Walking after TKR

Good afternoon @sherrygk, welcome to Connect. That is a great question. I have had two TKRs and three Cavalier King Charles spaniels. I can remember Roxie running and jumping on the bed all excited because I actually got up and hobbled into the bathroom. She thought that meant I was getting up and getting going again. Finally, she would give up and jump back on the bed to snuggle down with me.

Have you had your TKR yet? If so, how are you doing right now? If not, when is your surgery planned? We are all different. We are of different ages with different medical conditions. Would you be able to share a bit more about your situation? My second TKR was a robotic surgery and I came home the same day. This time I was good about doing pre and post-surgery PT exercises so I walked sooner.

I look forward to your response.
Chris

My surgery was March 29. I’m 73 and have been doing exercises before and after surgery but still cannot walk normally without pain

@sherrygk: I am trying to remember my progession after TKR at age 69. To the best of my recollection, I started to resume my daily 2 mile walks around week 6 or 7 after surgery, but I developed hip pain, because I still could not get my knee fully extended. Flex was no problem. So my PT guy actually forbid me walking until I reached full extension around 11 weeks. I took up swimming instead for exercise.
I would definitely err on the side of caution, especially with a dog. Depending on the dog’s size and temperament, there’s always the chance of a sudden jerk or dart between your legs.

I am 69 years old and had a TKR in September 20 22. I “trained” for the surgery for two years and was very fit going into the surgery . However, I was shocked at how difficult the recovery was. I found that weight-bearing activities like walking, only inflamed my knee more. I went to PT, used my stationary exercise bike and my walking bike. I also went to aquafit classes which I found were a real game changer. At five months I started using a compression stocking, which was really good at keeping the inflammation around my knee down , I was able to walk a little bit more without discomfort. And then at 6 1/2 months postop. the gates opened up so to speak and I was able to walk a few miles a day. So do not be discouraged. When you think about it, the muscles and bones and nerve cells take many many months on the cellular level to repair. My surgeon said it takes about a year to completely recover. I am still have some discomfort with my knee, but I am so thankful that I can walk several miles a day, because that was the whole purpose of having the surgery .
It’s not an easy process but in time you will be able to walk distances 🤗

I'm guessing the pain is in your knee when you flex it to walk. It's still early, so work on the ROM exercises you have. And give it time and ice, ice, ice.

I am 78. I am still over 3 months post tkr. I still not walking 2 miles. The dog walking was an issue for me. I had my Boston terrier leashed. She saw something and pulled me down. I think you should use your energy now for your post surgery exercises and riding an exercise bike. Best of luckand don't rush things!

This is just my opinion but I don't think that doctors are very open about how long it can take to recover from TKR. They seem to tell patients the best-case scenario. I think if we knew more then there would not be so much anxiety connected with the healing process.

I am 4 weeks post surgery in my mid 70’s. Was fit and exercising before surgery and doing exercises now. Walking properly is still very painful, and I could certainly do much more overall before the surgery. Tire easily

Hi there @sherrygk, thanks for responding. Oh my dear....you are not even a month post-surgery. I think I was just beginning to "walk around the house" without an assist at this point. And....there was always some discomfort. I was beginning to carefully keep my balance. Are you still using ice and elevation? That is such a necessary and important "treatment" several times a day to prevent and relieve pain. I had an ice wrap that fits around the knee. I could even walk with it. However, I usually hauled out my foam-tilted lift so that I was sure my knee was above my heart and just relaxed.

What kind of pain medication are you using and how often? Do you use any topical at this point? How would you describe your pain? Is it constant and sharp or does it just appear when you try to walk or do your exercises? Are you doing "sit-to-stand" exercises yet?

I sure wish I could just hold your hand right now. Can you drive a car yet? Sometimes that depends on which leg had the TKR and how your car implements the function.

Your surgeon may provide some additional advice and can take a look at your progress at this point. And finally, I would like to recommend a video about what goes on inside your knee. There are so many tissues and structures. Some have been cut or bruised and are healing. Others are finding their way around new mechanical elements that have to settle.

If you would like to take a look inside what your knee might look like at this point, I heartily recommend viewing this video. It is called "Strolling under the Skin".
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eW0lvOVKDxE&t=86s

And one final question......what is your PT saying about your progress and pain?

May you be safe, free, and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

You are an inspiration. I learned a lot from your post. I will have TKR in a week. However, my second knee is the same as my first and I want to walk again..even maybe hike easily one day, so I will have to do this twice. I am 76 year old female. I also have back stenosis. I am not giving up. I need any encouragement here and hopefully along the way someone will benefit from my story. Best wishes to you.