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What can you do to extend the life of your TKR and mobility?
Today, more folks are committing to TKR. Why?
- More of us are more active than those who have proceeded us.
- More of us are in the 50- 65 age group that begins to encounter wear and tear issues and then discovers a surgical option that promises they can run marathons, play pickleball, rollerblade, and dance the night away or at least that is what many of us think.
I read about members encountering some pretty severe TKR rehabilitation issues, e.g. pain, scar tissue, pinched nerves, revisions and then more scar tissue, tight bands, numbness, and even neuropathy.
People talk about post-operative options….from Epsom salt baths to ice machines, physical therapies, and for scar tissue, Myofascial Release Therapy.
Along the surgery and rehab path, we encounter decision points. The answers come from shared decision making with medical providers and clinicians, family and caregivers, and of course, your surgeon.
How do you prepare your body for TKR so that it is ready for rehab exercises and treatments? That’s easy…..be in the best shape you can be and don’t put it off so long that your leg becomes unsupportive.
How do you manage post-surgery pain and care for the best outcome? What is recommended and what works? How long? What if it is too painful? How can I get my ROM to be better NOW?
It is essential to make sure that we understand the treatment for scar mobilization to keep the scar and tissue moving. Failure to do that means the scar will reach to surrounding tissue and grow bigger and bigger, causing decreased ROM and increased pain.
And what is the most important decision you will make?
When I was ready to leave the hospital, my surgeon sat down with me and said, “Chris you have a decision to make. You must decide whether you want your new knee to last 5 years or the rest of your life?”
I chose the rest of my life and then I learned about returning to my normal activities as slowly as possible, e.g. at least one year to be totally safe. He also told me that he would communicate with the physical therapist and approach exercise gently. As far as getting ready for a mountain hike, he simply said….."you can go up…..just don’t come down….too hard on your knee”. Guess that says it all. Choose your answer carefully.
What did you do to have the best recovery possible? What tips would you share with others?
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Yes it does. I had both knees done four months apart. Focus on your rehab and strength training. You will make progress. Eventually you will be able to sleep on your side again and be comfortable. It just takes time and work. Hang in there.
Hi Theresa. Congratulations on your new knee!
You'll notice that I moved your question "Does it get better?" to this discussion that @artscaping started a little while ago. See here:
- What can you do to extend the life of your TKR and mobility? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-can-you-do-to-extend-the-life-of-your-tkr-and-mobility/
I encourage you to read the earlier posts in this discussion. I love the tips that @ggarrepy shared with you to "focus on rehab and strength training." It really does make a difference.
Your surgery was just a little over a week ago. So fresh. It will get better each day. What are you finding the most troublesome today? Are you doing rehab?
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2 ReactionsI'm 67 y/o, male, average weight and height, and had both knees replaced this year. You nailed what it takes to be successful - get in shape (I worked with a trainer for almost a year before my first TKR), and get on the rehab/PT IMMEDIATELY after surgery. By that I mean the same day. Well a PT will have you take a short walk at the hospital before they release you, and then start the post-op exercises the next day. don't push out PT, schedule it ahead of time and start as soon as you can after surgery.
Wear compression socks during the day, ice and elevate. In a month or two you'll be amazed, and barring complications, pain free.
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2 ReactionsAgreed. Robotic assistants like Mako are incredible.
Very true. Stay active! You'll be rewarded in many ways.
You can't do impact exercises after TKR, or you shouldn't. So no running, no jumping, no impact at all. there are still a huge variety of activities that you can do post-op. It's a life changing procedure if everything is done properly.
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1 ReactionThanks for the info!!
I am 5 weeks out and felt like you. It does get better!! I am only taking two Tylenol two to three times per day. I am walking without support for up to 20 minutes with no pain. I still have trouble sleeping – can’t get comfortable because I usually slept on my right side or stomach. I am not doing my exercises like I should and would probably be farther along if I did. Between my 3rd and 4th week I noticed a big difference in how I felt. I also didn’t use the ice like I should have and read in a post to keep that going. After reading the post, I started up again and it really helped. Hang in there:)
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2 ReactionsI am doing home therapy right now
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