Has anyone had a tight band feeling after total knee replacement?

I had left knee replacement in 4/2017 and January 25,2019. I’m not making the progress that I did on my right knee.
I’m 6 weeks and have 118 degrees flexion. But the outside of my knee, right at the joint is sore. I’m going to PT.
The IT band got aggravated from me limping prior to my surgery.
I’ve had the IT band trouble and my OS gave me a shot of cortisone. Worked like magic.

Hi @iloveoliver - Welcome to Connect! Here is an interesting coincidence - I too have had two TKRs - my right one in April 2017 and my left one January 29, 2019! We are almost identical in our scheduling. I'm glad to hear that the cortisone worked for you. Personally, I think your 118 ROM at 6 weeks is pretty good. As they say, everyone recovers differently and every single surgery has its own path. What are you working on in PT? For me right now, we are really focusing on balance and climbing steps. I'm holding out for 8 weeks as the "magic moment" when everything falls together and I feel "normal." It seemed like last surgery, 8 weeks was a big milestone. I think we'll both be feeling much better at that point!

We are concentrating on regaining strength in the left quadriceps. I’ve had a lot of pain underneath my knee. So we’re working on that and heel slides. Good Luck..!!!

Thank you all for your replies. It is disappointing to realize that no one knows what has caused this, and any possible treatment. I do not take opioid painkillers. It is very frustrating to realize after 19 months post surgery, this pain will not relent and there are no answers.

Yes I had that tight band feeling after both my TKR. It took several months for it to go away. I went to PT and she did a lots of work on the knee to loosen it up. Massage the whole knee with Vitamin K oil really helped a lot too. Now post op for two and three years and left knee feels great. Right knee a little tight once in a awhile if I neglect to do my stretching exercises.

Hi I had TKR on Jan.8,2019. I have experienced the rubber-band tightness. I also had MUA on February 27th and I am still experiencing the stiffness of the knee as well as the tightness. I have an appointment with my surgeon this week, not sure if he is going to suggest I have arthroscopic surgery to do a clean up or if he will suggest going back into the knee. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what I should do.

@lynnwade54 please let us know if this works for you. I have had this feeling for 19 months post surgery.

That's not very long post of. Took about four months for my tightness to clear up. PT helping a lot.

That is reassuring to hear. This tight band feeling at 11 weeks is just as tight as it was in the beginning and is not lessening. I have some fluid around the knee which I wonder is causing the tight band feeling. The Dr does not want to aspirate for fear of introducing infection into the joint. I'm trying to stay positive, but it's difficult without any real answers.

I had my TKR on Jan.4th, 2019 and posted asking if anyone has experienced the rubber band tightness. You and I are just a few days apart so I am curious
as to your progress and treatment, etc. Please post what your surgeon suggests you do to alleviate the tight band. Do they think it's scar tissue? How is your ROM? Mine is very good, so I don't think it's due to that. My Dr. Says it will go away...but when? I see no improvement. I hope you get the answers and the solution you need soon.