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Help with pain after 3 months of TKR

Posted by fran102 @fran102, Mar 8, 2023

It has been 3 months since I had TKR and still have terrible pain behind my knee. I finally got my ROM up to 115 and can bend my knee when walking although I still have to use a walker. I’m going to get a second opinion because my surgeon has been totally unhelpful. Does anyone have any recommendations on coping with the pain and is this normal? I feel so frustrated and scared I might be this way for the rest of my life. It’s pretty much nonstop pain. I go to PT 3x a week for 2 hour sessions and they have helped me with ROM and knee strengthening but have so far to go. They are trying to get me a Dynasplint. Has anyone ever used one and does it help? Thank you so much for any advice you can give me. I’m so depressed! I had no idea it would be like this.

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fran102 | @fran102 | Mar 13, 2023

So good to hear that you’re getting better! I find it interesting that people have commented I am possibly doing too much PT. It’s so hard to know what to do. I’m so afraid I won’t keep making progress. Does anyone think it’s worth investing in a stationery bike?

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1 reply
finny4606 | @finny4606 | Mar 13, 2023
In reply to @carolbast "Although I have not had a TKR, I am now on my 3rd hip replacement. This..." + (show)
@carolbast

Although I have not had a TKR, I am now on my 3rd hip replacement. This time a physio assistant suggested that I get rehab activator poles as they are recommended for those with knee and hip issues. I found, most bizarrely that if I had pain using crutches, walker, etc, the use of the poles as recommended by the manufacturer, ( there are videos etc) the pain subsided. I find them easier than a walker and over time with proper use build core muscles and arm muscles and aid in balance and help with gait. Hope this is beneficial.

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Thanks for the suggestion, where did you get them?

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photogalmary | @photogalmary | Mar 13, 2023
In reply to @ezas123 "I like you my surgeon waited over a week after surgery to start pt by than..." + (show)
@ezas123

I like you my surgeon waited over a week after surgery to start pt by than I was pretty tight …. But I was using walker for a bit …. Never got the bend like you tried mua did not help long story short went to another dr at 7 months …. My first knee wasvthree sizes too big ( let me tell you all this is within dr leagal right to do ) put parts in you that are too big lol … well needless to say with new dr I was in surgery at my year date got a revision woke up amazing….now can go up and down steps slow but doing it … I am 7 months out of revision… so dr do see you just have to find revision dr …. They just may not operate until a year out…. Good luck I am living proof it gets better

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Thank you so much! My husband keeps wondering if they put in the wrong size knee! I will look into it! Thank you for a glimpse of light at the end of the tunnel!

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noodles2 | @noodles2 | Mar 14, 2023

Hi i had a total knee replacement 7 weeks ago this is my second one so i know the drill. unfortunately this one has not gone so well and i have developed in the last 2 weeks pain in my knee cap which is really becoming very annoying as my other knee i had no problem with. I am seeing my surgeon on thursday , i know he will say pain is to be expected but i feel there is something not right? i want this to work so much as i have to go back to work to a very physical job which involves walking?

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carolbast | @carolbast | Mar 15, 2023
In reply to @finny4606 "Thanks for the suggestion, where did you get them?" + (show)
@finny4606

Thanks for the suggestion, where did you get them?

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I bought them online -- Urban Rehab Activator poles-- if you google it, the links should come up. I watched the videos and read about them before purchasing online.

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1 reply
carolbast | @carolbast | Mar 15, 2023
In reply to @fran102 "So good to hear that you’re getting better! I find it interesting that people have commented..." + (show)
@fran102

So good to hear that you’re getting better! I find it interesting that people have commented I am possibly doing too much PT. It’s so hard to know what to do. I’m so afraid I won’t keep making progress. Does anyone think it’s worth investing in a stationery bike?

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Hello @fran102
A recumbent bike was suggested when I said I can walk sideways and if I focus backwards, but I can't walk forwards 7 months after my 3rd hip surgery, 2nd revision. A recumbent bike was recommended to increase quadriceps muscle strength.
I ended up getting a stationary bike and reading about setting it at the right height to reduce pressure on the hip joint. I've noticed improvement in strength.
I would recommend discussion with your physio if this will meet your recovery needs and how to set it up specifically for your situation.

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1 reply
fran102 | @fran102 | Mar 15, 2023
In reply to @carolbast "Hello @fran102 A recumbent bike was suggested when I said I can walk sideways and if..." + (show)
@carolbast

Hello @fran102
A recumbent bike was suggested when I said I can walk sideways and if I focus backwards, but I can't walk forwards 7 months after my 3rd hip surgery, 2nd revision. A recumbent bike was recommended to increase quadriceps muscle strength.
I ended up getting a stationary bike and reading about setting it at the right height to reduce pressure on the hip joint. I've noticed improvement in strength.
I would recommend discussion with your physio if this will meet your recovery needs and how to set it up specifically for your situation.

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Thank you! I will talk to my therapist. It seems like it would be worth the investment.

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finny4606 | @finny4606 | Mar 15, 2023
In reply to @carolbast "I bought them online -- Urban Rehab Activator poles-- if you google it, the links should..." + (show)
@carolbast

I bought them online -- Urban Rehab Activator poles-- if you google it, the links should come up. I watched the videos and read about them before purchasing online.

Jump to this post

Thank you!

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sandei | @sandei | Mar 21, 2023

I used a dynasplint after my tkr....it didn't help me much. The PT worked better and just plain TIME to heal worked best.

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1 reply
rb1229 | @rb1229 | Mar 21, 2023

Haven’t used a splint but have and continue to use two expensive knee braces from Bauerfind ( German brand) from Amazon. My status in list format:

A) 12 weeks post left knee ( bowed) TKR and contemplating whether and when I should do Right knee also bowed.

B) can drive, walk about a mile, etc and I have not taken any pain med for about 4 weeks except 200 mg IBUPROFEN son PT days when they do the ball exercise to push my knees to increase ROM. I am at 120 unassisted and 130 with slight push. Flex ion is 0

C) I use a CBD cream at night for pain rated at 500 mg

D) my problem is appetite, nausea and sleep problems.

E) I had a good surgeon with pathetic post op help. Found a new good one but he won’t check my left knee unless 6 months pass for insurance reasons. He promised he will be with me post op as he has heard worse things about my left knee surgeon,

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