New problems after 16 months?

[SusieSW]

Hi forum - it's been a while since I posted. I'm trying to figure out why I'm having a new set of problems after 16+ months. I had my BTKR Oct. 2007. Over the past few weeks, I've been having a popping and snapping in both needs when I go up stairs, and sometimes when I just move either leg. This didn't happen before. I've also noticed a tenderness at the base of the knee and going down the bone on the inside (is that the femur?). I haven't called my OS yet, I was hoping that it would either go away or that doing more strengthening exercises would help it fix itself - not working. Any idea what's going on here?

Susan

 

[Jamie]

Wow, Susie.....have you changed your activity in any way? I know my year-old knee hurts more if I do things that involve "twisting" motions....sometimes even wearing good rubber sole tennis shoes on a hard surface and making a twisting motion when moving a bit too fast. I think it would be a good idea to have your surgeon check things out just to be sure all is okay. See if taking some anti-inflammants (Tylenol, Motrin, Aleve, etc.) help.

 

[Josephine]

My thoughts exactly!

 

[SusieSW]

Hi Jamie - the only significant change is that at my new job (3 months) we have to take a shuttle bus to and from an off-site parking garage, and I've had some trouble managing the steep steps on the bus. I have difficulty with my stomach with just about all of the anti-inflammatory meds, so I tend to avoid them.

I just noticed a typo in my post - I used the word "needs" instead of "knees" - if that isn't an obvious Freudian slip I don't know what is.......

I know I should call my OS - I was hoping it wouldn't be necessary. My hips are starting to hurt and I think I am putting off facing whatever that means.

 

[SusieSW]

Hi Jo - it's been a while!

Any thoughts about what this could be?

 

[Jamie]

Yep, now I think you DEFINITELY should call and set up an appointment. You'll feel better once you know what's happening (or not happening). Be sure he checks out your hips also just to be sure there are no problems there either, since they are hurting.

 

[Josephine]

Honey, if I had any answer to this problem, I could retire! (again!) Something that is baffling the medical fraternity more than somewhat. Lots of conjecture, not a lot of cold hard fact. We actually now have a forum on the topic here, did you notice?

 

[SusieSW]

Jo - no, I hadn't noticed - what's it called? I'm not seeing it for some reason.

 

[Josephine]

Noise Related to Total Hip Replacement - The Experts Speak Out

I know it's hip oriented but the principles are the same.

 

[JudyS]

Susie
Sorry about the new problem. I am a hippy, but do have knee problems. I also have a loud snapping going up stairs. My GUESS is tendon related. Or ligaments. Not sure if the ITBand goes down beyond the knee in the direction you were talking about.
Remember it is a total guess.
Monday morning at 8am call your surgeon's office, tell the receptionist you need an apt and the reason. Hopefully you will get in soon and be given a simple answer
Judy

 

[Jamie]

I don't think Susie has had any hip surgery.....her first post talks about her BTKR. What I believe she is saying that now she has new knee pain and some pain in her hips too. I had both of those with my knee. I went to my surgeon and he checked my hip. It was fine but he said it was hurting because I was probably doing some motions with my new knee that were irritating it. Take anti-inflammants, rest, ice, elevate and take it easier. In my case, I did that and the pains went away. However, even after a year I can still get some pain in my leg which I assume is still soft tissue swelling. I think my muscles are still not where they need to be and I keep working at it. Summer should help as I am able to get out and about more.....and GARDENING!!! But, Susie....I still think you should have it checked out.

 

[SusieSW]

Thanks to everyone for your sage advice. I agree - getting in to see my OS is the only sensible thing to do. I think I was hoping for some clue about why this would start after so long. I still go to the gym and I replicate my former PT routine - stationary bike, weight-bearing exercises like the leg press and other machines, squats - I haven't noticed any loss of ROM or strength, so this just seems pretty mysterious to me. At my last job, I was on the second floor in a building without an elevator, so I was up and down stairs every day, and never had a pop or snap. Wierd.

Anyway - thanks again and I'll post after I see my doc.

Susan

 

[Jamie]

Good, Susie. We'll be interested to know what the doc says.

 

[Judles]

Good Luck!!! Always best to check with your OS for your own piece of mind!

 

[Judles]

Susie,,,,make that your own PEACE of mind, (whoops!)

 

[Simon]

I am at about 10 months and noticed the knees were starting to hurt more as well as my hips, After thinking about it for a bit I remembered I had put the bike seat down a notch to get some more bend in the knee and I tried to cut back on the aspirin. Took the seat back up to where it had been and started back on the aspirin and things are starting back to normal.

Simon

 

[Judles]

Glad you figured that out & that you're feeling better! Nice to hear from you again,Simon!! !)