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

Every time I think about joint replacement, I think back to my youth, before such a thing was possible, and how many of my older friends and neighbors suffered near total disability from worn out knees and hips. I remember the poor "babas" hobbling to the side entrance of the church, leaning on walking sticks. I remember the older men in the neighborhood, trying to shovel and mow, until caring people like my parents realized and mobilized us kids to help. I remember everyone being amazed that at age 60 my Dad and our pastor could still play softball with us "at that age". Because accessibility was not a "thing" in my old neighborhood, as their disability progressed, they were virtual prisoners in their homes or on their porches, unable to manage the stairs, and nowhere to go if they could - no curb cuts, no street level access to anything, no ability to go to church...

At age 50, I could not mount a ladies' bike, or walk up and down stairs due to arthritis in my hips - if the above were my future, I would have died of depression. Instead, I have had 5 hip implants, numerous smaller ortho repairs to hands knees and feet. And don't forget PT and pain therapy...

Now I think about 2021 - probably most of my 70 something friends have one or more replaced joints or repaired.We bike, walk, chase grandkids, paddleboard, play tennis and pickleball, ski...all things that were long last to prior generations.

Yes, we have complications and pain, but compared to 2-3 generations ago, we are living miracles. Just a different point of view. When the times come to replace these arthritic knees, I will not hesitate - just find the best surgeon & PT available.
Sue

You are correct! My 2 aunts were on walkers and wheel chairs in the 1960s. They were in their 50’s. They were born with hip dysplasia, and so was I. No hip replacements for them at that time.

I love my new hips. I got my first one at age 50. It was a miracle. My bad hips and a waddling gait hastened the demise of my knee. Total hips were easy, the knee was hard. But it had to be done as it was too unstable for me to have a normal life.

That tight feeling is aggravating but being able to walk, hike, work in my gardens, is worth everything I’ve been through. Still have lots I want to do! I’ve made peace with it. Thank you Sue for reminding us of the miracle of modern medicine.

Truth!

I'm almost 11 months into a TKR and I have the tight band feeling. My sense is that it is normal.

My doctor said he will redo my knees and change the spacers.

That’s a lot to go through.I’d explore every alternative before I would go through that

Yes. I would do more today.

July 26 had TKR on the left. So glad I found this group. I’ve been made to feel my continuing need for narcotic pain relief is unusual. As a result of only taking a Tramadol 50 when pain is a 9 I haven’t slept in two nights and couldn’t meet with my PT. I’m to get staples out in 2 days and hope the support from this thread will help me feel confident to request a Rx refill. All the best to my fellow travelers.

Hi so after the manipulation you never got rid of the tight band feeling? It's been awhile since your surgery, how are you doing now? I'm 4 weeks post op, and scared, I have that tight band feed and pain.. iam at 114 flexion, so it is bending. But still painful.. thank you, I hope your still on here and can give me your experience!

Hi but is the pain gone? I could live with it, if I wasn't having pain. I'm 4 weeks post op, terrible band feeling. I'm afraid they will want to do the manipulation though, even though my bend right now is 114%