TKR Feeling something hard under knee cap

[TochyB]

Hello everyone, I had a RTKR 7 weeks ago. I’m 68. My pain has been manageable, extension and flexión are quite good. I had a visit with my surgeon 3 days ago, he says everything is good, BUT, I feel as I was dragging a rock or a piece of wood under muy knee cap When I walk. I only feel it when I walk, it is very frustrating, because I had this surgery to be able to hike more and dance salsa and Zumba. Has anyone experienced this strange object sensation? Thanks !

 

[TochyB]

Sorry, I did not mention my surgery day, nov 4 th 2022. I’m icing, elevating twice a day, exercising every day, going to PT once a week. Thanks

 

[Jcx]

Hi TochyB Your on a long road to recovery which for most people it's one year. I'm one year and a month for my LTKR. It's been tough and I'm still not 100% yet. Another member posted that it felt as if an alien was strapped to his knee at times. That my go to quote to describe how my knee feels on certain days. Keep posting and reading other post and have a rant if needed. Things will get better slowly for you on your road to recovery. Take care Jcx.

 

[Cjackso21]

I had the same feeling and it terrified me. My doctor told me it was the knee cap not tracking correctly because your muscles are all week now from surgery. Had it most of my surgeries and it went away every time but always scared me. Good luck!

 

[Creampuff]

I had surgery 11/8. I have something similar and was really bothered by it. My old knee did stuff like that! The doc was not concerned at all. I've heard many people mention this tracking issue. Good luck!

 

[sistersinhim]

I only feel it when I walk, it is very frustrating, because I had this surgery to be able to hike more and dance salsa and Zumba.

You are very early in this year-long surgery. It is normal to feel all kinds of different feelings while recovering. One week it might me that under the kneecap feeling, the next pain behind the knee, the next pain on the side of it. All these aches and pains are to be expected.

You will get back to doing the things you love, but it will take time. Trying to do too much too soon will set you up for a setback. Just easy does it will give you better results.

Each person is different as is their recovery. Most find that the Bonesmart approach works best for them, but others find that a more aggressive therapy helps them more. It's your recovery and your choice on how you recover. As you read more on other members' recovery threads, you’ll get a better perspective of what to expect. The following are our basic guidelines and should help get you started.

If you want to use something to assist with healing and scar management, BoneSmart recommends hypochlorous solution. Members in the US can purchase ACTIVE Antimicrobial Hydrogel through BoneSmart at a discount. Similar products should be available in the UK and other countries.

KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES

1. Don’t worry: Your body will heal all by itself. Relax, let it, don't try and hurry it, don’t worry about any symptoms now, they are almost certainly temporary

2. Control discomfort:
rest
elevate
ice
take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)
don't overwork.

3. Do what you want to do BUT
a. If it hurts, don't do it and don't allow anyone - especially a physical therapist - to do it to you
b. If your leg swells more or gets stiffer in the 24 hours after doing it, don't do it again.

4. PT or exercise can be useful BUT take note of these
the BoneSmart view on exercise
BoneSmart philosophy for sensible post op therapy

5. At week 4 and after you should follow this
Activity progression for TKRs

6. Access these pages on the website
Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications
Wound Care In Hospital

The Recovery articles:
The importance of managing pain after a TKR and the pain chart
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?
Energy drain for TKRs
Elevation is the key
Ice to control pain and swelling
Heel slides and how to do them properly
Chart representation of TKR recovery
Healing: how long does it take?
Post op blues is a reality - be prepared for it
Sleep deprivation is pretty much inevitable - but what causes it?

There are also some cautionary articles here

Myth busting: no pain, no gain
Myth busting: the "window of opportunity" in TKR
Myth busting: on getting addicted to pain meds

We try to keep the forum a positive and safe place for our members to talk about their questions or concerns and to report successes with their joint replacement surgery.

While members may create as many threads as they like in a majority of BoneSmart's forums, we ask that each member have only one recovery thread. This policy makes it easier to go back and review history before providing advice.

Try out our great new opportunity to improve your gait. It's OneStep. It's free and you will find it to be a huge help to you. Click here: OneStep

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary and Happy New Year too!
How are you doing these days? Please leave an update as time allows, we'd like to hear how you are progressing.
Hope to hear from you soon. Until then, all the best to you!
@TochyB