Post TKR Exercising

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi everyone,wanted some input into how often each day you guys do your exercises for,im post op 2 weeks now and just wondered if im doing enough..Thanks

2

Hi Lou - I was paranoid about exercising so would do them as much as I could. Even doing the easier ones during the night when I couldn't sleep. I would suggest at least try to do something every couple of hours - not over strenuous but I found little and often definitely helped me. If in doubt ask your consultant or physio for advice. 😉

3

Hi Lou. I'm 8 weeks post TKR and now I typically do about 10 minutes of exercises three times per day. I also regularly move my feet and ankles about quite a lot and of course go out for a walk when I can. I walked for one hour yesterday without crutches and had no pain at all, which I'm thrilled about.  I've good mobility but stiffness and restricted knee bend are frustrating. Good luck!

4

Thank you, i do move the feet and ankles all the time,im walking a little further each day and i am doing the exercises for about 20 minutes 4 times a day...i think im doing enough but will ask physio tomorrow..

5

I find if i get up each hour and either walk around or do a bit of stretching it stops the knee from getting stiff too much,as well as the exercises,but sometimes i forget im only 2 weeks post op ...

6

Hi Lou

Am 2weeks post op as well and think that you doing your exercises 4 times a day is fantastic!  I can just about manage 3 sessions a day (gritting my teeth beforehand) but do go out for a ten minute walk 3 times a day as well.  Also try to rotate ankles and move about in the house as much as possible.   I agree with the advice that little and often is the idea, not sitting around for too long. My knee is still slightly swollen which inhibits me a bit.  Good luck, it will be interesting to hear how you get on.

7

Hi janice,

yes i have the same problem with the knee being swollen still,i think once that goes down it might be a bit easier to bend the knee,also having the staples out seem to help too..i do the same as you with the ankles,and im up every hour pottering around the house,we will get there,just seems a long way off at times x

8

Slowly and surely we will get through this - little steps to start then work your way up to the marathon !

I start the day with straight leg lifts in bed then stretches in the morning then more stretches during the day more leg lifts as well then in the evening 5 mins on the mini pedal thing don't forget to ice take your meds and rest

9

Basically a little and often is best. If you are having physiotherapy sessions they should be able to advise you on this.

I had TKR 3 years ago so am trying to remember what I was doing at your stage.

I think it was probably 5 minutes exercises on the hour every hour.

Sarah

10

How is your knee Sarah? He says hoping that it is indeed A 1.

11

Thanks for asking.

Not quite A 1 but certainly better than it was.

In reality it will never be perfect.