IT band syndrome after knee replacement

Is the pain behind your knee associated with the IT Syndrome? I have pain behind my knee that feels like it is full of liquid and when I bend it is squeezing that liquid and that hurts like crazy. I also have pain behind my knee when I walk that feels like a tendon, ligament or something is being stretched to its limit and then pops, then with my next steps it starts again. I was wondering if one of the two pains could be IT problems. If either of these is what you are experiencing, I have been having this pain since about week 8 and I am now about 16 weeks out and still have it.

My pain is behind my knee toward the outer side. It mainly hurts when I am walking making me walk with a stiff-legged gait. The K tape seems to be helping and I can get some bend in my knee now when walking. It might be worth asking your surgeon or physical therapist if your problem might be IT band inflammation.

Hi @collielady, I'd like to invite back @tmeurer, @strokemyoak and @lynnmorgan0916 who also discussed IT band pain in the past as well to share their experiences. I also have a few discussions that include videos you may want to check out as well:

- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/live-qa-runners-lower-extremity-injuries-and-how-to-prevent-them/
- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/it-band/

@collielady, I also had my knee replaced in 2006. My recovery was long and hard due to scar tissue, so I can empathize the struggles of rehab with you. How is your range-of-motion going? I have to image the IT band syndrome is really affecting your ability to progress in your flexing and straightening of your joint.

Thanks, Justin. I will check out those videos. What surprises me is that IT band syndrome is caused by overuse which would not be the case after knee replacement surgery. I will have to ask my PT more about how this happens. Actually my flexion and extension are very good when I am laying down. The pain and limitation of movement are only with walking/weight-bearing.

I have IT band pain ever since getting partial knee replacements. Doctor has suggested surgery to loosen IT bands. Has anyone had they done and how do you feel since?

@tanner82, You may notice I moved your discussion on IT band pain after knee replacements to a discussion also titled, "IT band syndrome after knee replacement." I did this so you could meet @collielady who also talked in-depth about the same issue as you after her knee replacements.

@tanner82, while we wait for others to share their experience, would you be comfortable sharing what you have tried with your IT bands thus far? You mentioned your surgeon recommended another surgery to loosen the IT bands, but I can understand why opting for another surgery could cause some stress.

After getting partial knee replacements in both knees I started getting sharp pain on the outside of my knee when attempted a slight squat. PT would loosen it with a rolling and stretching, but every night it tightens again. I've had deep tissue massage that helps for a couple days, but it always comes back. Doctor has suggested IT band release surgery. Has anyone had experience with that surgery?

What are your symptoms with IT band syndrome?

I had my rt knee replaced Dec 4th 2018. This one is being a bear. I have been diligent with therapy, go to the Y everyday plus my stretches. I can't get my range past 100. The calf muscle and the one behind the knee are swollen and tight. I am staying in therapy for straight aggressive stretching. When I walk or try to pull my knee in to bend I keep feeling a catch. I release, straighten and feel a "pop" and than I can complete my pull in bend. It also happens when I walk. HELP! My left knee was a dream compared to this. I ride the bike, do the ARC (gazelle), step-ups with a weight, and all the stretches. Any advice is welcome!

Have you spoken to your surgeon about this?