I am 11 weeks post TKR and still have terrible swelling and stiffness most of the time. I have returned to work as a teacher and have no choice but to do physio first and last thing in the day. I elevate when I get home and ice but spend most of the day with what feels like a wooden stiff leg. I am doing about 7000 steps. It feels swollen within an hour of getting up. Is this swelling and stiffness normal?
Hi susiemah
I am almost six weeks out and I can so relate! Even though I do PT and my exercises.
I just came out of the hospital - spent three days due to horrible pain and they at first thought I had an infection. Which thankfully I didn't.
While there I spoke to one of their physical therapists who told me everyone heals differently and it's the amount of scar tissue that causes the stiffness and swelling. It is just something we have to work through.
She also said the first two months are a living hell for most people but it then becomes easier.
Hang in there! I feel your pain- and frustration.
I don't know if it is normal or not but I am at 16 weeks and my knee still swells and is also stiff. The more I walk on it the more it swells. I also put ice and elevate it. I am also still in therapy 3 times a week.
I think so, swelling makes knee feel stiff. Is it possible to at least put leg up on chair sometimes during the day? Also to use a stick just to keep the weight off a bit and give knee a chance to rest? Also helps remind people that you are still in recovery!
Mine too...not icing anymore but still elevating from time to time.
Hi Susiemah
If you standing up all day your knee will stiffen
im 9 months post op but when i stand still for long periods my knee stiffens up im mostly fine at all other times this is a long journey and you need to rest your leg every chance you can i understand the need to get back to work maybe in your breaks or lunch time elevate and ice hope you feel relief soon good luck.
It's absolutely normal if you go back to work in 11 weeks and do 7,00 steps a day. Perfectly normal for putting that kind of stress that early on a new knee. Back to work in less than three months? Virtually everyone who takes that path reports the same problems...then you go to bed, get up and repeat. Depends on the job (big difference between desk job and working construction) but 6-months is the standard back-to-work time frame although many can do it in the 4-5 month range without major issues. Three months is very early and is usually accompanied with the exact symptoms you are reporting. Sorry... Can you take more time off to heal? That's the only way to avoid what you're going through...your knee is not healed yet.
At four months, still expect some swelling, especially when you push the knee too far on any given day. Use a pedometer (Fit Bit, Smart Watch, anything...) to count your steps. When the knee swells, note the steps, back off and increase gradually.
At 5 weeks, I did 8,200+ steps one day and my knee was a balloon for the next three. Tracked my steps ever since that day and got up to 11,000+ (5 miles) by eight months without ever swelling again.
Also, a little swelling and stiffness could last 12-18 months...or more. I don't think my "clunking" sound will ever go away.
I don't think my clunking will either! Good idea about monitoring steps!
It's a complicated work situation and I need to have second knee done in next 12 months so will run out of sick pay. We finish for summer break soon and so that will help. I bought a Fitbit as you have suggested this before but swelling starts within an hour of getting up. Today it feels a little better and nothing is different. I have asked to use the first aid room and elevate when I get a chance!! Teaching is all consuming but I am determined my health has to come first. I need this knee to be my strong knee before I have my other TKR. That's for suggestions Chico.