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Knee Replacement: Stiffness and Pain
Specific Q&A
One question had to do with continued stiffness after a routine total knee replacement done approximately 8 months ago.
Let's look at some of the questions about stiffness and lack of function. Eight months after a knee replacement, it can be common to have varying degrees of stiffness especially after a long day of activity. You can also expect some persistent pain/discomfort. Why is this? One of the reasons is the we need to distinguish between stiffness or pain coming from a real problem or the natural course of your unique knee replacement.
What are some of the real problems that can cause knee stiffness or persistent pain?
1. Early infection
2. A surgical error in technical aspects (not as common as you may think)
3. A fracture of the patella or tibia
What are some "natural course" issues?
Each patient perceives pain differently. One person's floor is another's ceiling. Pain to you may be mild- the same pain to another is perceived as severe. Think of the analogy of dental work. Some people have it with no local anesthesia- I for one feel I need general anesthesia just for a cleaning. So I am a wimp when it comes to dental pain. Sue me. Oops, on second thought don't sue anyone.
Your disease prior to surgery was so severe that the results actually are a bit worse after knee replacement in these patients. We know that motion after surgery is correlated to your motion before surgery. Also, if your ligaments prior to surgery were so stretched out then it will probably be loose after surgery. A surgeon can't make gold from lead.
My advice to the persistently painful and or stiff - make sure there is no mechanical or real disease cause for the problem with evaluations, second opinions, and objective testing. If it is all negative, schedule an extended appointment with your surgeon to discuss your feelings (wow - what an amazing concept) about where you are and where you expect to be.
Related Topics: How Bad Is Your Knee Pain?, Arthritis Supplements in Question
One question had to do with continued stiffness after a routine total knee replacement done approximately 8 months ago.
Let's look at some of the questions about stiffness and lack of function. Eight months after a knee replacement, it can be common to have varying degrees of stiffness especially after a long day of activity. You can also expect some persistent pain/discomfort. Why is this? One of the reasons is the we need to distinguish between stiffness or pain coming from a real problem or the natural course of your unique knee replacement.
What are some of the real problems that can cause knee stiffness or persistent pain?
1. Early infection
2. A surgical error in technical aspects (not as common as you may think)
3. A fracture of the patella or tibia
What are some "natural course" issues?
Each patient perceives pain differently. One person's floor is another's ceiling. Pain to you may be mild- the same pain to another is perceived as severe. Think of the analogy of dental work. Some people have it with no local anesthesia- I for one feel I need general anesthesia just for a cleaning. So I am a wimp when it comes to dental pain. Sue me. Oops, on second thought don't sue anyone.
Your disease prior to surgery was so severe that the results actually are a bit worse after knee replacement in these patients. We know that motion after surgery is correlated to your motion before surgery. Also, if your ligaments prior to surgery were so stretched out then it will probably be loose after surgery. A surgeon can't make gold from lead.
My advice to the persistently painful and or stiff - make sure there is no mechanical or real disease cause for the problem with evaluations, second opinions, and objective testing. If it is all negative, schedule an extended appointment with your surgeon to discuss your feelings (wow - what an amazing concept) about where you are and where you expect to be.
Related Topics: How Bad Is Your Knee Pain?, Arthritis Supplements in Question
70 Comments:
Arthritis Treatment Using Surgical Methods :
Arthritis treatment using surgical measures is the final option for arthritis relief. Arthritis medications are the first defense against arthritis pain and swelling, but if the arthritis medication fail to solve the problem, many doctors will suggest a surgical measure for arthritis treatment.
A Person who is considering a surgical procedure for arthritis treatment should consult a physician for expressing concerns, gathering information and also discuss all of the any potential risks involved with the surgical process as well as all of the alternative arthritis treatment measures.
Some doctors prescribe blood-thinning medication and advise you to do various joint movement activities or exercises before surgical arthritis treatment in order to increase circulation.
Osteotomy Arthritis Treatment
Osteotomy is an arthritis treatment process that makes an actual cut in the bone, most generally to correct youth abnormality like in the knee or hip. Osteotomy arthritis treatment helps with pain relief, re-alignment, stabilization and the delaying of joint replacement alternatives for up to 10 years.
Arthroscopy Arthritis Treatment
With the improved use of technology, Arthroscopy arthritis treatment is gaining popularity. In Arthroscopy arthritis treatment specialized instruments are inserted into the joint by means of tiny incisions.
The operating physician has helping staff members during the surgery who assist the computerized monitoring and some handling of the instruments. The doctor can see the joint on closed-circuit television and make repairs to it, while talking through a microphone.
The patient not only has physical results, but also has a video with audio record of the entire surgery process for insurance and other records. Arthroscopy is often performed on an outpatient basis. Generally the recovery time is much less than other “open” surgery.
Arthrodesis Arthritis Treatment
Arthrodesis arthritis treatment is the joining together or fusion of joint bones. The progression of the disease can be stopped at the point of fusion and the arthritis pain can be ended with the help of Arthrodesis arthritis treatment.
