TKR Non operative knee

[Denshe]

Hello!
I had my first total knee done 4 years ago and I just recently had the other one done on July 18th. I’m 6 weeks out and making progress, but the knee I had replaced a few years ago has been sore and achy. Am I correct in assuming that’s it’s probably from all the extra work that has been put on it recently. It’s stressing me out. I’ve been icing that one a bit too

 

[mendogal]

Yep, it's doing so much work!

 

[benne68]

to BoneSmart, @Denshe! Glad you found us.

Please let us know which knee was done in 2019 and which was done in July so we can create a signature for you.

Sorry to read that your "old" new one is bothering you, but -- as you suggest -- it is most likely that it's protesting because it's taking an extra load right now.

Even though this is not your first TKR, I will share our Recovery Guidelines. Each article is short but very informative. Following these guidelines will help you have a less painful recovery.

Just keep in mind we are all different, as are the approaches to this recovery and rehab. The key is, “Find what works for you.“ Your doctors, PTs and BoneSmart are available to help, but you are the final judge as to the recovery approach you choose.

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.

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.

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
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.

 

[Denshe]

I had my left knee done in 2019, right one in July!

 

[sistersinhim]

Yep, it's quite common to have the opposite knee start complaining when the new TKR happens. As it heals and takes on some more work, the old knee should feel better.

 

[EalingGran]

but the knee I had replaced a few years ago has been sore and achy. Am I correct in assuming that’s it’s probably from all the extra work that has been put on it recently. It’s stressing me out. I’ve been icing that one a bit too

I am sure this is right. My unoperated knee is pretty good ( just the moderate OA I have in every joint I have had MRIs on!). But my unoperated side hip has been playing up at times since my PKR. My surgeon says this hip is actually in much better shape than the hip on my PKR side ( which he reckons will need doing at some point). However, even though I have no obvious limp and seem to walk straight- I reckon I am still ( at 10 months) putting a bit more weight on my unoperated side. I wish I could measure this unevenness. I believe Apple smart watches can do this- but my Fitbit and Samsung phone can't.
My pain in the opposite hip is settling and I am sure your knee will too.

 

[Axx72]

I can totally understand how you feel. After my Right TKR in 2022, I always try to do my best to be optimistic about moving forward but there is always that feeling in the back of my mind where compensation symptoms will start showing up in the opposite knee. Consequently, I try to keep that possibility within the scope of activity I do, staying away from motions I know originally aggravated my TKR side.

An ounce of prevention is worth a gallon of reaction or however the saying goes. If you keep that in mind, it will definitely increase joint longevity. Stay away from the ODIC(overdoit club) if you can help it

As @benne68 mentioned above, Welcome to the Club.

 

[Denshe]

I seem to be a constant member of the ODIC..I did too much yesterday and was feeling okish this morning so I decided to browse a store for a couple hours. Yeah, wrong move. You would think I would know better by now‍.

 

[sistersinhim]

It's a learning thing. You will soon realize what you can and can't do. It's no fun being in the ODIC!

 

[Layla]

Happy Two Month Anniversary!
Hopefully you're out of the ODIC by now, never to return
Have a wonderful week and stay in touch. We love updates.
@Denshe