When can I expect to walk up and down stairs following TKR

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Hi, I am just over 9 weeks post op and I really want to walk up & down the stairs without pain?

I keep trying but although I can go up it's not without pain and I can't do downstairs yet?

Prior to the op I struggled with the stairs for about 2 years and I so want to be able to do this with ease!! Am I expecting too much too soon?

Would really appreciate hearing how others did with stairs

Thanks

Pauline.

2

Hi Schu.,

Depends how old you are. You should be able to manage the stairs up and down now, even if you use the 'one step at a time' method. The pain will be around for a while yet, but it should be tolerable.The exercises are important but you must not overdo them. Are you getting good flexion and straightening?

3

Hi Batteneye, I am 54. I can do them one at a time but I meant when would I be able to walk up them properly? 

I have good flexion & straightening and am keeping up with my exercises.

4

Morning,

From what I recall, my physio was getting me walking up stairs by about week 4. I had tried at home and to start with I managed, but it did make me wince a little.  Can manage now without any problem, but still hold onto the banister.

Coming down is another matter!  Physio was getting me to do that by around week 6 or 7, just a few at a time and that was far more difficult.  She finally got me to do a small flight at the hospital and, with practice, I can now manage at home.  Can do it, but my operated knee is at a strange angle.  Any help?

Lynn 16.5 post op

5

Thank you Lynn, that gives me hope!! 

I keep trying most days, it seems to depend on my pain level at the time?

I think I remember someone else on here saying downstairs was much harder than going up? I get frightened to try coming down as it definately hurts more!! Lol

6

Hi Pauline 

was thinking about you yesterday.

can't believe its 9 weeks since your operation. The stairs are a hard challenge but one that will take time. Are you able to bare weight yet on the stairs on operated leg? Going up is easier than coming down but Im afraid its just percefearence. I used to practice on 3 steps at a time, go up them, rest, turn around and come down. Keep doing this twice a day then increase the amount of steps. make sure someone is watching you for support and safety! once you can elevate them all try skipping a step going  up ONLY!! this really builds your strengt. and i found this less painful and got to  the top quicker ..LOL...Little tip take pain relief 20 mins before the stairs challenge and step through the pain. Its tough i know!! Its just patience Im afraid but if this helps you, i can run up the stairs now but walk down.

Take care

Pegs x

7

Hi Schu, it's so frustrating not being able to achieve what you want isn't it? I've realised from this site that although we have similar problems we are all different in the way we recover. I think I was going up and down stairs normally by 9 weeks but coming down was not without discomfort - and still is (12 weeks now). Where do you get the pain? As you'll see from my posts elsewhere, mine hurts at the back of the knee, and this is worse going downhill and downstairs. They've identified a weak hamstring so I'm working on that. Do you still see a physio? Might be worth telling them of the problem, especially as, like me, your ROM seems to be good. Jen x

8

From reading all the posts on TKR I am amazed at the various stages that that patients have reached. I am now nearly into week 5 and can manage the stairs up wih no problem but still carefull coming down  and been off the painkilles for over two weeks and have very goodnights sleep on the whole.knee is still swollen and stiff cant still straighten it fully physio says it dwn to my large leg muscles as I used to cycle a lot previously.by the way im a bit ovwerwight 67 yr old

9

Hi Pauline so sorry to hear about you star problem. I had struggled with my stairs before the op and I was scared stiff about them for after the op because my balance isn't to good. I bought a reconditioned strairlifts for £595 its an acoorn and look  like new.Pauline it has been an a solute godsend. However I am now 10 weeks and have stopped using it because I don't need to. I am not getting any pain going up or down. Can't really understand why you are still getting the pain how are your knee bends and flexions .? Perhaps this is going to be your weak spot for a while yet. You will get there . I am just one week in front and am walking unaided albeit only 200yards or so .to day I am going to attempt 1/4mile. Take care my friend hope you problem gets sorted soon  love from tucks

10

I think you are doing extremely well.!!  keep it up

Richard

11

I am 67, I hadnt been able to walk properly up the stairs for years. I am 14 weeks and have been able to do it for a few weeks now. But not without pain . I can hold on both sides and that makes it easier . Coming down took longer but once I had pushed through the first time , it was confidence as much as anything. I was ok. It is not pain free but I can do .

pam14 weeks

12

Hi Pegs,

Lovely to hear from you!! Thank you for your advice I will certainly give your suggestions a try!

Amazing you are running up the stairs!! I can't ever imagine doing that!!

Take care.xx

13

Hi Jen

Thank you for your advice.

The pain is at the front underneath my knee cap, as soon as I start using stairs I get it? You may be shocked to hear I haven't seen a physio since I came out of hospital! We are just given a leaflet with exercises to do?

Pauline.

14

Hi Tucks,

lovely to hear from you again! Good to hear you are doing so well.

I can walk really well now in fact I prefer to be on my feet find it quite liberating!! I'm sure I will be ok with the stairs eventually, I just need to keep persevering !!!

Pauline

15

Thank you Richard, I need to keep reminding myself of this, it's still early days in the scheme of things! 

Pauline.

16

Hi Pam, I feel I am on a similar level to you? It's a long journey and we always want to run before we can walk!!!

Thank you for your comments.

Pauline.

17

Hu Unofon

You are doing amazingly well!! I am still taking pain meds regularly throughout the day. I am sleeping much better now and I can walk really well now which I am pleased about. You are so right about people recovering differently at stages throughout their recuperation.

We will all get there eventually I'm sure!!

Pauline.

18

Hi Pauline,

That's such a shame that you don't see a physio. Any chance of getting to see one via GP or consultant? There may well be a specific exercise that will help with the pain you're getting. 

Jen 

19

I have been thinking about asking my gp to refer me Jennifer, think I will when I next see him as I don't know if I am doing the exercises properly .

20

Hi Schu

i am shocked to hear your hospital doesn't offer you post op physio. Physio is the common denominator of getting you back to walking properly. I would deffo speak to your GP regarding a referral. With you working in the hospital can't you contact occupational health and ask them to help arrange it . After all its in their interest too to get you fit and be able to return to work. Reading a leaflet is hardly the same as everyone is different. 

Pegs