Has anyone experienced not being able to lift up their leg while laying down or in a sitting position after pkr? It’s been 3 weeks since my surgery and want to hear from others when they got the sensation back.
Which sensation are you talking about? Also, if you keep doing the exercises from the PT you quads will continue to get stronger and it will all fall back into place.
The sensation in my quads. I can’t lift my leg at all. My Md said it happens to a few patients. It’s frustrating!
I had to pick up my leg for a few weeks (could have been months) until muscles got stronger.
Hi I had bilateral full knee replacements . I couldn’t lift my L leg off the bed for a couple of weeks and coukdn’t lift it when sitting in a chair . Stick with the exercises , it will come .
I’m now 6 weeks post op and can now lift it but myL leg is still a bit behind my R .
Hang in there it will improve ,
I had a TKR, took quiet a few weeks to lift the leg ,
Hi Wenbon
I have had 2 partial knee replacements, the first last June and the second in March this year. Don't let anyone tell you just because it is a partial that the recovery is not any more rigorous than a full knee! It is exactly the same and for me worse than friends with full knees, so, everyone is different and so is their recovery.
My most recent knee is taking a lot longer and far more gym work to recover. This knee was definitely a couple of weeks at least before I could lift "the weight" off the bed. Your inability to lift your leg is one of the consequences of the muscle being cut or wasted. Only exercise will bring it back. Start with using a towel or belt to take some of the weight when lifting your leg off the bed, hopefully with doing your physio exercises three times a day the strength will start to come back. There are lots on youtube just search for knee replacement exercises. The key is to do them every day and several times.
This operation isn't the panacea or quick fix that a lot of people envisage. It is a last resort and requires a huge amount of effort and discipline in the recovery. But, as you will see from everyone on this site, we are all in the same boat, just at differing speeds.
Good luck I am sure you will find things a little easier as soon as the muscle repairs, even a little.
Hi Webon,
I had the same issue after my latest TKR operation. Weak atrofied muscles.
I could not lift my leg while lying on the bed. Only pain, no lift! Then I remembered the “Ankle Pump” Flex and bend the foot 400 times per day advice from the Orthopedic nurse and PT. After two weeks I managed to lift my leg from from the bed. First a little - now all the way up. No pain. I still do my Ankle Pump but also Lift the Leg. First 50 times per day. Every day!
Then increase to 100 etc. My advice start with the Ankle Pump! Best regards Bangkok-Johnnie
I had problems lifting the lower leg as it was numb so I used an old bandage and did it like that for a few weeks
It takes a lot of practice and determination but you will get there just takes time good luck stay strong and keep positive
Just time , keep up exercises and it will suddenly lift one day
Hi there
I am four weeks post PKR. I had this same problem in the hospital after the op when the physio was trying to get me to do a leg raise. A few things helped. The physio supported my ankle in a lift position and asked me to hold it there for a count of ten. Next she supported my ankle into the leg raise, asked me to hold it then took her support away while we counted to ten. After a few like that, she got me to raise my leg myself, reminding me to press my knee down into the bed and have my foot at 90 degrees to the bed when doing it. This all really helped. I got my daughter to help me in the same way for a couple of days when I got home and then I found I could manage myself. Keep at it. I am sure you will get there. This forum has taught me to be patient with myself! That said, I am also delighted that yesterday I managed to walk two miles with my crutches.
Johnny aka ”Bangkok-Johnny ” TKR 2014 which resulted in a nasty, chronic infection. I am now waiting for a new implant, 2-stage revision. My exercise routine. Start with “Ankle Pump” 200 times. Then I raising my leg. It’s painful! since the muscles are atrofied. 50 times. TKR physiotherapy is painful as TKR is the most pain inducing orthopedic procedure. Pain control: mild opioid Tramadol. OxyContin (Oxycodone) in Thailand only for palliative (cancer patients) care. 50 mg Tramadol after painful exercise works for me. Sometimes I Gabapentin 300 mg. Before bedtime. This is the medication recommended by the orthopedic surgeons here in Bangkok. Also steaming hot foam bath helps.
Thanks everyone for your advise. I’ve been working hard and 4 weeks later I’m finally able to lift my leg! What an accomplishment! Now to continue with the bending and hopefully stop using crutches soon.