TKR Very long recovery

[Kml]

Hi, I had a TKR on Jan.10th so I am at 19 weeks with my new knee. The doctor straightened my bowed leg and had to add some extra spacers.The surgery did take longer than expected. I am at about 110 flexion and 0 extension. I am much better but I still have quite a bit of pain from both my knee and my shin. I can walk about 2 1/2 miles but then it really starts to hurt. I’m still icing every night and regularly take acetometaphin. I go to the gym and ride the stationary bike also. I am just surprised about how much it still aches. Is this normal or do you think I should check with my doctor.? I did PT until 3 weeks ago and don’t really want to start that again - it gets expensive!

 

[EalingGran]

I still like to ice at night at 7 months post my PKR. It is getting less necessary but I still get a bit warm and sore by evening and it helps me to get off to sleep.
I also had my leg straightened- but from severe valgus( knock knee). This meant that my MCL had been very stretched and this still gives me a bit of pain on stairs.
Not sure which ligaments you still have after a TKR but your tendons/ ligaments may still be adjusting to the new alignment.
I wouldn't worry too much so long as you can see gradual improvements- even if it is a bit up and down. I think leg strengthing exercise is important though to build up the quads/ glutes and protect the operated knee. I am moving back from private pilates therapy to regular group classes as these are obviously cheaper. Perhaps you could find some group sessions of pilates/ Tai Chi or PT that are cheaper than individual PT but not too strenuous for a post op knee?

 

[EalingGran]

My pilates teacher who is excellent, also has a lot of free classes on YouTube. I regularly do her 20 minute side lying ( no squats) glute strengthening class which is designed to be safe after injury. You can find it if you put Katja pilates glutes into Google.

 

[Jockette]

I can walk about 2 1/2 miles but then it really starts to hurt. I’m still icing every night and regularly take acetometaphin. I go to the gym and ride the stationary bike also. I am just surprised about how much it still aches.

Hi and Welcome!

It seems you may be doing a bit more activity than your healing knee is ready for, and this pain is telling you that. This recovery takes an average of a year, so you still have a ways to go, and it’s quite a balancing act to do enough activity but not upset the knee.

I would take a break from exercising for a while, and just do your daily activities, and let your knee heal some more, then gradually get back to an exercise routine that you like.

I will leave you 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 all people are 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: The 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

2. Control discomfort:

rest​

elevate​

ice​

take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!)​

don't overwork.​

​

If you want to use something to help heal the incision, ​

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.​

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.​

​

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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​

6. Access to these pages on the website

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Oral And Intravenous Pain Medications​

Wound Closure​

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 the 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 the member’s history before providing advice, so please post any updates or questions you have right here in this thread.

 

[Kml]

My pilates teacher who is excellent, also has a lot of free classes on YouTube. I regularly do her 20 minute side lying ( no squats) glute strengthening class which is designed to be safe after injury. You can find it if you put Katja pilates glutes into Google.

Thank you! I am going to look for those classes. I do think everything needs strengthenping.

 

[Kml]

Whoops! Strengthening