TKR Veronica's TKR Recovery

[vonjpo]

Maybe when I log in with my Facebook account. Not sure why. I changed it on the bonesmart site.

 

[vonjpo]

Whenever I sit any time over 30 minutes when I stand the pain is awful on straightening leg. I was 4 weeks on Monday and I am at a -8/90. I am doing heel props on a pillow and also on a chair; this extension is as hard to achieve as a functional ROM. When does it get better?

 

[Celle]

It's only been a month since your surgery, Veronica. Your ROM is fine for this stage in your recovery. There's no need to worry about it, because ROM can continue to improve for a year, or even longer, after a knee replacement.

It often takes longer to achieve straightening (extension) than it does to achieve bending (flexion). Just let your knee take its time. It's still in the very early stage of healing right now. I'm sure that you're going to achieve all the ROM that you want - but it's not going to happen quickly.

 

[charmed-life]

Veronica, I have the same thing - if I've been sitting with it bent (mine just goes to 80 so far) it hurts to straighten but goes away in a couple of steps. My PT is not concerned with that.



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[kneeper]

Yes, I'd say that sounds perfectly normal at this stage. It can last a long time, but gets gradually better.

 

[vonjpo]

Still using walker and 2 crutches when out. PT says leg not strong enough yet for cane. Is that common at almost 7 weeks post op. Will be 8 weeks on the 1st of April.

 

[vonjpo]

Any tips on helping regain a normal gait? I had already been limping and unable to bend my knee properly due to meniscus tears for which I had 2 meniscectomy surgeries in a 9 month period.

 

[Celle]

Firstly, your PT should be able to show you how to improve your gait. That's part of her/his job.

Your gait should improve as your extension increases. Try to walk so that you strike the ground with your heel first, then gradually roll your foot forward, until you push off with your toes. Like this:

It will help with your extension if you try to lengthen your stride, too.

By the way, there's nothing wrong with continuing to use the walker, if it helps to improve your gait.

 

[vonjpo]

He does try to help me train; I was looking for some extra tips. I've walked with a limp and straight leg for almost a year so I have developed bad habits, like raising my hip on the affected side. Also, my quad is still very weak and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it as well. The stiffness is my worst problem; I just can't figure out why I can't keep my knee flexible. Very very frustrating.

 

[vonjpo]

Wondering why I'm not getting any replies.

 

[charmed-life]

I have similar stiffness - just wish that at least what rom I have would stay rather than have to work up to it all the time!


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[kneeper]

For me it took paying attention and lots of time and practice to improve my gait. Normal feels odd at first.

 

[Celle]

Wondering why I'm not getting any replies.

May be because of the time you posted? There are times when none of the staff are on line.

The stiffness is my worst problem; I just can't figure out why I can't keep my knee flexible. Very very frustrating.

There's nothing wrong. The answer is that your knee is still stiff because you are still early in recovery. It will gradually loosen up as time goes by but, for now, I'm afraid you have to be patient.
Swollen and stiff knee: what causes it?

 

[vonjpo]

Okay PT pushed my knee really hard today with me on my stomach and the knee is very tight. I haven't had this feeling before. A little concerned. Was finally able to do a full revolution on the bike today. Only at 90 and will make my 2 month mark on the 1st. Extension is -6 as well.

 

[charmed-life]

I just got a revolution in the bike today too - same surgery date! Putting up with pain from PT because it's known I form adhesions and they form in a few weeks - making slow progress at least...


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[vonjpo]

hooray for us

 

[charmed-life]

Yeah, wish we were both moving better though. But I actually was really pleased at the accomplishment. I tried it right after loosening up on my CPM machine.


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[vonjpo]

How is the movement in your knee. Mine is really tight the past couple of days; not sure why. PT is adding extra exercises next week I believe to help with my flexion. I plan to go back to work on May 2nd which will be 12 weeks post surgery. PT said not unless my flexion is better.

 

[Timetolive]

Do you have extra swelling? Swelling can be on the inside and not show. You said PT pushed you really hard. That could have inflammed your knee and made it tight. Are you icing regularly and elevating? I am sorry you are having this problem. It will get better, but don't let PT push you to the point of pain. It does not help. Believe me, I learned that lesson.

 

[Celle]

Okay PT pushed my knee really hard today with me on my stomach and the knee is very tight. I haven't had this feeling before. A little concerned.

How is the movement in your knee. Mine is really tight the past couple of days; not sure why. PT is adding extra exercises next week I believe to help with my flexion.

Cause and effect?

Don't allow your PT to push on your knee and you don't need to increase the number or type of exercises.
I think you need to look at these articles:
TKR: work “smarter” and not “harder”
Knee recovery - Lose the Work Ethic!!
Life in the slow lane