The operated area will be able to handle weight and offer general movement but it will result to loss of the joint’s flexibility. In other words, the joint may not be 360-degree-flexible any longer, but there will be some lesser-degree of flexibility overall without pain.
For more information about Arthritis Treatment Using Surgical Methods can be found at :
http://www.arthritis-treatment-guide.com
i have had total replacement of both knees, and the other day i fell(tripped) and one of my legs is now haveing sharp shooting pains just below the knee...any suggestions
my suggestion is to go and see your Doctor knee replacement is a very successful surgery but needs to be monitored and looked after.
I had knee replacement 3 months ago. I was fine until about A month ago,now I have swelling and pain. Is this common?
6weeks after routine total knee replacement,3 DVT.scans,blood tests,x-rays later show no infection or DVT.But inflamation is accute,outer side of knee completely numb,feels like a tight band around knee@calf,whole area v. swollen with accute pain on exercising,degrees of movement not improving. Am exercising,icing,elevating,have hydrotherapy weekly.Have Asthma so most anti-inflamatory drugs are out.Does anyone have any suggestions?
Hi Beth,
For feedback from others on your own situation, please post to our Arthritis and Joint Pain: Support Group message board. :-)
I had Total knee replacement 18 months ago I have sever swelling and pain in my right knee I had a x-ray to check the knee replacements and everything was in place. I ent to se my family doctor and thought maybe I could have an infection or possibly a blood clot. he put me on antibyotics and ordered a ultersound anyone know or have had this problem? Judy
I had a total knee replacement in June 05. I have continued pain, swelling, across the top of my knee pulls and burns and hurts. Then I can fell it making noise when I walk and also you can actually put your hand on the knee and i can move it and you can feel it moving and popping. it gets so bad at times when i walk that i get into tears and cant hardly take another step untill i shake my leg to make my knee pop again. is this happening to anyone else?
and the doctor that did the surgery said there is nothing wrong. Icant believe that.
I had total knee replacement 6 years ago. I have had problems ever since. I even had a calcium deposit develop that required surgery to clean the prosthesis. I Now have severe pain in the thigh and the surgeon keeps telling me that I have spinal stenosis that is causing the pain in my thigh. Any solutions out there?
I HAD total knee replacement in2000,iam doing great!IAM 6oyears old now,iam slowing down some,because of other health problems,but; i always exercise legs,everyday!
My husband had total replacement on April 3,2007. The following day he blacked out and fell in the bathroom of his hospital room. This has set his recovery back. He was never able to get his knee bent to the 95 degrees wanted before he left the hospital, and his physical therapist couldn't do any better. He had his leg manipulated a week ago (May 7) and is using a CPM machine. He doesn't seem to be getting any better. He's in a lot of pain and the knee still isn't bending like it should. Any suggestions?
I am so glad I found this site! I had total knee replacement 8 monts ago & the pains is minimal but the swelling is bad. It seems to be getting worse at times, My ankle and feet swell worse than they did when I sprained it. The skin is so tight up my leg it is shiny. Since I know others have the same problem? I have to get the other knee done & considering changing DRS.
I had bi-later TKR on April 11,2007. I've done great! My surgeon used the CPM machine at the hospital & I had one at home for 2 weeks. I had PT at the hospital, home PT for 3 weeks, OP PT for 3 weeks. I went back to work full time in the 9th week after surgery. I am 53 years old & must say PT was no picnic, but neither is a wheel chair. I still have some swelling (I used ice cuffs on both knees for 6 weeks). These cuffs came home with me from the hospital. I still have to take PM every 6 to 8 hrs depending on my activity level. The doctor has me on Vicodin after starting me with Tylox (great stuff). I would say to anyone find a doctor that feels good about doing this surgery on you & go for it. I'm glad I did.
Hi, I have had a problem with both knees tried all sorts of medication, creams lotions and potions - even injections and physiotherapy but to no avail-
It stops me from cycling and other hobbies, even shopping has really become a chore although I still do go - I have talked to my Dr. and the usual perscription that gives side effects so I tried the Magnetic Therapy that has helped but the stiffness is so bad - so has anyone any ideas? Jo Southport U.K.
I had a total knee replacement about 10 years ago when I was 14. I am 24 and have not had ANY problems with my leg until the last week when everytime I bend down and try to come back up my knee pops out. It is driving me insane. I have two children so I am constantly bending down to pick up something. The last week I come half way up and just fall back down. It hurts really bad until it pops back. I don't know if I should go to the dr. now or wait to see if it stops. I go to the YMCA a lot and I am afraid that it is gonna give out when I am on a treadmill or something.
9 weeks after total knee replacement of arthritic right knee. Continues to feel like like a tight band around knee, with pins sticking on right side of incision, also scar is very sensitive. Staple removal was very painful. Now feels like skin is on too tight. Sometimes burns. Can hardly move/bend knee after couple hours sleep. Accute pain on exercising to push beyond 75 degrees & movement not improving. Doctor now plans manipulation next week. I am worried. No MRI or Xray has been done since I left hospital. Wouldn't this help doctor to determine what is going on? Should I get a second opinionn before consenting to the manipulation?
