TKR What did I get myself into?

[Layla]

Oh and both my PT and OS appt are tomorrow afternoon but after a drive to Phoenix and back (about 5 hours total).

I really don't know how you're doing this at only about 5.5 weeks post op. Have you taken a drive this long yet since your TKR? I can only go by my recovery, but that is an awful long time in the small confines of a vehicle that doesn't allow for much stretching or moving. Even with stops to stretch and walk, it's a lot.

I'd skip this PT session if I were you. Let us know how your appt goes. All the best!

 

[WillB]

I did cancel my 3:15 PT to focus on my 4:30 6 week checkup. Appt went well but he does see the swelling. Says everything looks good. Did find out that just a mm or so of additional bone removal will reduce stiffness. He said in hindsite he could have done that with me. Interesting! But anyway all is good and next appointment set.

 

[EalingGran]

Glad it went well. Not surprised there was swelling after a long drive though.

 

[Layla]

Glad all is good, WillB. You may not be a fan, but icing and elevation should help with the swelling.
Hope your day is a good one!
@WillB

 

[sistersinhim]

Did find out that just a mm or so of additional bone removal will reduce stiffness.

Interesting, I've never heard this. I guess this would account for those that are permanently stiff. It wouldn't be the case for those whose swelling goes away as the knee heals.

 

[WillB]

Yes, with just a bit more space between upper and lowe insert the pieces move a bit easier but if too much space, the knee is not as stable. This from my about to retire surgeon. You may be right as to why some people end up with permanent stiffness

 

[sistersinhim]

with just a bit more space between upper and lowe insert the pieces move a bit easier but if too much space, the knee is not as stable.

That makes sense and that is why it is so important to have an experienced OS!

 

[WillB]

Quite a victory for me this morning. I actually was able, though cautiously, to play pickleball this morning at 6 weeks post op! I’ve played for 8 years so know the game well but it felt so good to get out on the courts. The knee felt pretty good and iced it when I got back home, but man it sure felt good!! May pay a little price tonight at bedtime, but I’ll take it!!

Update! 2 days of pickleball (Fri-Sat) was not a good idea in hindsight. Rested Sunday but today (Mon) with PT in about 30 mins my swelling has noticeably increased resulting in a pretty stiff knee! My BAD!! Don’t over exert even if you feel your knee is up to it. Looking for a lymphatic drainage massage therapist now

 

[sistersinhim]

Good for you!

 

[WillB]

Can’t find an answer to a question or two I have. I’m at 6 weeks and while both OS and PT folks say I’m doing well, I’m concerned about the continuous swelling I have. This swelling makes my knee tight and affects my ROM. Both my knee and lower thigh continue to be swollen. I do know that too much activity can affect swelling (pickleball 2 days straight didn’t help) but swelling and stiffness were there in spades before. I have been icing a bit more but not sure its making major improvements. We all have to deal with swelling, stiffness and pain. I’m still dealing with all 3 but small gains every week!

 

[trinket]

I'm at 12 weeks and still very swollen and stiff. Happily no pain anymore except the occasional ache that goes right away, and my ROM is good. My OS also says I'm doing fine. Other than more time, if you find an answer to help your stiffness, I'm all ears. I have gone back to the gym and like you it's very good for my mental health. Good luck.

 

[Flashlight]

Hi, I am around 6 1/2 months and have found the knee stiffness isn't as bad as it was at 6 and 12 weeks. Around my 4th month I could stand longer in the kitchen without having to take a break and my knee didn't swell up like it did before. Without overdoing you have to keep moving and it is a fine line between the two. I found if I don't move around enough or do the stationary bike it feels a bit stiff until I do. You will get there!

 

[beachy]

2 days of pickle ball on an already swollen knee?
I think you answered your own question.

 

[EalingGran]

I had absolutely no swelling or stiffness when I was in hospital recently on pretty much bed rest. Knee gave me no pain/ trouble at all. Back home and walking 8- 10000 steps again plus we have a lot of stairs- then I will be slightly hot/ swollen by the end of the day.
I agree with @beachy that your swelling is linked to ( over)activity.

