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Total knee replacement: Felt a snap in calf during therapy
I had my left knee replaced on 11/21. I’m still going to therapy, but after my therapy session yesterday I was sitting and as I stood up and took a step I felt like a rubber band snap in the back of my calf.
Now I have pain when I walk on the lower back of my leg. Can someone tell me what happen.
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Hello @jvalart21, it has been been a few days since you felt your 'snap' in your calf. How is it feeling now?
I remember when I had my knee replaced in 2006. I had had end-stage arthritis in my right knee for almost 8 years when I got to the point of needing replacement. Because my knee was so bad, I lost the ability to straighten my leg completely, only being able to get to about 13 degrees. Because of this, my ligaments, muscles, and tendons all atrophied. When I woke up from replacement, they had my leg braced and completely straightened. I'll never forget the amount of pain and discomfort I was experiencing because ligaments, muscles, and tendons that hadn't been stretched straight for close to a decade were all of a sudden stretched straight. I felt lots of 'pops' and 'snaps' over the following year+, but they did get better and my knee now stretches straight. It took a lot of time and a lot of discomfort though.
@jvalart21, is there any swelling or redness in your calf?
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2 ReactionsI’m sure that’s what my issue is as well. There is no redness in my calf just feels like a continuous Charlie horse. I had my right knee replaced in 2014 no issues, very frustrating because I want to get back to normal activities.
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2 Reactions@jvalart21, that must be a beyond frustrating sensation to deal with on a daily basis. Have you discussed it with your surgeon? How is your knee doing as far as ROM and functionality goes? Is the calf affected that as well?
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1 ReactionSo I took my dog for a walk today. The battle my leg is having with bending and the pulling and the pain, it’s crazy.
What’s the most challenging is when I sit for even 5 minutes it’s a battle to stand straight. My surgeon said it will get better with time. I’m only bending 10 degrees. I have to believe he is correct. I’m going to continue pushing myself as much as I can.
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1 Reaction@jvalart21 I don’t see that you have been welcomed to Connect so please accept my welcome. I have had two TKRs but I am one of the fortunate ones that have not had any long-standing problems. I do get stiff when I sit for a long time, but recover quickly.
Your flex is only 10 degrees? That is very low. I hope your surgeon is correct and that it will increase quickly.
I’m sure you will start getting responses from the many on here who have had TKRs.
I hope you will keep us informed of your progress.
JK
Thank you! I hope it gets better as well!!🤗
It really is messing with my sleep!
I too was doing pretty well until last week when on recumbent bike i felt a snap and pain. It continued thru PT. Right over where hamstring connects on outside of knee and slightly posterior. It has really set me back. My knee is very stiff and swollen and i am 3 months out tkr and one month from manipulation. I am hoping this is not.my new norm. But I digress we think the snapping is hamstring tendonitis. I am on xarelto and plavix so cant take anti inflammatories but perhaps that is something you can discuss with PT and your surgeon?