I had total replacement knee surgery in April of 2005 along with replacement of patella that had been removed years ago. Postop pain, redness and swelling were very significant. After being transferred to PT no doctor checked my incision which was still draining on discharge even though the discharge summary from the hospital stated my incision was clean and dry! I was readmitted on 4/22/05 with cellulitis and necrotic tissue, erythema, swelling, and the impression of fluid in the subcutaneous tissues of knee joint. underwent re-opening of the total knee. A plastic surgeon debrided the necrotic tissue, an organizing clot was removed and cultures were taken. On June 9 I was re-admitted again with infected right total knee prosthesis, eroded patella tendon and again cultures were taken. This grew pseudomonas. The artificial patella was removed and extensive debridement was performed leaving the knee incision totally open into which antibiotics were given directly as well as IV. I was taken back to surgery on several occasions and finally underwent a gastrocnemius muscle flap with split thickness skin grafting from the opposite leg. Postoperatively my course was complicated by pseudo-obstruction of the colon which resulted in violent emesis and insertion of a nasogastric tube for 5 days. Throught this I was on almost complete bed rest due to the open wound. I was discharged on 6/28 and underwent 6 week course of antibiotics through a PICC line as an outpatient. The incision healed completely after the procedure. On 10/31 I was again admitted to the hospital for infected right total knee prosthesis and underwent removal of same with more cultures for pseudomonas, placement of a Hickman catheter, insertion of an antibiotic impregnated spacer and 6 weeks inpatient hospitalization for antibiotic treatment. The spacer became dislocated shortly after this surgical procedure and the only thing holding my leg together was what was left of the patellar tendon and the skin. On Jan 30 of 2006 I again underwent total knee replacement. Finally with 6 weeks of hyperbaric oxygen treatment ending in June of that year my leg was healed. I have a leg that is very painful, swelling of the lower leg, ankle and foot and have fallen a number of times because I have to walk with the knee totally locked to prevent it from going forward with no control. I do have a brace that helps somewhat but cannot wear at all times due to the swelling. My life has changed to an almost invalid because of these problems. With at least 8 surgeries on the same site of course my circulation is impaired and I am very unhappy with what I have had to go through to get to this wonderful point!
I had scope surgery at the end of June for what my knee doctor thought would be an mendiscus repair. As it turned out, I had a "micro fracture" involving a large part of my knee cartilage missing in my left knee. On this website, there is a great article about how doctors are grafting cartilage from other areas of the knee to fix the missing cartilage. But my doctor did a newer procedure where he drills into the bone to make it bleed and create scar tissue. I was on crutches for 7 weeks to allow the area to "heal". It is now 3 1/2 months later. I went through 6 weeks of therapy twice a week. But I am still finding it painful to do a 2 mile walk. My left knee always feels very heavy. My ankle aches from walking for any extended period. Has anyone else gone through this surgery for micro fracture? How long was the recovery? Is this procedure better than the grafting cartilage?
THANKS!
TERRI
had tkr in march 2007 . knee is still every painful. had a manipulation last week now i have pain in my calf and my thigh it hurts bad at night cant sleep good at all. anybody else have this trouble?
I had a total left knee replacement 8 months ago. I worked with a phy therapist then a personal trainer. I worked with a phy therapist again as my trainer wasn't helping. She'd push me to 110 degrees and 2 degrees, but I had pain every day. My Dr told me to stop seeing the phy therapist as I was getting nowhere and should work on my own. I'm not good at working daily on my own. Three weeks ago my knee became somewhat enlarged so I quit working out. My range of motion is poor and I'm getting no better.
Anyone else in this situation?
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To the commenter above:
Please feel free to repost your comment without referring to your doctors by name.
You may also want to visit our Joint Replacement message board to post your question.
One other request? When you post on the message board, be sure to use lower case rather than upper case letters. Use of all caps is considered "shouting".
Thanks so much!
My mother had a knee replacement in June 2007. She has also had two manipulations and in September 2007the doctor went back in and removed scar tissue and keloid. His comment was that in his 20-30 years he has never seen anything so bad. Yes, she has had therapy everyday along with a CPM machine at home. At this present time her range of motion is 53 degrees. The scar tissue and keloid is all in the inside of her knee. Please respond. Concerned daughter.
m 24 and due to a motorcycle accident im getting my first total knee replacement of the left knee along with a mid foot bone fusion. im doing research and everything says that even 50 years old is young for a replacement, and im only 24 does this mean im gonna have about 5 more tkr after this one? the doc dosent think that they will last the estimated 10-15 years and it will last more like 4-7 if im lucky. im a highly active 150ibs male who up till now usta work construction. i got t boned when a 16 year old girl blew a stop sign and t boned me at 60mph. i had 22 breaks in 9 diffrent bones below the waist, it still hurts just to write it down. doese anybody have any imput? grantyonke@yahoo.com
I had a total knee replacement on 11/15/08-after five weeks, I'm walking ok-without a cane at home, with a cane outdoors-my knee still feels stiff-my physicians assistant says this isn't normal and I should have more surgery to remove scar tissues-but surgery produces more scar tissues-help?
