i can't bend knee very well after 5 weeks, and won't lay flat. I'm so worried about this, any information from anyone for my concerns?
Are you in UK and care you having some physiotherapy input? What Have you been told to expect by professionals?
I'm doing p.t. 2 times a week, Have total 15 scheduled Little over halfway done I just wished I could bend it more and stretch it more I think I'm like just 90° I can deal with the pain and swelling I just want to be where I should be
No I'm not in the UK I'm in the US I started five weeks postop yesterday
Hi Lucy
Do you have a lot of swelling? Some people have lots of swelling and others have hardly any. This can affect how far your knee will bend and the harder you try, the worse it gets.
Where should you be? Swelling reduces range of motion a lot ...it takes some people longer than others. Keep doing exercises, and for the majority of people it will come. I think I was around 90 at five weeks. I am now 13 weeks post op and 130, with 0 extension. But most of the improvement came at ten weeks onwards, when swelling much less. Don't panic...early days!
Lucy keep up the excersises and the hard work will pay off .Meds and ice it will all come good . its a long journey. I am 11 weeks 120 bend and nearly flat stretch. walking is good with out stick or crutches.you will get there. Pain meds at night but thats for my other knee. This site has given me lots of advice so just ask and someone will have the answer.
Early. I started PT at 3-4 weeks -14 / +84. Took 10 more weeks to get to -1 / +123. At 15 months, I'm 0 / +133. You've just started...this takes time...and work.
Thanks for the information it's very encouraging
I feel I do have a lot of swelling
I'm having a pretty hard time with the straight out stretch, getting concerned. It's not like I'm not trying someone a try harder I don't want to end up with a limp when I had a limp before the surgery
thanks for the information
I had a limp too! Did you have a flexion deformity? Mine was -10. I felt anxious too, but as said, it is a long process. It also can be very painful at back of knee...leg is not used to it! Take a look at my profile info, and maybe my blog, if you are interested. Write a lot there! Much later on...around 9 weeks, I started adding 4kg weight on top of thigh when doing the"knee hang" exercises but consult with your physio. I would say , be patient, and just continue gentle stretches...it will come. Rushing is counter productive, and will just aggravate knee. It has been through a lot, never forget that. Chopped!
Thanks for the input
I'm almost 6 weeksrange of motion is still not good enough I don't think I only have 95%
Try not to worry, just keep at gently stretching and bending, and reduce swelling as much as you can.
I am 5 weeks post op. Got 115 degrees on the bend. Continue to ice it frequently and take Advil or Tylenol or aleve to decrease swelling. Must do stretching exercises three times day. The stationary bike helps a lot. The pt has to stretch the knee and also straighten the knee even if it hurts! No pain, no gain!
I am at 5 weeks post op. PT and exercises at home are helping but I still cannot get my leg straight- bending is a little easier. I attribute a great deal of this to swelling and stiffness. This can make walking very tiresome in a short amount of time. A few days ago I started swimming and I couldn't believe how much better I felt. I am able to walk without a cane and only use it when I'm out and about for stability. I am so anxious for this stiffness to subside but this forum has helped me realize that persistence, patience, and time will probably resolve my issues.
Five weeks..."Kneebie"...
"You've only just begun." - The Carpenters, 1976
Took me 10 weeks of PT to go from -14 / +84 to -1 / +123. Straight is not just a number...it's a state of mind. See it...do it. This takes time, patience and strength. It's a painful; journey but you WILL get there. If you hurry, the knee will swell and set you back.
"Don't do dat." - Arnold Schwarzwenneger, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines
The stiffness will lessen but could take 12-18 moths to be barely noticeable. Again...patience.
Hi Lucy, I am also 5 weeks post op and still have a lot of swelling. I have great days where I do really well with exercises and then bad days where it gets very painful. My bend is about 90. But I feel that improving if only by a small fraction every day. I find the extension stretches far more painful and make the knee swell even more. It is a slow process but I believe we will get there eventually. Keep up the good work!