Hi Everyone I had double knee replacement over a yr ago and was doing great until recently when I have fallen multiple times. I just lose my balance. Has anyone else encountered something similar
Yep, I've fallen too. Balance is an issue for me. I've had to be more specific in the way I walk and move. No longer just race around. Think then move. Concentrate. Get some help from gait clinic and try mindful meditation. Balance issues are a little talked about problem after knee replacements. My surgeon looked at me like I was an alien. He only does replacements in athletes and I slipped in as an afterthought. I just keep prevailing. Grip stair rails, grip posts and grip people if you have to. Get a good stick. Walk purposefully, heal then toe. Get help. X
Heel then toe.
I have had a hip and 2 tkr in the past year. I have had similar issues and recently diagnosed with Parkinsons. I think it could be any kind of issues but certainly worth checking out. Best wishes to you.
Yep! I have fallen a few times, too! Once I tripped over a small curb while wearing new shoes that were slides. Never wore them again! I have recently lost my balance while winding up our garden hose, falling into the siding and landing on my bottom. I do my best in bare feet, but unfortunately I must wear shoes outside, and that's where my falls have taken place.
During physical therapy I did a great deal of work with balance. I think we all should keep up the practice we once did with balance post surgery. As with anything, practice helps a great deal.
I usually fall when I am carrying something or climbing around something or doing something that has to do with my garden hose.I have to be careful when I weed flower beds because I have to work around various plants, stepping carefully without destroying any of them.
I think we just have to be careful, hold onto railings and wear solid shoes. IF we start to fall we should "rag doll" it which prevents lots of injuries from trying to catch ourselves with our hands or arms, often breaking limbs.
Take care!♥️
Hi....do you all feel your falls are just a matter of missteps and loss of balance... or an unlucky missed crack in thw walkway...... as happens to anyone, but more of a concern to you BECAUSE of the TKR......OR...do uou think the fall is BECAUSE of thr implanted knee??
For me it is because I seem to always be pushing or dragging something, climbing around or over something or thinking about one thing and doing another. I am realising that I need to do a better job of FOCUSING on what I'm doing and quit thinking about the next eight things I need to do. As we age I think our bodies don't always keep up with our minds. This sets off a disconnect that causes us to lose our balance, make missteps, and end up on the ground wondering " what the heck just happened?!!!"
😕😕😕😕😕😕😕😕😕😕♥️😕😕
🌹🌸🌷🌳🌲🌱🌼🌻🌺🍃🍂🍁🍀🌿🌾
Sounds lovely, you enjoying the garden . In love mine too, but will watch out for the hose! 😀
I had my first TKR done 20 months ago, and had my first fall a few days ago, luckily I managed to avoid actually landng on my knee somehow but must say I gave me a real shock. I really need to have the 2nd TKR done and was considering having it done later in the year, but now you are making me think hard about it. Obviously I am in constant pain with the knee that needs doing as with pain killers I am leading a fairyly active life, doesnt anyone have anything positive to say after having both TKR. I am 57 and my first TKR is in good shape and I generally have few problems with it but must say I had a lot of physio and it took a good year to get it in this shape where I generally forget I had it done except when I have been very active and tired when having to go up and down steps.
Good point.
I think i think more about how i walk because I am aware of falling over. But i do think my balance is sometimes a bit dodgey. ..I try to remember to do little balance practises now and again!
Aaaaah! Another getting old symptom! 😕
I had my double TKR this past April and am still amazed at all the changes in my body that have nothing to do with my knees! Yes, balance is an issue and I have some anxiety about falling outdoors or tripping over my cat. I still use a cane when I'm out more for a sense of security than necessity. I work on my balance at PT and in the pool where I attend aquasize classes. I was so surprised when I found I couldn't actually swim and the instructor told me it is balance and surgery related. I saw my surgeon this past Tuesday and he says I'm doing great and cleared me to return to work on 8/30. I shared my list of woes with him and he, of course, told me everyone heals differently and it will take time. If ever there was a test of patience and perseverance, this is it! Hang in there and be careful
Hi ivy. I had my doubler in March 2016. You are so right about changes. Takes some getting used too. Life is what we make it though. x
Could be a few things going on. First off, the prosthetic knees will never be exactly like real knees and my experience (though early days here) is that they do not have the same tolerance and adjustment for uneven ground in the same way as natural joints. Secondly they can have issues of wear and loosening of components, so best have that checked out just in case.
Further more, we can get poorer at balance as we get older - I don't know your age, so may not be the case for you. I had a fall not related to knee, unforseen wire in leaves that wrapped round ankle and resulted in a fall on my face - concussion and poor balance were a result of this along with my OA and knee problems getting worse. But I also had a minor stumble or two from the knee instability pre op.
Other reasons for poor balance can be inner ear issues or blood pressure variations, even medications. So you could see you doc and have these eliminated and if all clear, maybe get some further physio to strengthen your muscles, go for some yoga or tai chi - or similar regimes to help your balance. But check there is nothing underlying first, just to be sure. Good luck.
Hello Cookiefl2003,
I am only 22 weeks out from my RTKR and I have not fallen yet but the knee almost goes out. I have to be very careful how I move or step. It can be frustrating especially if you are just walking and all of a sudden your knee almost give out. Thank God I have not fallen yet because my knee is still not healed completely. Maybe you need to walk with your cane for a while longer. Good luck.
Hi I saw the doc and all us good with meds etc. it happened out of the blue and with pt I can't get approved from ins so I bought my own equipment and recreating what exercises they used on me. Gl with your recovery!!!😌
I had many falls pre-op....I am 8 months post right TKR. Haven't had any falls since (touch wood!) but I am also more aware of how I am taking steps. When my physio was done (approx 12 weeks post), I noticed my knee starting to stiffen & become painful. So.....I joined a gym. I can't afford to purchase the equipment (machines) they used with me, nor do I have space if I could. I too recreated the exercises done with me. I'm at a point now where I am doing more than where I started. So hopefully, just strengthening your muscles, and being more "aware" will help you. Recovery is a lonnnnng process it seems!!
Hi Lynn. Are you still doing your quad exercises? If the quadriceps are weak they cannot support the device correctly. One cannot cease these exercises as the muscle just weakens when not engaged. My physio told me the quad exercises are forever. My knees are so much stronger since I recommended the exercises and even athletes do them daily. x
Re-commenced not recommended.
Hello, yes I am still doing them. Thanks for asking.