Linda K.
I had total knee replacement in January 07 and my knee is in excellent condition - no pain - no swelling etc. I can bend it 125 degrees. I had one of the best surgeons work on me and I am going to have my other knee replaced. I used a CPM machine for 4 weeks and had 2 months of PT. I had the Stryker knee installed and I am 63 yrs old and my husband had his knee replaced in Aug 07 and is in better shape than I am. KUDOS to my doctor and therapist.
I had TKR on my left knee 12/7/07 and my docter is very pleased with my progress. I went to him for my first visit one day shy of two weeks and he told me I could drive. He couldn't believe how well I had progressed. My PT was also very pleased with my progress. I also was on the CPM and used it as instructed. It is 6 weeks today that I had surgery and I am very pleased with my progress. I am neither in good shape nor do I exercise. I am very much overweight and have many other health problems- looking at TKR on the right knee, a fourth operation on my back as it is broken and needs a plate, screws, and pins (not looking forward to that one), and a InterStim surgery. I have the Stryker knee, as that is what my doctor uses. I am still somewhat swollen and stiff, and when I overdo it it gets bad. I have learned to adjust my activities to what I can do without getting overworked. I am also not a spring chicken. I am 60 years old and the grandmother of 7 wonderful kids. You just have to remember to only do what you are capable of and not overdo. Its a hard thing to do, but do it we must.
Lynn
I had a full knee replacement 6 months ago and 2 months ago the knee started swelling and has considerable pain with fluid on the knee. Tests show negative for infection or bacterial problems. Xrays show an almost perfect replacement. Also the new knee makes a popping noise when walking or just bending. The popping doesn't hurt. When standing and slightly bending the knee Iget a sharp shooting pain which is debilitating. What could be the problem(s)?
I have been told by orthopedic doctors that my knees both need replacing. My problem is trying to decide what knee is the best. The Oxford, The Stryker. The Otis. or the Zimmer.
I had a total knee replacement on October 8th, 2007. It is now three and one half months and I have numbness totally on the kneecap and when I walk, I have a constant clicking in the front of the knee. Also, if I move my knee from side to side, there is a multible clicking. Is this normal and what could be done about this, if anything.
My husband had total knee replacement surgery 10 weeks ago and he can only bend his knee 60 degrees but he can straight it 0 degrees,his in a lot of pain in his quadriceps and his heel is sore...what should he do about the pain and should he consider manipulation? if so what is the risk...please reply im really worried...
My husband had total knee replacement surgery 10 weeks ago and he can only bend his knee 60 degrees but he can straight it 0 degrees,his in a lot of pain in his quadriceps and his heel is sore...what should he do about the pain and should he consider manipulation? if so what is the risk...please reply im really worried...
I am 47 yo and my knees are very bad. I have had my right one scoped out but still have a lot of pain. My left one had reconstructive surgery in 1974 and had given me no problems until the last year. When I get up it's a coin toss as to which one I will limp on for the first two steps. I have to sleep in a soft brace to minimize the pain so I can sleep. I participated in a medical trial at Boston University and had to wear a special brace for 6 weeks. It was incredible! The pain went away by the second day and I had very little discomfort during the time I wore the brace. I have since completed my study and the bace was given to me but it doesn't seem to have that magic anymore. The pain is almost unbearable. I have two shots in my right knee to date and may try one more and one in the left knee for now. I'm trying to hold out until next year before pursuing the replacement option. Any suggestions?
Hi Im Viv, had a fractured patella, Doc went in flipped it out removed a bone chunk , then replaced patella. 2 weeks later tore the menicus, have recovered from that I guess went today still in pain he has sent me for an MRI, is this situation normal?: I keep reading about all the multiple surgeries, then to no avail, end up with the tkr...what do you guys think...Oh I did have the artho surgery to fix the tear. I'm four weeks out from that. So now I have to wait on mri results but knee feels terrible, changed my oxycodone to tramadol, and this stuff doesnt work at all. Pain is about an 8 right now...any suggestions?:
I had TKR done in March 07. I had thigh pain caused from the tourniquet right after surgery.I struggled with PT for the first few weeks and got no where with range of motion. Then 2 manipulations, still only 90 degrees.Oh and I have not had a good nights sleep since the surgery. I was very active and was looking forward to being painfree and biking, hiking, golfing, and living a normal life. I have daily pain, burning and STAIRS forget it! I work 50-60 hrs. a week and have to take pain med.daily and hate taking it.Quality of life sucks! At least before TKR I could still do most all of things I love to do in pain. Now with no range of motion I can do nothing. I was lead to believe that "after the surgery I would wonder why I had not had it done sooner!" NOT I'm not sure what to do now. I've been so depressed and have gained weight. I walk like I'm 90 because I'm so afraid of falling and bending my knee past the 90 Degrees. It just goes on...
