TKR Riverdawg post tkr

[Riverdawg]

Hello. TKR 13 days ago, swelling in my leg and foot. Pain is hell. I can walk and do all my pt but afterward, everything swells. I get muscle spasms in my thigh and hamstring. Pain meds don't work and I'm having a tough time. Any suggestions?

 

[Layla]

Hello and Welcome to recovery!
Please share the exact date of your surgery and which knee was replaced so we’re able to create a signature for you.

I am sorry you’re off to a rough start. You may want to step away from the PT for awhile, concentrate on rest, icing and elevation which should help with the swelling and pain. You can ice as often as you like, for as long as you want, taking care to always place fabric between bare skin and the ice source. If the spasms continue, you may want to consider Magnesium.

Magnesium supports the following:
Bone health
Healthy blood sugar
Cardiovascular health
Muscle relaxation and nerves
Promotes healthy sleep (falling asleep and staying asleep)

An article on Magnesium -
https://bonesmart.org/forum/threads/magnesium-is-a-star.20301/

Drinking 4-6 oz of Q-Tonic before bed which is a water that contains quinine may help also. Read the label as some of the waters do not contain quinine, but quinine flavoring instead.

I will leave our Recovery Guidelines also, with wishes for your comfort. I hope you find some relief soon. Please stay in touch and let us know how you’re doing.

 

[Layla]

KNEE RECOVERY GUIDELINES

As you begin healing, please keep in mind that each recovery is unique. While the BoneSmart philosophy successfully works for many, there will be exceptions. Between the recommendations found here, your surgeon's recovery protocol and any physical therapy you may engage in, the key is to find what works best for you.

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​

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.

 

[sistersinhim]

Layla is right. Now is not the right time to be doing PT. Just walking to the bathroom, kitchen, bedroom, etc is enough PT for your newborn knee. And that's what it is and should be treated as such. Doing your daily activities around the house is plenty of exercise for your knee for the first month or so.

That swelling and pain after PT is an indication that your knee is not ready for those movements yet. Every knee is different. What's good for one person may not be good for you. Even on the same body the two knees react differently to a TKR. Find what works best for you and don't worry about doing repetitious exercises. They will only anger your knee and cause setbacks.

 

[sistersinhim]

Please give us the exact date of your TKR and tell us which knee it was. I will add this information to your signature for you and add you to the March Knee Recovery Team Thread. I need the exact date to be able to do this.

 

[Riverdawg]

The date was March 1 and it's my right knee. Thank you for the reply. This seems to be a lot more than I thought it would be, I just push on to the next day thank you

 

[Flashlight]

Isn't that the truth! Most of us feel/felt this way too! If you have the chance check out Mettleinside's post. He had his surgery a few days before you did. The first couple of weeks are the worst! Hang in there!

 

[sistersinhim]

Thank you for your date. Again, don't push, you will only set yourself back.

 

[HaylingIslander]

Hi there, I started to improve after the first couple of weeks. I did not feel my pain was well controlled, but then I'm not sure that is a realistic expectation at first.
I think this is more than we all bargain for but it gets better.
I can testify to that. I'm now at 8 weeks and pain is mostly dull ache after exercise, and I can now drive again!

 

[Layla]

Happy One Month Anniversary!
Hopefully you notice little improvements week by week. It does slowly get better.
Hang in there and look forward to a great Summer 2023!
@Riverdawg

 

[Layla]

Happy Three Month Anniversary!
How are you doing? We'd love to know. Please consider leaving an update next time you're around.
Wishing you the best and hope to hear from you soon!
@Riverdawg