Right knee replaced last year and feels pretty good. Left knee replaced 5 months ago and progress not so good. About 9 weeks after surgery severe and sudden pain at back of knee when moving leg whilst in bed. This has persisted frequently since, mostly when laying in bed. The pain although fairly brief is a real game stopper. It could be a pinched nerve, but I don't know and would appreciate any comments. Am awaiting appointment with consultant. My mobility is pretty good but still using w/stick when out and about.
I used to have a game stopping pain in the back calf of my left leg right after tkr. I did ankle pumps and it eventually went away. Following up with professional consultation is a good idea. Just giving you suggestions. Be blessed!
Hi Johnny. I also had pain in the back of my knee but when swelling went down it subsided. I had TKR almost 5 months ago and have constant pain under my kneecap specifically when I raise and straighten my leg. I can't sleep on my side with my leg bent. It's so painful when I straighten my leg if I do so.
This is my first TKR and thought by 5 months I'd be pain free. I overdid the bike three days ago as my knee was swollen with tremendous pain so today I'm wondering if I should use the bike for a light workout? Pain on top of my kneecap is my main problem I'm having but I did have pain in the back of my knee due to swelling and the nerves trying to get things going again. Feel better soon.
Gissele
Hello can you tell me what ancle pumps are
i have same problem
thank you
Ankle pumps are when you move your foot up and down. Be blessed.
Ankle pumps consist of moving your ankle up and down. Elevate your leg with ankle free to move and do 20 ankle pumps moving ankle up and down. Do 20 pumps at a time throughout the day. It helps with swelling and ankle pain.
I hope this helps.
Gissele
Thanks for reply, Gissele. Having had a successful TKR last year I know how slow progress seems, and 5 months is still early days. A bike seems suitable exercise, but don't overdo things and might be wise to get advice from your Physio.
Thank you so much. I've been told by PT and ortho surgeon not to overdo it. I've always been active and being this is my first surgery I guess I'm in too much of a hurry. I'm not used to taking it easy but I will do just that.
Very much appreciate you good advice. Living the dream...not yet!!
Gissele
I wonder why taking it easy is so important?
Your body needs time to heal from the trauma of the surgery. Rest ice elevation are all beneficial to healing. If you over do it your knee will be so painful that you won't be able to function at all. I lost 10 pounds from not eating because the pain was so awful. I'm now a human skeleton as I was thin to begin with. Then over aggressive PT had me crying in pain so I had to use crutches and not bear weight on the leg. Its hard not to do the things you want to do but you will probably find out the hard way why taking it easy is so important. I hope you have someone to help you. I couldn't get up the stairs for a week so I had to sleep on the couch. Took sponge baths and washed my hair in the sink. I couldn't wait to get into the shower upstairs but found it difficult to shave my legs cause it hurt to bear full weight on the leg. It's the simple things that drive you crazy! Spilled coffee on my cell phone while trying to carry them in a bag from the kitchen to the living room and my husband had to get me a new one the next day. Ugh! I found myself crying a lot cause of pain and depression too. It gets lonely taking it easy lol. How is your healing progressing? Prayers.
Yes you have to go slowly through the process. They don't tell you how painful it's gonna be. But you have to listen to your body and back off cause you can do more harm than good over doing it. Try and enjoy your down time and go at your own pace. Best wishes for your recovery.
My mother just fussed at me . Saying that I need to take it easy. I went back to work too soon and I know it. I told her that I only work part time. I will have to listen and sat down.
Hey Johnwilly , well you've made it through the 2 surgeries, congrats. I'm at 2 years post op left knee, 3 months more right one. I remember some fairly a sharp pain at side of knee maybe 6 months into PT. Therapist said swelling, tendons, bursitis, he said work through it, but always stop if pain severe. Always ice after exercise. Eventually went away. Hopefully yours is just part of the healing process. I've found the knee can give you some pretty severe shots of pain during healing but for me it all went away. All is good with my knees, you've made it through with the first one, just takes time and work at therapy, which you know. Keep the faith you will get there.
I'm 7 weeks post op RTHR. Just when I had the knees pretty much recovered! All is good getting there. Definitely gonna be quicker than the knees. Good luck to you.
Many thanks dave63380, for encouragement and reminder to use ice pack. Havenot been using it of late. Right knee recovery not as good as left knee (op last year) over aprox same period of time. Just a slower recovery rate I guess.
All the best and good luck with new hip.
Mothers know best about these things! Listen to your mother lol.