I had complete knee replacement on my right knee 5 weeks ago. I am 50 yrs old. Following 2 weeks in rehab and 3 weeks of physical therapy at home, I can bend my knee at 126 degrees. Although this is very good after such a short time, I have severe burning and clicking in my knee. The burning inside sometimes feels like an inferno and wakes me up some nights. I take care of the outside burning and swelling with icing, icing and more icing. The icing is what keeps me going right now and keeps the burning to a minimum. I walk with a cane right now because my knee tends to give on me every now and then. It is very important to do your assigned exercises everyday, even if it's painful. I take my vicadin 30 minutes prior to exercing and this helps some. It is also important to keep walking to keep the knee as loose as possible. I also suffer with a right fused ankle and osteoporosis in my back. This is a deterent at times but I still try my best. During the recovery process the DR is not able to address my back issues any further until my knee is more stable. I wish you all well!
I am a 67 yr old female. A bit overweight, but quite physically fit.
I had TKR traditional method done on my severely arthritic right knee in Nov. 06. I had the Zimmer prosthesis. I was in the hospital 5 days. I had much swelling. I thought that PT was a waste of travel time as I could do all of the exercises/icing at home. I used a skateboard to slide my leg back and forth while sitting down, it was a wonderful way to get my leg bending and straightening. It took many mos. before the swelling went down. I have full bending now w/my heel touching my buttock. There is now at 15 mos. no swelling and no pain. I have full use, but there is a mechanical feeling and the clicking, which I now just ignore.
On SEPT 07 I had my left knee TKR surgery/
BUT this time I went to a surgeon who did the MIS,
minimally invasive surgery.
This was done by the only surgeon who does this experimental new surgery in our whole state. He also holds a degree in mechanical engineering from MIT. He performed this surgery
and put in the Zimmer Gender Specific prosthesis.
That is the prosthesis that is designed for women with a slight variation in thickness on one side because of our upper leg bones at a slight angle
coming down into our knee joint, compared to the straight line of men's upper leg bones.
I was only in the hospital two days for this left knee surgery. I did NOT have the 35 metal staples like I had from the traditional surgery, but rather in the MIS procedure, a glue was used on the outer incision that eventually peeled off. The surgical scar on this left knee if 4.5 inches long, the right knee scar is 6 in. long.
Now at 5 mos. after surgery, after a month of great PT rehab., which included ultra sound and massage, weights, ball rolling and various other approaches, I can bend my left knee to within 3 in. of my buttock.
Although in both knees I have numbness on the outer side of both knees, I still have more numbness along the outer side of my left knee, than my right knee, and I have trouble sleeping without using a pillow between my knees when sleeping on either side. I find that Tylenol/w sleep aid, non prescription works well to give me 8 hrs. of sleep. I can now ride my bike, swim, walk and stand for longer periods of time than I have been able to do for over 8 years. I wrote all of this experience to give info to many who asked about various items having to do with TKR and various prosthesis and various problems.
I continue to use weights and bands to develop stronger muscles. Xrays of both knees show perfect alignment. My legs are now not bowed as they were before the surgeries. I
do not now take any pain meds during the day and only occasionally at night. I look forward to playing doubles tennis in a few more months, some golf, and easy hiking. I hope this is helpful to some who had questions I have answered here.
M.E.W.
Hawaii
I have had both knee replacements for a couple of yrs now and have been doing quite well until now. When i sit down in a chair i have nerve pain that shoots in my leg between the knee and thigh.I have not had any injurys or done anything out of the ordinary. Is this anything anyone else has experinced? suggesions...
I had total knee replacement almost 2 years ago..since then I have been in and out of therapy several times with poor results in extension and flexion of the knee...my doctor says it's scar tissue that has built up faster than the healing process could handle...he has even scoped the knee but says there wasn't much scar tissue there...I have constant pain and stiffness especially walking up stairs and at times simply walking...if it is scar tissue how can I treat it so I can get back flexion to my knee?
Clicking is normal after a knee replacement. It will continue until the muscle and tendons tighten up and secure the new knee. I had mine replaced 14 months ago and I still have the clicking, sometimes it's painful, sometimes it's not.
The problem I have is intense pain and swelling, I am going in Friday for an ultra sound to see if I have a Baker Cyst. If this is negative he is going to do a bone test. The bone test tells a lot whether there is a fracture, infection, or anything else going on. You usually have to wait a year after the surgery before you can have this test, so everything has a chance to settle down.
I hope this answers some of your questions, I am hoping these two tests will answer mine.
Have a great day and remember to smile at least once each day for no reason at all. :)
I had knee replacement 3 months ago. becuase the parctial knee replacement caused stress fractures.
Now I can't bend the knee without pain. I can only bend about 90 degrees. Before the total replacement I was able to bend a full motion. I just had 2 shots of cortizone in the inside and the outside of the knee. I still have pain The doctor does not know what to do. I am out of money. What do I do?
