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

Posted by mhort1213 @mhort1213, Feb 28, 2019

I am 8 weeks post TKR and have had this very tight band around my knee since week one. My Dr at 6 wks says it is normal and will go away. Has anyone else had this and did it go away and when?

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 9, 2022

For those here who have tightness after TKR, try these stretches: Loop a yoga band around the ball of your foot, lie on your back, straighten your leg and pull the band. Hold for 60 seconds. With the band still on, extend your leg to the left for 60 seconds, then the right for 60 seconds. This will stretch the hamstring and the illio tibial band. Hope it helps.

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jenniferkn | @jenniferkn | Oct 12, 2022

I’ve had a tight band feeling but attribute it to swelling that still must be inside the knee. I feel it’s the patella and soreness related to surgery. It is not as bad now that its been eight weeks Post Op today. I go back to work next week so I’m hoping each week I see more improvement. My ROM is fairly good at 118 degrees, but I am hoping for more improvement so I can do quad stretches evenly on both legs. I estimate I will need at least 135 to do that comfortably.

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 13, 2022
In reply to @jenniferkn "I’ve had a tight band feeling but attribute it to swelling that still must be inside..." + (show)
@jenniferkn

I’ve had a tight band feeling but attribute it to swelling that still must be inside the knee. I feel it’s the patella and soreness related to surgery. It is not as bad now that its been eight weeks Post Op today. I go back to work next week so I’m hoping each week I see more improvement. My ROM is fairly good at 118 degrees, but I am hoping for more improvement so I can do quad stretches evenly on both legs. I estimate I will need at least 135 to do that comfortably.

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Jennifer,

If the tightness is on the side of the knee, look up stretches for the illio tibial band (ITB). 118 is very good. Usually 120 is the target. I don't think you need to get to 135, or even 130 to do the quad stretches. Get as far past 120 as is reasonable and you should be fine.

Joe

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luvndasun | @luvndasun | Oct 13, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hi @janicemmccarthy, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hi @janicemmccarthy, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. You'll notice that I moved your message to this existing discussion called "Has anyone had a tight band feeling after total knee replacement?" I did this so you can meet other members who are talking about this same issues weeks, month, and, like you, even years after a total knee replacement.

Click VIEW & REPLY to see past responses and learn more about @artscaping @contentandwell @johnbishop @lilypaws @tennisgolf @ellenka @sweede536 and many others. They may have some thoughts on your questions about the use of collagen pills. And for pain alternatives to ibuprofen or tylenol.

You may also be interested in these discussions:
- Swelling and stiffness, 3 years after total knee replacement https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/swelling-and-stiffness-3-years-after-total-knee-replacement/
- Night Pain: Using a knee wedge after total knee replacement? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/using-a-knee-wedge-after-total-knee-replacement/

Janice, have you tried using a pillow between your legs for sleeping? How is your activity level and range of motion during the day?

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I have the same tight band feeling plus intense burning,stiffness, aching is 24/7. Been to 3 Dr. They all said never heard of it after TKR I don't believe them. I'm not imagining this who would want to?

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 14, 2022
In reply to @luvndasun "I have the same tight band feeling plus intense burning,stiffness, aching is 24/7. Been to 3..." + (show)
@luvndasun

I have the same tight band feeling plus intense burning,stiffness, aching is 24/7. Been to 3 Dr. They all said never heard of it after TKR I don't believe them. I'm not imagining this who would want to?

Jump to this post

I've never heard of this.

This is just a band-aid, but try a product called the HurtSkurt. It's a gel product you freeze and pull up over your knee. I like it because 1) it lasts for about 20 minutes and 2) it covers and surrounds the knee.

I would buy two, even three so you always have one ready.

It's available on Amazon. I know it won't fix what's wrong, but I hope it helps with pain, even temporarily.

Joe

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C Beier | @cbeier | Oct 15, 2022

Yes I did too. I am now 14 months post op and it’s gone. I still have numbness and a light burning sensation down the outside of my leg From my knee down 2/3rds of my leg. I found that ice helped with the tight band feeling.

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2 replies
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 16, 2022
In reply to @cbeier "Yes I did too. I am now 14 months post op and it’s gone. I still..." + (show)
@cbeier

Yes I did too. I am now 14 months post op and it’s gone. I still have numbness and a light burning sensation down the outside of my leg From my knee down 2/3rds of my leg. I found that ice helped with the tight band feeling.

Jump to this post

Yeah icing and stretching will always help, especially if your activity level has decreased. It's no fun so make it fun. Play music, listen to a book. It works.

Joe

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bonniethompson1234 | @bonniethompson1234 | Oct 16, 2022
In reply to @cbeier "Yes I did too. I am now 14 months post op and it’s gone. I still..." + (show)
@cbeier

Yes I did too. I am now 14 months post op and it’s gone. I still have numbness and a light burning sensation down the outside of my leg From my knee down 2/3rds of my leg. I found that ice helped with the tight band feeling.

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I do but I also have it around my other knee as well. So what is it. I’ve wondered if it’s fluid because sometimes it’s bad and sometimes not. It could be from my PN (peripheral neuropathy). I’m hoping my new Neurologist will have some answers end of November. I’ll share if relevant.

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karlys47 | @karlys47 | Oct 16, 2022

Continue your post-op exercises. I am soon to be 4 months post-op. If I miss a day of the routine given to me for exercise I feel tightness. Walking and Biking helps too but those stretches and strengthening of your muscles are vitally important to a successful recovery. My surgeon said even after a year you're still healing .

Hope this helps🙏🏻

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Oct 17, 2022
In reply to @karlys47 "Continue your post-op exercises. I am soon to be 4 months post-op. If I miss a..." + (show)
@karlys47

Continue your post-op exercises. I am soon to be 4 months post-op. If I miss a day of the routine given to me for exercise I feel tightness. Walking and Biking helps too but those stretches and strengthening of your muscles are vitally important to a successful recovery. My surgeon said even after a year you're still healing .

Hope this helps🙏🏻

Jump to this post

Well said. Make these stretching and strengthening exercises a part of your life.

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