 

[WillB]

2 days of pickle ball on an already swollen knee?
I think you answered your own question.

Yeah, you are right about that Beachy, but the 2 days on the court just increased the swelling and stiffness a little but sure hoping swelling and what pain I have befins to subside by week 12, which is my next appt with surgeon…

 

[WillB]

I'm at 12 weeks and still very swollen and stiff. Happily no pain anymore except the occasional ache that goes right away, and my ROM is good. My OS also says I'm doing fine. Other than more time, if you find an answer to help your stiffness, I'm all ears. I have gone back to the gym and like you it's very good for my mental health. Good luck.

Will be glad when the pain is gone!

 

[WillB]

I had absolutely no swelling or stiffness when I was in hospital recently on pretty much bed rest. Knee gave me no pain/ trouble at all. Back home and walking 8- 10000 steps again plus we have a lot of stairs- then I will be slightly hot/ swollen by the end of the day.
I agree with @beachy that your swelling is linked to ( over)activity.

Well certainly some of it for sure!

 

[sistersinhim]

I’m at 6 weeks and while both OS and PT folks say I’m doing well, I’m concerned about the continuous swelling I have. This swelling makes my knee tight and affects my ROM. Both my knee and lower thigh continue to be swollen.

Swelling is completely normal for at least 3-6 months. Every time a person gets up and moves around the knee can swell. The remedy is to ice and elevate as much as you need to get lower the swelling.

sure hoping swelling and what pain I have befins to subside by week 12

Just going to see the doctor will probably cause your knee to swell. Before even getting into the car you have to get ready to go. That's up time on your knee. Then you have the ride to get there, and the walk to the office. Then you sit and wait with your knee down. All this is going to cause your knee to swell. Take some ice packs with you to help that out.

 

[CricketHip]

Hi @WillB
I noticed your post on another member’s thread so I wanted to come to your thread to reply.
The swelling/inflammation that you are experiencing sounds frustrating.. and I do think some of your activities are aggravating the issue.

You would be a good candidate for Manual Lymphatic Drainage and was sorry to read your update about your appointment being canceled.
I would like to leave some techniques here for you to do for yourself while you wait to be rescheduled.
Doing them daily, even twice daily could be beneficial.
This might be what you need to counter some of that swelling and heat (inflammation).
I’m on my phone and it’s not letting me post more so will get my laptop and add the MLD stuff in the next post.

 

[CricketHip]

****
Take deep breaths.. deep, as in breathing in to a count of 3 or 4, whatever is best for you. hold it for another count of 3-4, then blow out completely, still using the count that's comfortable for you. A series of at least 6 of these could help get your excess swelling to move. To ensure you are taking proper deep breaths, place your hand on your naval and watch while taking in your breath, if doing this properly you should see your hand move up.

Then, as you slowly breath out, to the same count of either 3, 4 or 5 gently press down and slightly upwards with the palm of your hand.
Do this whenever you feel up to it during the day or night. The more supine that you can get in the recliner or bed, the more effective this can be.. you have lymph nodes located in your groin and sitting up too much can cause a restriction of the lymph flow.

You can, after the breathing, place your hands lightly on your upper thigh, right where the crease is in your groin and lightly stroke upwards towards your naval.
I did this quite a bit post op and while it takes a while for the body to wake up and respond, it will and it will help get the swelling moving.
The reason this can help is because many of our lymph nodes are located in our abdomen. Our breathing combined with moderate pressure over our naval can help to "prime" our lymph system.
****

Additional notes: you can reach down to your knee and lightly stroke upwards your groin after doing the steps above. Then lastly, gently pump the back of your knee in a rolling, upward motion towards the trunk of your body, using all 4 fingers of your hand and NO fingertips pressing in..

This can be effective if done daily.. use light pressure, no deep pushing. This isn't a no pain no gain thing.

I hope this helps!!