Can a Arthrodesis of the leg(knee) ever be reversed? I have had it in my leg for about 4 years and it has made my life a living hell, aside from the fact that because of it I can't find job!! I sit in a wheel chair with my leg jeting out and employers look at me like an insurance risk; like someone will trip over me or I will run it a wall, desk or person. Please tell me there is a doctor some where that can undo this.
Thanks, Catherine:)
I'm intrigued by many of the comments and curious about how they turned out. I had a complete left knee replacement in 2005. Post-op and rehab were very painful and there was significant swelling. Doctor and physical therapist implied I wasn't being aggressive enought in my PT. After 6 months they did a manipulation which didn't help much. Finally after a year I got a second opinion. Long story short ... staph infection that had fortunately stayed encapsulated around the knee ... removal of the original prothesis ... packed area with antibiotic pellets and closed me up without a knee for 8 days (I've heard of people in this state for 4-6 weeks) ... another operation to put in a new prothesis ... 3 weeks in the hospital for the entire process ... 6 weeks with an antibiotic pump ... still not in the best of shape be far better then before. And, I don't like that first doctor, not because I contracted the infection but because his follow-up care was so slip shod. Good luck everyone.
I had a total knee replacement in March, and the leg didn't swell up. Now that the insurance company forced me back to work it's swelling like crazy, and the pain has increased lately. I'm not doing anything that I shouldn't so what's wrong?
I had a total knee replacement in July 08. There is constant swelling of the calf and knee. My ham strings are very tight,lots of scar tissue. now the Dr. tells me the spacer maybe to large because my knee won't lay flat.This may have to be replaced.Any one with knowledge of spacer replacement surgery? Please let me know. Mary
I had a TKR 10 1/2 yrs ago and the dr. cad literally dislocate my leg. I have fell a couple of times,and have some pain with it, what do I do? I feel I can"t stand another knee replacement.
terri i also had the same exact situation as you pre sugery and also a tough recovery that hasnt healed properly. its been 4 months since my operation and i still have a pit or hole in the bone that is going to need further surgery in the way of a bone graft.i was wondering if you have looked into these possibilities or if this sound familiar. either way im beginning to doubt the original procedure because i definitly felt better before the sugery although i was in great pain before the surgey too. im just looking for some feed back on my situation please. thank you john
I went to have a knee scope for a meniscus tear, but ended up having microfracture surgery. I was on "no weight bearing" restriction for 6 weeks . I started physical therapy 2 weeks after surgery for 7 weeks and then joined a work conditioning exercise program for another 6 weeks. It has been almost 4 months since my surgery. There is still some swelling and pain in my knee. I can only straighten my leg to 9 degrees and my bending ROM is 125. I continue to do stretching exercises everyday but the progress is minimal. I also wear a knee brace for support and it also helps reduce the pain. I have researched knee microfracture surgery and found that it does take a very long time to get better. At best case, minimum 4 months but you can probably expect several more months. I am finally walking without a limp when I am not in pain. I have talked to several people during this last 4 months who have had some sort of knee surgery and many have had successful recoveries but all have said the same thing: It just takes a lot of time, exercise and patience.
Am having my second knee replacement in about one month. With the first one, I had very little pain and/or discomfort. Everyone's pain level is different. I do feel that a positive attitude has a lot to do with the outcome of any surgery. Sure, it will hurt, but so did the births of my children.
I have 90% of the symptoms that your commenters have and do not see a answer or helpful hint to alleviate any of the problems. What is a sollution besides living with the pain and saying "Oh Well"?
i got an xray done on my left knee . i also got a copy of the xrays. i saw where it was bone against bone . got a paper in the mail and it said that my test was normal. My dr also felt and heard the popping and clicking of my knee how is that possible?
Had a tkr 10 months ago which left me with about 55%bend .Can't do steps or walk outside very well. Went to therapy 4 months and used cpm. machine .Had a catscan and waiting for results but Dr. said if it is scar tissue causing it I can't have surgery to repair it as it will make it worse. Is anyone in same situation and if so what can be done so I can live normal life again? also it is causing severe back pain because of the way I have to walk. Please help ...
I also suffered from chronic knee pain due to polio and injury from work. That is until I bought a portable Electronic Muscle Stimulator and using it on my knee at least 2-3 times a week. This combined with heating pad and stretching has done wonders for my knee pain and stiffness without relying on pain killers. Mine is called "Rhythm Touch Pro" which I bought on their website www.rhythmtouchpro.com
I had a total knee replacement in april of 2007. My after surgery pain was never more than a 4, they took the pain med drip out of my room because i didn't need it. my surgeon attributes my successful experience to my being a toughy. I feel it was because of prayer,an awesome surgeon and a Stryker TKR.
My question is how much walking can I do without harming my replacement? I love to walk 10 K walks but haven't because a lot of my friends are having problems( they had different kinds of replacements) and were warned that walking a lot can wear out the cushion. Is this true of the Stryker?
