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

Yes, but it improves with time and PT

Well I had similar and i have been unable to sleep more than an hour before waking in horrible pain. My orthopedic doctor basically patronized me and said it would take a year to heal come back then. I said no one I know after 6 months is unable to sleep or walk. I said I think it’s loose. He still patronized me morning. I am quite disillusioned with Mayo. I went to another group, that doctor examined me and agreed something was wrong (my Physical therapist had also said he thought there was a problem). The new doctor ordered a nuclear bone scan and it was determined “I was not crazy!” The total knee replaced had mechanically failed and I needed revision surgery. Unbelievable that my doctor impressed me. It’s been a year now and
I’m still waiting for the surgery (postponed due to covid19). This all could have been fixed six months ago and I’d be on my way to healing.

Ha! It improves for some people but not all. 15 months later, I still have that issue.

Common for many.

Hello @mhort1213. I just wanted to circle back to you. How is your knee? Are you still experiencing the tight band?

Ralph, the massage therapist thought it was IT band. However, that is typically a overuse symptom and pain when heel strikes ground and pain located lateral knee. That’s why I’m not convinced it’s that. But I thing the nerve that connects to that IT band could be affected. I also ride stationary bike daily. I’m gonna try the difclofenac wrapped in Saran plus a knee wrap. I have some that I used presurgery. I use Willow balm now. It’s basically 3 % menthol. It’s a diversion! Like a band aid for a boo boo.
Thanks,

Ellen.

It has been 15 months since my surgery and the tight band has improved somewhat but still exists but to a lesser level. It doesn't bother me or hinder me like it did before except when climbing stairs, etc. Since that surgery, I had the right knee done in September 2019 with robotic assisted surgery and a different surgeon. That knee now 7 months out is still a little tight, but I don't notice it for the most part. The difference is noticeable and I would recommend robotic assisted surgery over traditional Total knee replacement as it is more precise.

@mhort1213 there are a number of participants here on Connect who like yourself have been very satisfied with Mako surgery. My second TKR was with a Conformis knee which also had a very high degree of satisfaction. I would highly recommend either, but the single most important factor to have a good experience is having a truly expert surgeon.
JK

Hi Ellen, I think it’s important to understand how the ITBand happens after TJR .With Knee
degeneration the bone is resorbed and the cartilage also is compressed. This all leads to a shorter leg in some degree. Joint replacement lengthens the leg back to normal
All through the years the ITBand tightens to keep the joint tight. After the replacement there is tension on the band .Think of it as a leather strap. The best way to lengthen it is to strengthen the gluts and hamstrings and adductor muscles.You can also stretch the gluts .
I’m biking, stretching and trying to build up muscle. I think it’s gradually helping. But at the end of the day it’s tight and uncomfortable but getting better
Ralph

I've had the tight ban for over 4 years. More I walk the worse it hurts. Almost feels like fluid in it.
The pain center has tried burning nerves but nothing happens. I have cancer and my damn knee keeps me from excercises. It's bad enough having one problem but both is a nightmare!