I am almost 8 weeks post-op from my bilateral TKR. Physio is going well and we are getting a good bend (varying between 105 and 108). I am happy to report that the pain is gone and that is awesome news. I am wondering if it is normal to have this weird swelling. It feel like I have a rubber tire tube around the top of each knee and someone keeps pumping it up so I have this tight very noticeable ring around my leg. My physiotherapist says it is the muscle - I just want to know if it is normal and besides icing is there anything I can do.
Hi I am 3weeks post TKR i also have this it's like I've got tape tightly wrapped around my knee making it so hard to bend . I am worrying that this is the reason people have to have a manipulation something I've feared from the start .
Hi I am 3 weeks post TKR I also have this feeling like I've got tape wrapped tightly round my knee making it really hard to bend. My worry is that this may be the reason people have to have manipulation which is something I have feard from the start
Pretty much normal, I believe. Generally there is a tourniquet tied above the knee to control blood flow and cutting of major tissue has to be done to gain access to the joint. All in all this is one of the slowest areas to get functioning again. I have had difficulty getting all the pain gone and complete control after every or of my surgerie. My Dr says I will never be out of pain in that area but if course they have been in there so many times there isn't much tissue to work with. I've had 11 surgeries, 3 different prosthesis and 5 complete rehabs due to various things.(tumor, infections, radiation and being ridden hard and put away wet.) it takes tie and the process is slow. Keep working but don't overdo it and try to get back to running marathons in 8 weeks. Like with so much of this.....slow and steady is the key. Don't be discouraged and look at every little accomplishment as a major triumph.
Hi Audrey
The tight band feeling is very common
I am 4 months post op and it is getting better
My physio says it is the muscle growing again over the top and front of the knee and it needs to stretch
Makes sense I suppose when you think of all the damage that is done to muscle, tendons etc
I am having my other knee replaced in a couple of months. After the first I said never again but when I look back now I am glad I had it done
Good luck in your recovery
Hey you have given me such a boost. 4.5 was post op... was wonderng when the pain goes...
Still lots of swelling... but time will heal..
Thank you..
Wow you are doing so well.
The band is muscle and is a nasty we visitor !
Mine seems to have gone now and I put that down to using a stationary bike. Up till a week or so ago it seemed constant but is now gone completely and have been using th bike for two weeks or so.
I am 7 weeks post TKR and my pain is also pretty much gone but if I push it I have to go back to the anti inflammatory and the paracetemol so no big drugs needed.
Summer is on its way here in NZ and i am looking forward to it
Thank you I have a pedal machine but didn't know wether I should use it as I'm 3weeks postTKR I've got physio tomorrow and was going to ask about using it. Just you saying this band will eventually go has lifted my spirits .
You are still very early in the game of recovery. I found each week something else drifted away and I would think oh haven't had that today.
Take it gently was my PT advise but do the exercises regularly and use the ice as and when needed but only for 10 minutes ata time as after that the knee starts to heat again. My knee still feels hotter than the other even though the swelling is really well under control.
When I started on the bike I just rocked back and forwards without trying to go around - was a frightening thing the first time it went full revolution as I expecte it to hurt but it didn't thank goodness !!
I will do that first rocking thank you