I am a 60 year old female who had bilateral TKR in June 2008. I have had an extremely easy recovery, with only mild discomfort, and no real pain. My surgeon used computer assisted placement and femoral blocks for the surgery, and I am told that both those greatly reduce post-surgery pain. I had extreme pain prior, and both femurs were worn flat. I will probably never have the range of motion some describe ( those who can pull heel to buttock)but I have 120 degrees, and am pleased with that since I again have a normal gait. My only stiffness is a result of sitting too long, or failure to do the walking and exercise daily. To those considering TKR, PLEASE ask your surgeon about computer assisted placement !
Anyone who has had total knee replacement and is still in a lot of pain; have your NEW doctor check and see if the glue has come loose. My did. New surgery will be just as painful as the first, If your doctor has not told you, this surgery is the second most painful you can have. Shoulder surgery is the first.
I'd rather die then do the surgery again.
Had a TKR done July of 06. At the ripe old age of 50. They did a porous replacement, as well as replaced the knee cap .PT is no picnic as we all know isn't. But I knew the pain wouldn't be forever. Physical therapy at local hospital were surgery was done ,6 weeks. Also on crutuches for 6 weeks ,50% weight bearing. Have a little click now and again due to the pad movin around alittle . But none of it compairs to the pain and loss of use of my left knee prior to surgery. It takes 1 year to 1 1/2 years for knee to really get back. No swelling ,no stiffnes. I'd do TKR many times over before I'd have another ABD Hysterectomy with bladder tuck again. Don't hear many comments on porous replacements. Anyboby else have one?
My husband had the Oxford knee implanted 5 weeks ago, and still has frequent pain and a bit of swelling. He is wondering if this is normal at this time in his recovery.
Anonymous
I broke my leg 22 years ago and did alot ot damage to my knee area and needed a bone graft. I had TKR Feb. 08 and woke up with terrible sharp pain and numbness on the bottom of my foot. Not much pain or swelling and did the usual PT. However always having trouble with foot pain and unable to go back to work as planned. Emg showed nerve damage and took nerve meds and injections to deal with problem. I got second option and Doc said everything look Ok inside knee and to wsit til year up before doing anything else. My Dr hadn't had this happen to anyone and thought maybe since damage so many years ago that pehaps my new straight leg could be part of problem! Afraid to have any more surgeries and wonder if anyone else has have this problem?
The one who mentioned that "shoulder replacement is the worse" gave me my laugh for today. Because I had that first and thought, TKR would therefore be easier. Wrong, mostly it was because of the poor aftercare from the surgeon and PT. I learned, with time, the body heals itself. Just keep doing the exercises that helped you. Am satisfied with the Zimmer gender spec. knee and the little scar, and the function, but have to work everyday to get past the 90 degrees. I need a R TKR but will postpone as long as I can.
59 year old male, former active person/athlelte.
Severe scar tissue issue with a TKR from 2002, post op manipulations and surgery on the same knee to adjust a ligament. Diagnosed with arthritis in both knees. 4 previous surgeries on the same knee. I can straighten it out, but can barely bend it back to a 90 degree angle.
This group of orthopedic surgeons, supposedly well known, really messed up on my knee.
Their PT was horrible, over 50 sessions and made matters worse.
Also, developed numerous DVTs in the same leg as the TKR
Explored the internet, found a specialist/orthopedist in Cincinnati, OH. He prescribe a different PT approach which did help me a bit.
Also, recently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Due to the extreme pain I live with on a daily basis, I am ready to take disability.
My PCP, is kind enough to prescribe Tylenot #3 and Darvocet for the real bad pain days. I manage it very carefully so I will not become addicted.
I suggest a sports medicine orthopedic surgeon for TKR candidates.
My left tkr was 20 mos ago. I am satisfied with the ROM, but have as much stiffness and pain as I do with the unreplaced arthritic rt knee. In particular, there is a spot on either side toward the top of the cap that is painful as well as general pain that wakes me. X-ray revealed no abnormalities & surgeon is dimissive. In our locality, he is part of the only orthopedic group, I don't wish to offend him, but wonder how others have sought a second opinion. Your comments are appreciated.
rozehr, I have had total knee replacement on both knees during the last 14 months and like you still have the pain and stiffness like I did before, and have less flex in both than I did before. Every test my surgeon and family doctor has done shows everything is the way it should be. If anyone knows what the problem might be, I would appreciate the assistance.
I retunred to my surgeon and received the same response. My right knee is bone to bone and requries a tkr. I am waiting as long as I can as hopefully new surgical techniques/procedures will come about. I do have arthrofibrosis in my left knee ( scar tissue).
I had both of mine replaced last September/ still stiff and wobbly, I don't think I will ever be able to climb stairs again. My insurance changed this year, so I can't afford any moer follow ups or PT. I don't regret it, because the original pain was far worse.
