRPS keeping me from surgery. I have been tested negative for CRPS and they have their hands on the air on don’t know what I have. I tried to get into Mayos in Scottsdale and Rochester for testing both Orthopedic and Neurological....but got denied. I tried 3 other Ortho groups and have been denied. Can’t get into a specialist Ortho Doc till July 10th!! In the meantime I walk around like a peg legged 56 year old frustrated Nebraskan!!!

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@hoover I can feel your frustration. I hope when the July appointment finally happens, that it will provide some answers and solutions. I presume you are on a wait list in case any appointments get cancelled. I find that I have often been able to get in sooner because there are bound to be some who cancel for one reason or another. In the meantime do the best you can, what other options are there?
JK

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1 reply
hoover | @hoover | Apr 15, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@hoover I can feel your frustration. I hope when the July appointment finally happens, that it..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@hoover I can feel your frustration. I hope when the July appointment finally happens, that it will provide some answers and solutions. I presume you are on a wait list in case any appointments get cancelled. I find that I have often been able to get in sooner because there are bound to be some who cancel for one reason or another. In the meantime do the best you can, what other options are there?
JK

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Thank you for your kind words! Yes...on cancellation list but not promising. Just sit and wait with NO other options at this point. Just wish I would of had some kind of explanation from the world renown “Mayos Clinic” WHY they wouldn’t see me! My Grandparents and Parents saw them over the years for medical issues and were never rejected. My daughter did her internship in Occupational Health Therapy two years ago and couldn’t say enough about the Clinic....Me...got second thoughts....just sayin.

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