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← Return to Stairs after TKR (1 side, 72 yrs old)
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Stairs after TKR (1 side, 72 yrs old)
Joint Replacements | Last Active: Dec 21, 2023 | Replies (54)Comment receiving replies
Sorry to say, I am still in a bit of pain in the Jan 2022 TKR knee. Plus, my right TKR2009 knee started hurting 1 1/2 years ago and still does, especially going up and down stairs. It hurts mostly along the bottom and outer side of the kneecap. Has anyone else had this occur? If so, did you discover the cause or fix?
I did PT for about six months after Jan 2022 TKR, but did not continue exercises at home. I do lots of walking and chores outside (live on a farm). I think some of the uncomfortable feeling I get going up and down stairs is my left hip, which I feel was damaged when using a cane for six months before the 2022 TKR due to the left AND right knee pain. Plus in June 2021, I broke both ankles, was in boots, had PT for a long time, was in a wheelchair, the walker, then cane for a while. My left hip hurts, I think because I could use my right leg to stand and pivot, etc. Have not been pain free for years now. I am only 72 and feel 92 a lot of the time! I would appreciate any advice anyone has about the right knee hurting after 13 years, especially. It has been x-rayed and the prosthetic is still perfect. Is it osteoarthritis? Inflammation? Any suggestions are appreciated. 🙂
Replies to "Sorry to say, I am still in a bit of pain in the Jan 2022 TKR..."
Well, osteoarthritis would show on an X-ray.
Inflammation is tricky. I learned that sugar consumption can lead to inflammation in the whole body. About three months ago I drastically cut back on sugar. I stopped drinking coke, something I did every day. One can has 7 teaspoons of sugar. I drink chocolate protein shakes that are sweetened with stevia.
I haven't stopped all sugar, gotta have some fun, but have dramatically cut back. I went from 188 lbs to 175 lbs in three months.
As far as exercise, just slow, steady pedaling on a recumbent bike should help your knees.
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Good morning @janieben. I think I have the same issues with my TKR from 2011. The one from 2021 is moving through life with me painlessly and supportive. And no......I haven't talked to anyone about it...yet. So it was informative to read your post.
Although I have no medical background or experience, I have learned a lot from you and other members of Connect. Here is my unprofessional thinking at this time. The culprit is aging. I think we forget that 12 years ago....our bodies were younger and more able to accommodate the elements of post-surgery recovery. We were more active and resourceful.
Then some of us undergo a second TKR for our other knee. That can put a lot of pressure on the first TKR knee to remain strong and responsive. However, it has aged normally and resists some of the pressure we put on it to support the second TKR. The resistance after "13 years" reveals itself as pain that we think is caused by a new condition.
My memory tells me that there are other issues......like using a cane for support. I had to stop grabbing a cane because the support is not equal for both sides. And in addition, I noticed that my shoulder which had undergone a reverse replacement began to resist the extra pressure from using the cane. So I moved to a rollator and the pressure from using that just ensured that both shoulders were reacting from the strain. Why? Because I had to have rotator cuff surgery on the second shoulder.
We are all facing aging discomfort. I am 81 and suffer rather miserably from SFN (small fiber neuropathy). However, my MFR (myofascial release) therapists spend a great deal of time keeping my knees and shoulders functional.
Let me know how this information sits with you. You may want to check out MFR information to see how others have found it helpful. Here is the link to that discussion.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/myofascial-release-therapy-mfr-for-treating-compression-and-pain/
I will be waiting for your response.......especially your own suggestions.
May you be safe, protected and free of inner and outer harm.
Chris