Hi, in May 2017 I had a partial replacement knee and am pleased to say that it has been a great successful. I can walk with no pain - hooray. Last week I returned to my admin job on reduced hours however I now started to have minor knee pain. Just wondering if anyone else has had these issues. I thought having 12 weeks of work would have been long enough to sort my knee. Pain is only minor but aware of it and will feel a bit foolish going back to GP for more time off
My suggestion is to ice when you get home, elevate it. Remember, your knee had not had the work out at your job for awhile. Also, finding pain relief with over-the-counter meds is important. Find done that works to take the "edge" off. Good luck!! Best wishes.
Hi I had PKR 5/19/16. Went back to work at 4 weeks. It was tough going for awhile. I iced as often as I could at work and when I got home I basically crashed on the couch with more ice and elevation.
It would seem that by 12 weeks you would be doing better but remember it is so different being at home than at work. I would just try to ice a lot, drink lot of water and put the knee up whenever possible. Personally think 12 weeks should be plenty of time to be off with a partial and you did say you were doing well up until you went back to working. (I may get yelled at for saying that by some on here yikes ! Just saying that because you said you were doing well up until you went back to work) .
I still have swelling at times if I do to much and still ice and elevate. Hoping some day won't have to do that. Keep reminding myself of how I was before the surgery.
Hang in there ! You are doing good!
Debbie
We've heard from a number of people on the forum who went back to work in three months. Typically, it's more in the 4-6 month range depending on many, many factors. For you, the "reduced hours" is a great way to ease back into work; most people don't have that option.
For those who do return to work early, many report daily pain and swelling that needs to be addressed by ice and elevation when they get home. Then it's up in the morning and repeat. This cycle can get wearisome very quickly. The main reason for this is that while you're ready to get back to work, your knee isn't. It just takes time to heal and 12 weeks is usually not enough to put the pressure of working back on the joint.
Remember that after PT to get your ROM back (I'm assuming that you've done this and you're at least close to 0 / +120), you have to start an exercise program to rebuild your quads, glutes and core that have atrophied over time. Those muscle groups support the knee and take the pressure off the joint. Not having that strength just puts more stress on the knee.
Your best choice is to stop working and give the knee another month or two of healing while you exercise all those muscles. If this is not possible, I would use my off-work time to build that strength as quickly as possible. You will have less pain and swelling if you take the pressure off the knee. Icing and elevation will be critical at night...and even during the day at work, if possible. A good night's sleep, healthy eating and hydration is also mandatory so you have the energy to handle both work and healing. Look into a portable Cryo Cuff...that may help.
Continued mild pain is common, up to six months post op seems a frequent experience for many. As Chico Marx has said, continue a routine of exercises for your legs to strengthen them and rest as you need.