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8 weeks post TKR issues

Posted by knighthawk11 @knighthawk11, May 26, 2023

Had TKR 8 weeks ago. Was doing good until 4 weeks then was doing more around the house. Then developed severe pain on inside of knee with occasional severe discomfort when walking. Seen my OS at 5 weeks X-ray was good but this pain has not gone away. He thought I just overdid something but it never stopped. Not constant just certain way my leg plants. Feels like stabbing throbbing pain. Any advice if this is normal and will it go away. Also outside knee stiff and sore when walking. Doing my PT and home excercises. Icing and elevating constantly. Thanks for any advice if this type of pain is normal at 2 months. Thanks

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knighthawk11 | @knighthawk11 | Jun 10, 2023
In reply to @alexalee "Thanks for your reply, it’s helpful to know I’m not the only one experiencing this. I..." + (show)
@alexalee

Thanks for your reply, it’s helpful to know I’m not the only one experiencing this. I also am VERY depressed, particularly because my symptoms are not improving. Also, although my orthopedist says my knee is doing well, it is extremely stiff, and painful to walk, despite a good range of motion. I must admit, I regret doing the surgery.

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Yes I can relate to regretting the decision to do TKR as I still feel that on really bad days. Literally for the first 8 weeks I said that to my husband every day. I also have out of the blue breakdowns with crying for no real reason. Then it lifts after awhile. I think the hormones get effected with this surgery. Unfortunately my knee was so bad before I had no quality of life. Have you considered increasing your protein as that is supposed to help with energy. My knee is still very stiff and still having pain. I do a lot of icing which helps a bit.
My ROM is still only 105 so I got a way to go. Let’s hope for better days ahead 😊
Take care

REPLY
1 reply
alexalee | @alexalee | Jun 10, 2023
In reply to @knighthawk11 "Yes I can relate to regretting the decision to do TKR as I still feel that..." + (show)
@knighthawk11

Yes I can relate to regretting the decision to do TKR as I still feel that on really bad days. Literally for the first 8 weeks I said that to my husband every day. I also have out of the blue breakdowns with crying for no real reason. Then it lifts after awhile. I think the hormones get effected with this surgery. Unfortunately my knee was so bad before I had no quality of life. Have you considered increasing your protein as that is supposed to help with energy. My knee is still very stiff and still having pain. I do a lot of icing which helps a bit.
My ROM is still only 105 so I got a way to go. Let’s hope for better days ahead 😊
Take care

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I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I can relate. I also have pain& stiffness after 10 weeks, though my orthopedist says I’m doing fine. However, I’m also having pain in my right SI joint, which I never had before surgery. It really hurts to walk, which complicates everything. I have been trying to take in more protein, usually one Ensure every day. For a while, I had no appetite, and lost 13 pounds, but my appetite is coming back. I just wish the lightheadedness, weakness, pain and stiffness would resolve.
With regard to increasing ROM, I found it helpful to use a strap, and pull my lower leg as far in and close to my thigh as possible. I do this 20x, three times a day.
I’m sure you’re doing PT also, it’s definitely a slow process, I’ve found.
And yes, I also have these unexpected, crying jags, which I never did before, very uncharacteristic for me, but I can’t seem to stop it, just too depressed, I guess.

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1 reply
heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jun 12, 2023
In reply to @knighthawk11 "Thank you for this information. Yes I agree at 8 weeks it should be getting better...." + (show)
@knighthawk11

Thank you for this information. Yes I agree at 8 weeks it should be getting better. I see my OS in 3 weeks and GP today so I will press for answers. My flexion last week at PT was 105 and extension was almost zero.
Still doing exercises daily and PT.

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Flexion at 105 isn't ideal at 8 weeks but also isn't very dar off. I'd work on flexion exercises with pain as a guide. I'll be interested to see what your GP and PT say.

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heyjoe415 | @heyjoe415 | Jun 12, 2023
In reply to @alexalee "I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I can relate. I also have pain& stiffness after..." + (show)
@alexalee

I’m sorry you’re going through this, but I can relate. I also have pain& stiffness after 10 weeks, though my orthopedist says I’m doing fine. However, I’m also having pain in my right SI joint, which I never had before surgery. It really hurts to walk, which complicates everything. I have been trying to take in more protein, usually one Ensure every day. For a while, I had no appetite, and lost 13 pounds, but my appetite is coming back. I just wish the lightheadedness, weakness, pain and stiffness would resolve.
With regard to increasing ROM, I found it helpful to use a strap, and pull my lower leg as far in and close to my thigh as possible. I do this 20x, three times a day.
I’m sure you’re doing PT also, it’s definitely a slow process, I’ve found.
And yes, I also have these unexpected, crying jags, which I never did before, very uncharacteristic for me, but I can’t seem to stop it, just too depressed, I guess.

