Can’t go down steps 9 weeks TKR. Scared.

Hello @nwpatient, Welcome to Connect. I'm sorry to hear you are having so much pain going down steps after your knee replacement. I'm assuming you are going down the stairs using the leg with the TKR first followed by the other leg. Is this correct? Do you still have pain and swelling during the day? Are you still icing and elevating your leg? Sorry for so many questions.

Yes to all except the way I walk down. The physical therapist had me try to step down with new knee, then other knee then new knee. Like regular steps everyone does. That does not work for me.

Oh, I’m in pain 24/7!

Did they run any tests before you had the implant to see if you have a metal allergy? If you still have a lot of swelling and pain, there has to be something causing it. You mentioned having the other leg scheduled with a new surgeon. Are you able to ask the surgeon for some suggestions on what might be causing the pain and swelling and how you should manage it?

I too am 9 weeks post op. I am so sorry you are still in pain but please be patient ,it will get better. I still have pain at night, hard to sleep and get comfortable ,wake up with a stiff knee…the body is still healing so give it time.

I'm going to preface this by saying I'm not insinuating you're not doing these things, but just mentioning what worked/helped me. I elevated my leg whenever possible, iced it every 90 minutes, walked regularly, did the recommended at home exercises faithfully (even when uncomfortable), and did the stair stretches. I'd put the foot of the leg that had the knee replacement on the next step up, then lean into the stairs causing my knee to bend. I'd do that to the point of just becoming uncomfortable and do 2 sets of 10 three times a day and found that gradually that range of motion for going up/down stairs got better. I did hear noises in my knee, more of a clicking noise but that has worn off over the months and I was told is normal. It does take time (months), and stairs may never be quite the same as with your natural knee but after a time, it should be fine. I would definitely check with the other doctor who will be doing your other knee to get his opinion. Hopefully you've had additional x-rays after your surgery to determine if all is well with the replacement. Wishing you a full recovery.

I am 3-1/2 months post op. Ok during day but pain at night keeps me awake. Not a full night of sleep, lucky to get 3-4 hrs. Can’t take NSAIDS and Tylenol does not help. Can use steps but sometimes one at a time. Still
have stiffness. Healing takes time so we have to manage the best we can. So sorry nwpatient is in such pain.