Swollen Knee

[Sylvia]

This is my sixth week after surgery and my knee is still swollen. I do my exercises diligently, see my pt three times a week, and ice regularly....but it is still swollen. My doctor says some people just heal slower. Are any of you out there in recuperation land having the same problem? Have you had any success getting the swelling to go down? Sometimes my knee gets so tight I feel like the tin man in the Wizard of Oz.

 

[brs0660]

Welcome to BoneSmart. Many folks here have experienced swelling as far out as a year.

I am about six months out now...still have some swelling right around my knee cap but otherwise I am doing well. At six weeks, I started back to work and my knee bothtmy legs looked like baloons. It took lots of ice and elevation to get them back to normal (as well as my diuretic which I had discountinued with the docs permission for a few weeks).

When you ice, feel free to ice longer than the 15 minute usually suggested. Be sure to ice the entire area around the knee (don't forget the back). Elevation means getting those legs higher than the level of your heart...try a wedge or a stack of pillows or blankets.

Hope any of this helps you
Again...welcome

 

[cindy88fan]

Your swelling is very common. Do not worry. Just keep icing and elevating. Are you taking an anti-inflammatory? I am 10 weeks out and I have swelling still. I went back to work 4 weeks ago and it got worse but I'm working on getting it back under control. I know exactly what you mean when you say you feel like the tin man...just keep working at your ROM and ride the bike. I found the bike made a huge difference on the tightness of the swelling.

 

[calling_all_angels]

Sylvia,
You are doing good, elevate and ice. It will get better 6 weeks is still
early. I noticed a bigger difference around the 12th week. But if I am
on my legs to much they will still swell up. But that is still better then not
being able to do anything without pain.

 

[FrogFeathers]

I have a pre-existing problem with edema (all over, but it starts in my legs). My surgical leg will still get some swelling, but it is mild in comparison to how I was at first. I rarely ice anymore (though I have a big ice pack called "Peas" that looks like little blue frozen peas) but I do elevate as needed. (I'm just over six months out). Someone mentioned the 12th week- if I recall, that's about the time I noticed a marked improvement in almost everything related to the surgery. And now, my swelling doesn't affect my overall ROM- at least, not in the sense that it inconveniences my life.

And for what its worth- anti-inflammatories didn't help me at all, they just exacerbated my swelling issue. (so don't lose faith if that happens to you).

 

[beth1954]

I love those ice packs called "peas!"

 

[FrogFeathers]

I was looking for something I could lay over my shoulder (got a bit of bursitis action going on from having to use my cane!) and it works great on the knee too.
:thmb:

 

[ship4]

This is my sixth week after surgery and my knee is still swollen. I do my exercises diligently, see my pt three times a week, and ice regularly....but it is still swollen. My doctor says some people just heal slower. Are any of you out there in recuperation land having the same problem? Have you had any success getting the swelling to go down? Sometimes my knee gets so tight I feel like the tin man in the Wizard of Oz.

Sylvia,
I notice you have not mentioned elevating the knee above your heart..... Try that as it is a vital part of recovery.
R = Rest
I = Ice
C = Compression (ted stockings)
E = Elevate
Hope this helps!

 

[Sylvia]

Thanks for the advice and encouragement.

Sylvia

 

[Jamie]

Sylvia, these guys gave you great advice. Rest, ice, elevate and take anti-inflammants on a schedule both day and night for a while and it will get better. I had some swelling for up to 6 months...it really varies from person to person.

 

[Texas]

Hi Sylvia nothing to add they said it all it is common im 6mth and still have some swelling........not alot by any means.....take care i wish you the best !!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Josephine]

TKrs + surgery = swelling! Can't avoid it! Make sure you keep on top of your pain. Pain causes swelling and swelling is painful! Vicious circle.