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The flexion exercise you describe is very good. Another way to do this is to put on a pair of socks and sit straight up in a frame chair. Put your non-operated door/leg over the top of the foot on the TKR leg. Pull the TKR leg in as far as possible, until you feel the strain of resistance. Held for a bit, release and repeat 10 times, 3 times a day or as you can tolerate. If pain isn't bad, doing more of these can help.

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1 reply
Mentor
Sue, Volunteer Mentor | @sueinmn | Jun 12, 2023
In reply to @heyjoe415 "The flexion exercise you describe is very good. Another way to do this is to put..." + (show)
@heyjoe415

The flexion exercise you describe is very good. Another way to do this is to put on a pair of socks and sit straight up in a frame chair. Put your non-operated door/leg over the top of the foot on the TKR leg. Pull the TKR leg in as far as possible, until you feel the strain of resistance. Held for a bit, release and repeat 10 times, 3 times a day or as you can tolerate. If pain isn't bad, doing more of these can help.

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Hey, Joe - You're a terrific help in these discussions. Nothing like someone who has just been through the experience coaching others. That's what Mayo Connect is all about!
Thanks,
Sue

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flaredhead | @flaredhead | Jun 13, 2023

After my TKR I was unable to do some of the flexion exercises because they triggered sciatic pain. The most helpful exercise I learned (that didn't hurt) was to lie on my back and put my feet up against a wall or door, then slowly let the foot on my surgical leg slide down. Do not force it, but let gravity pull it down as far as possible. I did this over and over for at least 10 minutes. You'll find it gets easier and easier for your foot to slide lower. Let your pain level be your guide. Really helped my flexion, I now have the same range of motion in my surgical knee as I do in my nonsurgical knee. Don't give up!

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lindaann6434 | @lindaann6434 | Jun 15, 2023

I am 5 1=2 months out bilateral knee replacement. Two weeks ago I had sharp pain lateral side of one knee. It was as bad as the pain that I had before surgery and I was starting to limp again. At the time I had increased my efforts to build strength. The physical therapist taped it. The pain was gone in an hour. I left the tape on for 4 days. So far it has not returned.

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1 reply
knighthawk11 | @knighthawk11 | Jun 15, 2023
In reply to @lindaann6434 "I am 5 1=2 months out bilateral knee replacement. Two weeks ago I had sharp pain..." + (show)
@lindaann6434

I am 5 1=2 months out bilateral knee replacement. Two weeks ago I had sharp pain lateral side of one knee. It was as bad as the pain that I had before surgery and I was starting to limp again. At the time I had increased my efforts to build strength. The physical therapist taped it. The pain was gone in an hour. I left the tape on for 4 days. So far it has not returned.

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This sounds like the same pain I am having 9 weeks post op. My PT said I have to build my quad strength to eliminate this pain which is painful doing the exercises. I will ask him to show me how to tape as I used to use KT tape prior to surgery but not sure if the placement will be the same now with the new knee. Thanks for sharing this tip😊

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1 reply
lindaann6434 | @lindaann6434 | Jun 15, 2023
In reply to @knighthawk11 "This sounds like the same pain I am having 9 weeks post op. My PT said..." + (show)
@knighthawk11

This sounds like the same pain I am having 9 weeks post op. My PT said I have to build my quad strength to eliminate this pain which is painful doing the exercises. I will ask him to show me how to tape as I used to use KT tape prior to surgery but not sure if the placement will be the same now with the new knee. Thanks for sharing this tip😊

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Physical therapist said that if the tapping worked if it happens again I should get a knee sleeve that has the donut support around the patella. Ask your PT to place it. Definitely one of those might help won’t hurt therapies

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jazzy155 | @jazzy155 | Jun 16, 2023

I am 5 months post TKR. While going through PT with a lot of pain I asked about taping and a knee brace. He said no to both; not during the healing post TKR! He is a therapist with 45 years of experience. Ask your surgeon!

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