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

Have you seen a doctor about it tseeif anything can be done?

Yes, been over 3 years for me. After 18 months my doctor told me I would have to live with it. There is another very long thread on this site about this very subject where people have discussed the various things they have tried and were told. It’s quite lengthy so I won’t even try to repeat it all here. As for myself, my doctor put me through PT 3 times. Astym, myofascial release was tried. Each thing they tried loosen the feeling temporarily. Gabapentin did not help.

I think it is nerve damage, something that can happen during surgery. My knee works fine. It just feels like I have a tourniquet on right below my knee, and my calf has the feeling of being compressed all the time. It feels worse when I’ve been out walking for a long period of time.

So sorry this has happened to you too. I came to this connect group almost 2 years ago in frustration. I’ve accepted my situation now. But have not given up hope that some poster or administrator of this group will share a cure for this. Until then, life goes on. Good luck and blessings to you.

Yes, over 2yrs and still can not walk a step without terrible tightness and pain. I have tried so many shots, cut nerves, and PNS Stemwave Stimulator ,revision, all with no good results. Accept this I can't , I will keep searching for help. I JUST WANT TO TAKE A WALK

@aprilmay Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. It looks like you have already received peer support for the issue of a tight band feeling longer after recovery from TKR.

You'll notice that I moved your question to a previous discussion. I did this so you could connect with members like @rayreich3 @judybearden1 @scgraham @toromama @ruthannejoan @stp258 @autp17 in a central location. You may wish to scroll through the previous posts in search of information, suggestions, and support.

You said that you haven't seen ortho regarding this issue. May I ask if you have consulted a physical therapist?

Oh, yes! I’ve asked my surgeon about the tight band feeling. I don’t think he really knows what’s causing it. He says some tightness is normal and because my ROM is good, I have no pain and I can walk fine, he’s fine with the result.

I’m at 8 weeks in 3 days and having the same band on my knee problem . I can’t bend it enough . I’m struggling.

Hello @janete718, Welcome to Connect. Sorry to hear you are having problems bending your knee at almost 8 weeks post op. I'm sure we have a lot of members who can relate. I was fortunate in that my knee replacement went fairly smooth with some minor patient caused issues, mainly I was not icing and elevating my leg enough.

You mention not being able to bend it enough. Can you tell us how much you can bend it, how much range of motion you have?

My range of motion is 102 degrees. Last week I didn’t make any progress. I just saw my surgeon a week ago and he says I’m over the hurdle . My process has been very slow . Two weeks after surgery I was at 65° instead of 90 that he wanted me out then add a month I was at 90 and now I’m at 102° and praying I do good this week. I’ll be in push very hard in physical therapy. It will be eight weeks Tuesday and my whole life has become nothing but trying to take care of my leg.

Hang in there, your numbers are going up and your flexion numbers are particularly difficult to reach. I had gotten to 120, but promptly got an infection and after the debriding surgery had to start all the over again. Debriding is where they clean out the infection. Yes, and sometimes it feels like your whole existence is tied up in your leg. Small gains are best, like the tortoise and the hare. My TKR was in the left knee, but I have arthritis in my right knee and sometimes the pain is so bad I don’t know which side to use my cane on. I’ll pray for your continued healing.

I had my FNR 8 years ago and still have that very tight feeling. Sometimes its so tight I don't want to walk on it just in case, but it does ease off. Its a hot day today and I am using my walking stick as its very tight and uncomfortable.