Ability to lift leg

Posted by llar @llar, Feb 28, 2019

I am 8 days post op from a total knee replacement. Some of the exercises recommended to me before leaving the hospital included lifting my foot while having a small pillow under my affected knee; another was to lift my leg from the hip. Repeat 10 times, 4 times a day. I have to use the gait belt to lift my leg at all. From standing, I am able to lift my leg slightly. I am 55 years old and had strong muscles in my legs going into this surgery. Is this normal? I feel they wouldn't recommend an exercise I will totally fail at. My first follow up is in another 5 days.

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@kawi33

I'm going to have TKR in 2 months, I am doing the leg raises and stationary bike everyday, hopefully building up my strength before surgery. What did any of you do pre-op and do you feel that it helped post-op?

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I walked! Walk, walk, walk. It strengthens all your tendons and muscles and my ortho said I was in great shape and would recover quickly. I'm 8 weeks out and back to walking. Now up to 2 miles a day, but I do do my PT exercises on days I don't walk.
Hope you have a great surgery and recovery.

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@emb123

I walked! Walk, walk, walk. It strengthens all your tendons and muscles and my ortho said I was in great shape and would recover quickly. I'm 8 weeks out and back to walking. Now up to 2 miles a day, but I do do my PT exercises on days I don't walk.
Hope you have a great surgery and recovery.

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@emb123 walking is always a great exercise, but many of us have to avoid the impact from regular walking. My PT advised me that even the treadmill is better if impact is a problem.
JK

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@contentandwell

@emb123 walking is always a great exercise, but many of us have to avoid the impact from regular walking. My PT advised me that even the treadmill is better if impact is a problem.
JK

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@emb123 It's funny how we are all so different. I'm 8 weeks PO and I JUST got on a cane from a walker and have little stamina although I was fit and healthy prior to surgery. I'll be happy to first just get through Publix. Can't wait to get back to walking at least a few miles a day. The healing, for me, is going to drag out despite my therapy diligence. Glad you had a speedy recovery! Sounds like you're doing wonderful.

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@llar

I think what did me in at the beginning was watching YouTube videos of people bragging on walking unassisted after just a few days. I figured I was young and fit at surgery so I'd be one of those folks. Reality check: not gonna happen! It's a slow process on an impatient person. And it's been different every day, some for better, some for worse. It's hard for me to be dependent on assistive devices, medication and a helpful spouse. I am grateful now to have had all those advantages! It's just going to be awhile for recovery and I'm fine with that.

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Adding my 2 cent’s worth: definitely everybody is sooooo different! I was also very fit (though not young), and it took me 4 months (!!!) to get full extension. On the other hand, roughly 125 degrees ROM after about 6 weeks, now about 132 at 6 months. Off walker in 4 days, off cane in another 4 days,, off oxycodone within 8 days. I was so frustrated as well when I saw posts from people who got their knee straight right away - my PT basically told me not to walk for exercise until it had full extension since it would probably lead to hip or back pain. That was really annoying, since I used to walk every morning. Started water exercises and swimming instead. Continued good luck with your recovery!

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@kawi33

I'm going to have TKR in 2 months, I am doing the leg raises and stationary bike everyday, hopefully building up my strength before surgery. What did any of you do pre-op and do you feel that it helped post-op?

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@kawi33 Hi Katherine, Welcome to Connect! So glad you joined this group. I agree with the others - the more strength and flexibility you develop beforehand, the easier your life will be post-op. The physical therapist in the hospital told me that he could tell in 5 minutes the people who had prepared vs. those that didn't. I did the stationery bike, some strength training and some balance exercises. Not sure what your situation is, but my ortho surgeon at Mayo will happily write a prescription for "pre-hab" so that you are getting direction on specific exercises you need. If I were you, I would ask my orthopedic surgeon or his medical assistant if that is an option. If so, the insurance should pay for it. Can I ask where you are now in terms of mobility? On my first TKR, my knee was in such bad shape that I was literally on crutches prior to the surgery. That made exercise a bit more difficult.

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@kawi33

I'm going to have TKR in 2 months, I am doing the leg raises and stationary bike everyday, hopefully building up my strength before surgery. What did any of you do pre-op and do you feel that it helped post-op?

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Hi Katherine @kawi33 - Here is a great video that one of our Mayo mentors, @johnbishop shared. This is a terrific resource that outlines the 5 biggest problems physical therapist identify with their knee replacement patients. From my experience, it is right on point.
https://youtu.be/HxxzeZHIPzk

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@kawi33

I'm going to have TKR in 2 months, I am doing the leg raises and stationary bike everyday, hopefully building up my strength before surgery. What did any of you do pre-op and do you feel that it helped post-op?

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@kawi33 Katherine - Here is a second video that might be helpful. Again, my fellow mentor @johnbishop shared this so we can thank him for great information! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJ-JspTqrHE

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@llar

The day after I posted this, I was able to slightly lift my leg and it has continued to improve. My only significant issue now is I can't sleep at night!! I'm not really in pain; I just can't get comfortable. Stopped taking the hydrocodone several days ago, but I might take some before bed and see if that helps?...

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Hi I understand where you are coming from, I too have difficulties sleeping at night, as you stated can't find a comfortable position. I had TKR on Jan.8,2019 had stiff knee. I then had MUA on Feb.27th still having problem with the knee. I have a fullness on my knee that feels like a tight rubber-band. This whole process has been very aggravating to me. I have an appointment with my surgeon on this week and I hope I get some answers for some relief.

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