Restless Legs and hot knee

[Shawn]

I just joined the forum 15 minutes ago after reading a number of posts. But couldn't see anything right away regarding my question(s). I had my left knee replaced middle of April - high flex zimmer- went back to work two weeks ago and am finding that tough. But my knee is still so warm to the touch and I just can't get comfortable at night when I go to bad - I toss and turn - toss and turn - I think it's because of the heat of my knee - or is it??? When does it cool down? Or does anybody else have some ideas on how to deal with the heat and the restlessness that it seems to create?Thanks

 

[Josephine]

So you returned to work at about 8-10 weeks, is that right? What is your job? Are you standing, walking about or sitting all day? Are you still keeping up with your pain meds?

A couple of things come to mind
1. warm to to touch and swelling tells me you're doing to much - far too much.
2. Also that you need to ice, elevate and rest more. Same with the discomfort at night. Just another form of pain for which you need meds.

It's so easy to think that once you've had this done and got the stitches out then it should be back to normal and getting on with life.

NO!

Recovering from a TKR can take weeks even months. Go easy on yourself, take pain meds, and use the BoneSmart mantra "ice, ice, ice, elevate, elevate, elevate and REST"!



Oh yes - and welcome to the forum!

 

[JenniferG]

Welcome. I agree with the night time discomfort. I had both knees done in mid march and it was just a couple/few weeks ago I stopped taking something at night. Night/end of day was the only time I was taking them. Restless leg sensation. After going all day they were just tired and needed a break. And for me, the pain med made me drowsy and to some degree knocked me out so I would sleep through any pain or even just restlessness. There is a lot to be said for being knocked out...
The warmth sensation may be over doing and also I think to some degree is normal healing mechanics going on inside. Eithher way as much rest combined with motion. Healing takes alot of energy and as Jo said TIME!

 

[Shawn]

Actually I stand,sit ,walk and drive - I'm in corporate sales in the telecom industry.I am taking Tramacet for pain but only when I really feel I need it - sometimes Advil will do the trick.The pain isn't so much in the knee , but the rest of my leg- hamstring tendons, ankle - foot -oh I could go on.I really appreciate your comments though that if it's still so hot to the touch it means I am doing too much. I had no idea. When I told the doctor he said"oh it's just healing,I don't want you trying out for a marathon though".I'm very careful or so I thought because it's cementless , I really want it to be attached. But thank you Josephine - It's the weekend - I will take it easy , ice it and be kind to myself. Thank you so much

 

[fisher]

I am also tossing and turning at night and my knee feels warm to the touch, its just over 4 months since my opbut I am feeling better then a couple of weeks ago. so glad I found this site happy belated 4th of july and canada day to you all .today is the 60th birthday of our fantastic nhs (national health service, the first hospital to start is 2 miles from where I live and where my daughter trained as a nurse , a big party going on with some of the nurses dressing in the uniforms of 60 years ago. so comforting to know all our treatments are free to all and I am still with the same gpfor over 30 years she is now my grandchildrens gp. I am going to walk to my local shop and see how far I can walk with just one stick regards pauline

 

[Rowdy66]

Josepiine is certainly right so I would listen to her. She is our leader and is very knowledgeable. I am going to be two months on the 13th and still ice and elevate and do my exercises religiously. Asked my OS when he released me how long I will need to and his advice was forever. Considering what a small price it is to pay to avoid the pain I had before surgery I will take his advice. Welcome to the Forum. Rowdy

 

[NJW]

Welcome to the sight. When I found it, I finally felt I wasn't alone in what I was feeling. I'm almost 4 weeks post BTKR. I've been progressing remarkably well. Today I feel alittle stiffer than usual but I've been walking and pedaling more and drove for the first time today. Icing is really important especially on those days when I over do. And sleeping; well I've given up on that right now. A successful night for me is when I can sleep for 2-3 hours, uninterrupted. Everyone says sleep will come, eventually. Pain meds don't make me sleepy. My PT suggested I ice really well just before gong to bed. That and my pain meds helps me through the first part of the night, anyway. Right now, I'm running out of patience, thinking I should be ready to resume normal life. How silly is that! This forum helps keep me grounded!!!

 

[aunt B]

Hi Shawn.

I'm just over 6 months post op and have had a "hot knee" too. My OS told me before the surgery that the elevated temp of the new knee is a normal side effect- the body has to adjust to a forign object. I could feel it "glowing" through my jeans. Mine (I have the Zimmer too) is just now beginnig to feel normal, temp wise, but sleep was a problem. After I could finally roll over and find a relatively comfy position, I found that I was so hot - like I was sleeping with a heating pad - but I'd kick the covers off and get cold... and so it went all night long. I can't say I ever found a solution, but in time I guess I just got used to it. All I can say is "this too shall pass".

Did you have "restless legs" (RLS) before surgery, or is it just from the heat?

Hang in there,
Aunt B

 

[Nursepair]

NJW....It is so tiring not being able to sleep, I know, been there, seen it, got the
T-Shirt!!. I found a body pillow was my life saver and I also took a natural pill for sleeping, called Sleep MD. It really relaxed me and I would get quite a few hours sleep.

It will pass eventually, promise!! Sue

 

[Linda2]

OK--I've read many references to body pillows. What does a person DO with a body pillow? How does it help you sleep? I need specifics!

 

[Nursepair]

Lay the body pillow beside you , turn on your side and drape your leg along it. You could do the same with a partner, but they move in the night and get all hot and sweaty!!