Hi, I'm 6 weeks post op TKR, 125 bend but not doing good with leg straightening. Having a difficult time with my quads not responding to the stimulation machine so my therapist has added other quad strengthening exercises to do. Anyone else have issues with your quads?
Hi
jave always had issues with my quads over the years, and this caused issues with both of my TKRs (and I had 2 manipulation a too). I'm still struggling left-knee-wise at 7 months with straightening. I can squat (so far) but trying to lift leg from the knee (when on a rolled towel) is virtually impossible and very painful. I think that some of us just have it harder than others. I have bought one of those cheap exercise wheels, my friend lent me a balance board...and I'm going to try walking in my round-bottomed Sketchers again, as they seem to take the pressure off the knee, so not so much pain. I'm sure that other people will have lots of other suggestions, but it's quite difficult once your knee appears stuck.
I am the oppisite, rubbish bend, great straight. I also struggle with lifting my leg off the bed. Almost 7 weeks post op and was hoping to be driving by now but until I can lift my leg independently I am grounded!
I can bend my knee but can't seem to get it straight when standing. I can lift the leg straight out when sitting...but standing the knee seems to pretrude about 2 inches infront of my leg knee? causing me at the moment to think they have given me a bigger knee than I should have or it could be the swelling!
Good idea about the round-bottom Sketchers! I have a pair hidden in my closet, I'll have to try wearing them.
Hazel, I think it is the swelling, mine is the same, almost looks square!
I'm not driving either, having trouble lifting my foot when I'm sitting and of course it's my right knee. Only good thing is Hubby says I'm saving him money by not being able to go shopping!.
I'm sure it's just the swelling. I've only been able to wear shorts or stretchy pants since my knee is still swollen.
Thanks Carol...
Thanks Patty, I can't have anyting much on my knee as it is very sensetive at the moment. been like this for days.
Isn't that a horrible feeling? On a positive note....I have been sleeping better, knock on wood, been putting a pillow between my legs and I'm able to roll over much easier with little pain.
Hi Patty,
I'm 9 weeks post op and I have trouble with both bending and straightening....although they are more concerned with the straightening. I've just come back from physio and my extension is 30 degrees and bend is 80 degrees (at start).
My physio is brilliant though, she said to help with the quads I need to loosen them up before stretching. She said spend 10 mins massaging them (quite strongly) and use a heat pack. She then said to do stretches like hanging the heal off a step and lying on my stomach with leg off the bed. With ankle weights on, use good leg to push bad one down (making sure to keep hip still).
I'm really chuffed as after a few mins of massaging she was able to get my leg extension to 18 degrees. That's straighter than its been in years. Just wish it didn't bounce back so quickly.
If your bend is good just concentrate on the straightening. You will probably lose a few degrees off the bend as extension improves (or so I'm told).
Keep us posted with how you get on.
Thank you for your suggestions. My therapist is excellent also but she is somewhat concerned especially since my quads are responding to the stimulation machine. I have my 6 week appt. with the surgeon today and I have my list of questions ready for him.
I've been told I may need surgery to release muscle adhesions. I'll find out next week. Make sure you don't have the same problem (sorry but I don't recall the correct name). It's basically where bits of muscle attach to parts that they're not meant too, means straightening becomes difficult/impossible.
That's another question I'll add. Best of luck to you
Hi PattyLee - my TKR is May 27 and I was advised to do quad strengthening exercises leading up to it pedalling, stretching, leg raising etc I am being religious about these. Did you do them (or anyone else?) good luck with your consultants appointment
Gail
Gail, My surgery came up very fast for me so I wasn't able to do any strengthening exercises. Keep up with doing them, I believe the muscle memory exercises will greatly help you. Best of luck! Patty
Patty, I did quite a few quad excercises along with stretching and riding the bike prior to surgery. I'm almost 12 weeks now and can ride the bike again, walk, do some light duty raking etc.... really feels good. Like they say that first month, your knee owns you, so don't get overwhelmed. It was a slow process but in my case I'm very pleased with the outcome, especially compared to the pain I had prior to this. The surgeon said that my surgery went better because the leg was in decent shape. In other words, what you are doing now is going to help.
Gail it's brilliant that you're able to do the exercises. Unfortunately I had a TKR because of the deteriation with my leg following a fall years before. I was unable to bend or straighten my leg much at all so that's why I'm having so much trouble now. The muscle memory has reclaimed it's old position. The more you can do with the leg now, the better it will be for you afterwards.
Keep it up, it will be worth it.
Gail, I did quite a few quad excercises along with stretching and riding the bike prior to surgery. I'm almost 12 weeks now and can ride the bike again, walk, do some light duty raking etc.... really feels good. Like they say that first month, your knee owns you, so don't get overwhelmed. It was a slow process but in my case I'm very pleased with the outcome, especially compared to the pain I had prior to this. The surgeon said that my surgery went better because the leg was in decent shape. In other words, what you are doing now is going to help.