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← Return to Calf pain after TKR
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I had a right TKR and am about 10.5 weeks out from surgery. That was my 4th surgery (osteotomy 2017, partial knee replacement 2017, medial imbrication and lateral release 2022, and then the TKR June 2023) on my right knee. Since the surgery I’ve had incredible pain in my calf and heel. Now the pain in my heel has changed to numbness. I also have a searing pain in my hip. I had an injection into my L4 and they just did an MRI as well. The MRI showed mild arthritis in the L4 and L5 area, but no nerve impingement. I’ve been getting dry needling in my calf and hip with no real long term symptom relief. The surgeon isn’t really addressing any of this pain and my PT said this type of pain isn’t really indicative of a TKR. The pain really makes doing some of my exercises truly difficult and sleeping is also a nightly battle. The other odd things is pain and weakness (can’t lift my bent leg especially turning over in bed, PT exercises, or when getting in/out of the car and driving) as it feels like someone is stabbing me right behind the knee where the knee and calf meet. Based on the comments here I am clearly not alone. I have been through a lot and I’m not a complainer, but it sometimes feels like the surgeon isn’t taking me seriously. Has anyone found relief or answers? Overall my knee is starting to feel a bit better, but the calf pain is really hampering my recovery efforts.
Replies to "I had a right TKR and am about 10.5 weeks out from surgery. That was my..."
Hi, I'm alamos 4 months after LTKR and have the same problems since 4 weeks. Have you find solution for this terrible pain?
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Good afternoon @kellybaumgart and a big welcome to Connect. We believe strongly in sharing. It seems that there is always more to learn from our fellow patients who have actually used certain treatments and taken related medications. Four surgeries on one knee. Is that the new limit? I will have to admit right up front that even after 2 years for my right knee and 10 years since the TKR on my left knee.....I still get pains, numbness, and other irritations from both of them. Not the same type or the same time.
Just to check it out...I ran through some movements with my left knee. For the last few weeks, it has been a bit on the raunchy side with pain and discomfort which of course made me at least somewhat irritated. Today that discomfort is gone completely. Sometimes I do think that is a sleeping position issue. So...today I found the Foam Leg Pillow by Sharper Image. You place it between your legs which keeps the distance and pressure even when you are sleeping.
If you are interested, it is on page 38 of the Fall Preview 2023 catalog. Now the right knee TKR is from 2021 and it is behaving. However, the hip above it is announcing some needed attention for the one bursa I have up there. I think we have seven but all it takes is one to get your attention. That one also lets me know when it is tired of driving. Thank goodness for cruise control so it can get a break.
Please stay in touch with Connect members. There are wonderful folks here to help you.
May you be safe, free, and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris