I am 5 mnths post op and still suffering horrendous stiffness no matter what I do exercise, massage get temporary relief then the next day it's even stiffer!
Saw Consultant and he seem to think it's weakness but am doing all the strengthening exercises can't seem to find a solution any ideas greatly appreciated
Have your magnesium and Vit B12 levels been checked?
Low magnesium can make muscles stiff. Just a thought.
I'm 3 months and totally understand. I'm ok after I move around for awhile. I don't have answer, but wanted you to know you're not alone!
Hi Jenni, I'm 16 week postop and too suffer from stiffness more so after doing physio. My GP said that I may always be like that and would need to keep doing the physio, massaging it and going for short walks. Walking is the thing that aggrivates it the most, 10-15 mins and it is really stiff. I have to see her again in 4 weeks and she said if no better refer me back to consultant. Sorry not really a help. sue x
Yes, Jenni, unfortunately you are not alone. I'm now 21 months post op, and while I don't have much stiffness now, when I did, I just tried to keep moving my legs around (I had a bilateral TKR so both were recooperating at the same time). I had to remind myself, the stiffness isn't as bad as it was before the surgery. So if I'm sitting, I make an effort to lift my legs and rotate my ankles. Or better yet, walk for a minute or two. If I'm sitting on my bed with my legs out straight while reading or on my laptop, I re-adjust and pull my knees up. I don't know about you or anyone else, but it really helps me to remember how I was before the surgery and that keeps me positive. Hang in there and keep moving.
Good point Mo, remembering how I was befroe op and how I have come on. I can put up with the stiffness compared to that. Sue x
Hi there delirious, do take magnesium will check on B12 thanks for that
Hi cathyhignite thank you - good to know I am not alone
Hi Sue
Thanks for your message yes I can't understand how the more I move the stiffer it gets when movement is supposed to be what eases the stiffness!
Jenn
I had both my knees done Jan 28th so I am about 5 months post op i found that a heating pad on my knees atop a pillow case .i also use it on my back,thighs,ankles and it really helps me with stiffness . I also love an Epson salt bath hope this helps good luck to you.
Hi moandrieu thanks for your message
Unfortunately I had more movement and less stiffness before the op it was the pain that go me then, but now unfortunately I have different pain and mega stiffness
Agreed. I had my fist epsome salt hot bath the other night. Since my TKR. I had always been afraid of getting in and out of the tub before that. But it was so nice.
I must try an epson bath, would be bliss
How much Epson do you put in?
The bag will tell you how much to add. But it's like so many cups to a gallon. I don't know how much water is in a bathtub. Song just pour some in.
But make sure it's been long enough since your surgery that you have your doctors ok to take a bath. Then make sure you can safely get in and out of the tub.
Good luck and enjoy.
Sorry to hear that Jenni. There is always the exception. I hope you can find something good that has come from it and that is helps propel you through this rough part. It's definitely a surgery that requires endurance to finish well.
Yes, getting out can be very tricky and can really ruin a nice soak if you aren't prepared. Before I was ready for that challenge I would soak wash cloths in Epson salt water, put towels under my legs, put the warm wet cloth on each knee and cover them up. That felt wonderful too.
Just ordered them, can't wait. Yes I can it is long enough, thank you xx
That's a goos idea too!!!
Hi jenni
I too am stiff first thing in the morning. I am 15 weeks and do stretching exercises which seem to improve the stiffness. Also when I am in bed I stretch my legs for about 5 mins and when I go to the bathroom at night I stretch too. Some basic yoga stretches might help. If in doubt, I move around. Sitting is worse for stiffness! All the best. Lyn