1 week TKR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi, Im new to this group.I had a TKR last Friday, 19th jan...I do realise this is very early days, but I want to get an idea, of how far I should be out walking for at this moment...I have done a few short walks a day since my discharge on Monday, been doing exercises at home, but feel like I am not moving enough..I dont want to overdo it, and cause issues, but I know I have to push myself..any ideas for distance ?? step counts ?? Would really appreciate some feedback

2

Hello, there. I had tlkr done the end of Nov 17. Your knee will let you know if you push yourself too much... Ice, elevate, REST, patience. Heat bf excersises. I couldnt do much for the 1st week after surgery. Then home aid for PT for 2X wk &I continued exercise everyday. This is a process...Your body had major surgery. Nerves can take up to 3 months to heal...bones 1 to 6 months...

3

Thanks for your input Dawn...I am doing what I can, sticking to the exercises the hospital gave me 3x day, plus a bit of walking., plus icing and elevating...Im just in that "not sure" area, of not wanting to overdo anything, or not do enough..Its just great to hear other peoples experience..

4

Don't overdo it Julie, I wasn't out walking at all at your stage. Sometimes just doing the sets of exercises three times a day is enough, if you do too much it will cause more swelling which will then slow you down.

I took my time and really had a good recovery, iced a lot, did all my exercises and was walking just with a stick outside after a couple of weeks, nothing inside the house. As long as you keep the knee moving, we all get there in the end. Keep your bend, and straighten as much as possible. Don't push yourself too much and cause more pain.

5

I think I was walking to the toilet and back in the first week and sleeping the rest of the time😂 Everyone is different, if you start experiencing pain and swelling rest, Ice, and elevate but if you're ok sky's the limit. Range of movement exercises are far more important at this stage than walking just listen to your knee. I'm at 4 months and I'm up to 10000 steps a day easily I have done 20000 but knew about it the next day 😱

6

Hi Julie. Take it slow and steady. Get some advice from physio or injury experienced exercise physiologist. One can damage one's healing ligaments and muscles by over exercising. A little and often, was my credo, slowly increasing light weights on ankles etc. delivers great results. Chico Marx's on here has some magic tips. Do a search. Good recovery to you. xx

7

Haha Snoozy that was me too! Toilet and back to couch...sleep....painfully endured the drive to physio and back....oooh those days hurt! 

Julie I’d definitely concentrate on ROM exercises and strength exercises and then walk a short distance if you’re able. Overdoing it can cause problems as much under-doing it....however you might just be one of the lucky ones flying through recovery. 😀 Sounds like you really have that pain under control - just watch for swelling which will slow you down. 

Take care 😊

8

Every recovery is different, you shouldn't compare yours with that of others. Exercise and pt is very important but don't overdo it. It's less than one week since major surgery your body has to recover, not just your knee. You will have up's and down's but don't worry, you will get there in the end. You should have many years of pain free knees to look forward to. It's over 19½ and 17½ years since my tkrs and I have had no problems.

9

You can't walk too far. Just be safe and listen to your body. TKR both at the same time 2004. Still going strong.

10

Thanks everyone for your input....From reading lots of other discussions on here regarding TKR, I think I have been extremely lucky so far with pain, as it is very minimal..in fact not using painkillers, just ice....I think perhaps this is why I feel like im not doing enough...Yes, the knee is still very swollen, and I get tightness from the wound, and the dressing...I think however , reading your comments, I am getting ahead of myself....I have a Physio appt next week, because the muscles in my leg have become very weak, so I will have a chat with her

11

Very early days but you’re better walking than driving.

Carry on with the walking but each day walk a tiny bit further and stop when it gets uncomfortable 

X

12

As many have already said, just listen to your knee, and dont rush things.

Are you in UK?

Stick with supports too until your leg is stronger.

Range of motion is most important at this stage.

Best wishes!

13

Don't heat only ice till about your 3-4 weeks.  You need to ask a Dr. about this.  I was not allowed to ice until I was one month.  I am 6 weeks now.  I would do some walking and not to much.  Ice all the time.  Do your stretching until it just hurts, hold it at least 1 minute, let go.  Repeat around 3 times a day.  If it gets really bad, give yourself a day in bed, ice, elavate and watch a funny movie.  Laughing helps

14

Hi Jenny, yes I am in the UK, and thank you for your input 

15

Thanks Catherine, I haven't been told at all about heat, just ice..and am doing my stretches 3x daily..and thank you

16

Thanks David , and so pleased to hear you are still going strong.

17

Hi Lyn, thank you, have looked up Chico, and he certainly seems like he knows what he is doing.

18

Thanks Amy, I think im just getting ahead of myself, getting frustrated because my leg "doesn't" work..I did do a bit too much yesterday, and my knee told me so....so time to slow down.

19

Thanks Snoozy, and well done for your progress, sounds like you are smashing it.

20

Thanks Jimmy, and so pleased to hear your still going strong.