I had total knee replacement 11 weeks ago. My knee is still stiff and has some warmth. I have a 28 degree bend. I go to physical thearpy 3 times a week where I use the treadmill for 30 minutes and the bicycle for 20 minutes. Sometimes I also use the Total Gym for 5 minutes. I massage the knee incision and the area around it twice a day every day. The knee feels like it has a tight cuff around it. I do exercises at home twice a day. Will the stiffness go away?
I suggest you try a sports medicine physical therapy center.
first thing they do is apply moist heat on your knee, as you rool your foot on a large rubber ball, then you are given very specific exercises to do. At the end they put ice packs on the knee. I believe the first physical therapy center I went to did permanment damage to my knee.
If you are in real pain, with stiffness, etc. I suggest you contact Dr. Frank Noyes, a specialist who deals with post op TKR problems, he helped me to get my range of motion to 90 degrees.
He is the best in the country, located in Cincinnati OH.
Good Luck,
I'm a 39 year old woman who has had 16 Knee surgeries between both knees. Most of the surgies were on my right leg. I also had a Surgeon remove my patella a bout 8 years ago, and he was told to totally reconstruct the knee by a University. He did not want to do that and I did not know that until I left the practice. He refused to believe a MRI report stating that I had a Left meniscus tear in the left knee. It was a deep tear. He would not work on my knee. I had been teaching Gymnastics for 4 years. I finally found a doctor who would fix my left knee. He kept doing patch up surgeries. So I went for a second opinion, to a younger docter. I had just had ACL repair on the left so he could only discuss my right knee. He told me I have had way too many surgeries on both legs. He proposed to do a knee replacement with no patella, or fuse the leg, or remove it above the knee. I went back to my regular surgeron and he would not release me to do the surgery. He decided to do the total knee on the right knee. This surgery would be number 17. I did the surgery on 3/3/09. I was doing great. I ended up with a place on the top part of my incision. It is staph. He put me on antibotics. I took one course and started the second and became allergic to that antibotic. Then he put me on another antibotic. On April 14, 09 he scoped the knee and cleaned it out after taking cultures. The joint was completely infected with staph. He cleaned it out. I had my knee bent to 124 degrees flextion and 4 degrees extention. After the scope he put stiches in the place where the staph was coming out. 3 days after surgery I had another place come up above the stiches. I was cultured and it is staph. My family dr. called me and told me the only thing good about my report was I didn't have MRSA. Other than that I needed to have something done now. I went to my surgeon and he had given me a stronger antibotic on 4/17/09, and 11 days later Im still having drainage and puss in the wound above my stiches. I saw him on a friday, he said that if it was still drianing on Monday he would have to remove the implant. On Monday he decided to make me wait 2 more weeks to see if the antibotic is going to work. He orded a CRP and Sed Rate test for that Monday and for the following Monday then I am to go back and see him on 5/6/09 and then he will decide if the implant needs to be removed. Im very upset. I cant even bend my knee to 95 degrees and I dont even know what my extention is. My PT is very upset as well She has been doing great and so was I. Now I dont know what to do. Im scared that my surgeon is not going to do anything because I made him do this surgery against his will. He would not even give me Pain Meds after the total knee he made me feel like I was being tourched for have a surgery that was suppose to be the right thing to do, but after the scope he gave me darvaset. My lab reports came back and he said that they were better than he had expected, but he wont give me my numbers for each test. I will get them from my family dr. I feel like this is rediculious that I have now had 18 surgeries and truly need the implant removed and a new one put in. I dont think he is going to do this. And he knows that no other suregon is going to step in and take over so Im stuck with this problem. I guess thats what I get for wanting to be a normal mom for my 15 year old daugher. Instead Ive been disabled for 2 years and now I may lose my leg due to Im tired of all the crap and run around im getting. I hope no one ever goes thur this. I know I will never have the other knee done My bones are 115 years old but Im 39 I have totally lost hope and Im ready to give up.
It has been two months for my full knee replacement surgery. I have been going for physical therapy once a week. I started walking with a cane last week but after 10 min of walking the knee starts getting stiff and painful. It is painful when I sleep. And during the day I get sharp pains in my knee. C
I am a 56 yr old female who had bi-lateral (double) knee replcmnt (women's Zimmer knee)on March 30th.
PT started immediately along with the CPM machines in my home. I was driving at the end of 2.5 weeks. @ 3 weeks I was going to the gym to use the stationary bike & elliptical. Today is 7 weeks post op. I ride my bike to the gym, weight train, walk daily & take pilates.
My knees have a party every night when I try to go to sleep which is almost impossible w/o Ambien or something similar along with a pain pill. Total sleep is approx 4 hrs.
however, I do not have the pain I had prior. I expect to be back on the tennis courts in August.
Utilizing Physical Therapy, breaking the scar tissue at the beginning is the single most impt thing one can do. I know my knees would not hurt as much at night if I toned down my routine.
RESEARCH YOUR DOCTOR!! I asked for no staples & epidural anesthesia instead of General. DO YOUR HOMEWORK, look at people's knees & ask questions.
I can now flex 137 degrees.
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