Swelling behind knee

As I read so many comments about severe pain and unsuccessful stories I feel discouraged to get knee replacement.
I have osteoporosis for more than 25 years. I manage with PT do not take pain killers. But recently I am finding my knees become too stiff and becomes difficult to walk for a mile without taking rest in between. What shall I do to reduce the stiffness in knee?

Please don't think that because you read of the issues here that EVERYONE has problems with their joint replacements. Remember that most people find us whiles searching for answers to their problem, and that is why you see the suffering folks here.
I know that, in my winter community of mostly seniors, there are at least 100 people with one or more replacement joints. Yet I have only known 3 who had major recovery issues, and only one who had an infection after surgery. We are also part of a large community of dancers, and many of us have had hips and/or knees replaced so we can "keep on dancing" - in that group, I am the only one who had a major complication - that was 12 years ago, it got fixed, and I'm still dancing!
We have a fellow here, @heyjoe415, who seems to have the right approach - preparation beforehand, and therapy afterwards. Maybe he will share some words of encouragement.
Sue

Hi Sue,

Thanks for your supporting statement. This is true that the stories of successful out come are not here. I will consult the person you suggest. I am 77 years old and the fact that I have managed thus far well with PT makes me not to go through this surgical process. Who knows after consultation I get the courage.

It sounds like you might be a candidate for total knee replacement Kancha. The next step is to see a surgeon and get X-rays taken. TKRs are usually done when the cartilage in the knee is severely compromised, or missing altogether.

If you do decide to get a TKR, take time, several months, and work with a trainer to get your legs in shape for the surgery. The rehab will go much better. And immediately after surgery do all the exercises, with a PT and at home, that are given to you. You can't wait after surgery.

Most bad outcomes I read about here are from people who didn't do these things. But as sue noted, mostly dissatisfied people post here. I'm convinced the vast majority of TKRs, done with the proper PT, are successful.

One thing to note - because my underlying bone was healthy, the surgeon did not cement the new knee in place. Bone will actually grow into small pores in the metal.

Because you have osteoporosis, the underlying bone may not be as healthy. In this case, they may use cement. Not a bid deal, either way.

Best wishes for you!

Joe

You're probably doing this, but ice and elevating the knee well above the heart are critical to reduce swelling. Tylenol helps me too but ice/elevate is the key.

Does the swelling interfere with anything? Is there any pain and if so, where?

Stay strong.

Joe

A quick question ... did you ice the incision or behind / side of the knee?

All of them. There is a product called Freeze Sleeve that you pull over your knee. It ices all around the knee. Doesn't last long, so get a few of them. I think they're on Amazon.

And to correct an earlier post, Tylenol helps with pain, not inflammation and swelling. NSAIDs like Aleve or any ibuprofen product will work for that.

Joe

Is it a Baxter's cyst? I have had this for about 30 years. I had had a fall and tore my miniscu..
Which was removed in'94.
Only recently, following my TKR, i do exercises for both legs. This has happened in knee with Baxters cyst. of other knee. have I found tenderness especially when I fold my knee tightly over the chest. Otherwise , since I have known about it, I have not had much problem.
Margaret W.

Good point, Joe, about the ice and elevation. But I wonder -- how does the ice and elevation affect the swelling? Does it help, and if so, for how long?

Cindi,

Ice and elevation isn't a long term solution. It's meant to reduce swelling, inflammation, and ease pain around the knee. Ideally you'd do it at least three times a day, but the elevation part is hard. If nothing else, Ice it as much as you can.

There is a product on Amazon called Hurt Skirt ice pack. It wraps around the entire knee and lasts about 20 minutes. I'd buy at least three so you always have one ready.

Hope that helps.

Joe