I need to have a knee replacement in both knees in the near future. I have no strength in my legs and have been told that I need to exercise to strengthen my legs prior to surgery. I have not done any exercises yet because I am having severe leg and toe cramps in both legs almost every night. Also my calves just hurt during the day, without doing anything. Are the cramps caused by the way I have been walking - the knee pain is bad so I try to compensate for the pain and as such walk differently than when there was no knee pain. Been to different doctors who have not been able to determine why I am having such problems with the cramping almost every night.
I started taking CALM magnesium at night and it eliminated leg cramps and restless leg syndrome. Turns out most seniors (I will be 67 this month) are deficient in magnesium which leads to muscle cramping, restless legs and other issues. Several of my friends who had similar problems started taking CALM and it worked for them too. Best source I see from Amazon.com
Good Luck!
Pam, I had those same issues. A great guy told me to flood my body with water, it doesn't take them completely away, but helps. I tried to do a recumbent bike 20 min a
Day. It will be so nice to be pain free when it its all over and I am finally there. First knee was Nov 16 second knee was Feb 17 and I am still trying to build that upper bag leg strength back, it us just going to take time, wish you the best
Try adding a multivitamin with minerals. That helped my dad. Also try eating a banana or two a day and making sure you stay hydrated.
It is very easy for others to say "exercise, walk more, strengthen those legs", but when your legs HURT, when knees are bone-on-bone, when you have cramping, WELL it is NOT so easy to "just exercise"!!!
How about working out in the water? Treading water gives legs and arms a great workout! You can also socialize while you do it!!!
Hi i have just had a RKR due to having the same problems you are having. I got a date for my operation and then I began a fitness routine every day . I had a rowing machine and an exercise bike. I was over weight and unfit so decided to work at these two areas. My big toe was always partially numb and the aches and pains in my legs kept me awake throughout the night. I also drank more water which is very important. Since my operation I have stopped the rowing machine but can use the exercise bike and the physio given. I am much better and feel encouraged by the results so far. It's not pain free and will take a while but I feel the exercise and weight loss prior to my surgery has helped. Good look.
You might try this BEFORE the op to get some strength...
https://patient.info/forums/discuss/post-tkr-exercising-565527
I'd go see a chiropractor. Whenever we adjust the way we walk, we run the risk of throwing hips, SI joints, pelvis, back, etc. out of alignment causing more pain. See a chiro...helped me a lot.
How do I decide when the right time is to have the tkr done. I have had one round of cortisone injection into both knees. I was pain free for five months. Now the pain is back. Should I have another cortisone shot and postpone surgery? I am aware that subsequent shots may not work as well. I do feel that I will need the surgery eventually so do I do it now or wait?