Knee bends - the saga continues

greyheron

Hi everyone

Sorry I haven't been able to post as much as I used to but I'm back at work and very busy (good news for a freelancer!).

Regular readers of this forum may remember that I had a TKR in November and although I had fantastic general mobility pretty soon after the op, I have struggled with 'the bending'.

I've had physio and hydrotherapy and try to do exercises in between though not as much as I should ...

It's now four months on and my 'bend' has improved from barely 90 degrees to around 100 degrees, possibly even up to 110 on a good day! This is good enough for most purposes but I still struggle a bit with my very steep stairs at home, and I'd like to improve further if that's possible.

What I would like to ask people who've had TKRs is, did you find there was a time limit for improvement in bending?

The physios say I should continue with the exercises and I have access to a weekly hydrotherapy mainenance class - but then physios always encourage you to 'keep going' and I'm not sure whether to believe them!

Your experiences and views will be very welcome!

Wendy

mrsmopp

greyheron wrote:

Hi everyone

Sorry I haven't been able to post as much as I used to but I'm back at work and very busy (good news for a freelancer!).

Regular readers of this forum may remember that I had a TKR in November and although I had fantastic general mobility pretty soon after the op, I have struggled with 'the bending'.

I've had physio and hydrotherapy and try to do exercises in between though not as much as I should ...

It's now four months on and my 'bend' has improved from barely 90 degrees to around 100 degrees, possibly even up to 110 on a good day! This is good enough for most purposes but I still struggle a bit with my very steep stairs at home, and I'd like to improve further if that's possible.

What I would like to ask people who've had TKRs is, did you find there was a time limit for improvement in bending?

The physios say I should continue with the exercises and I have access to a weekly hydrotherapy mainenance class - but then physios always encourage you to 'keep going' and I'm not sure whether to believe them!

Your experiences and views will be very welcome!

Wendy

Hi Wendy

I also had knee replacement on 11th of November. Also got really steep stairs. Its just been the last month that I have noticed a great improvement. Now starting to climb the hill (stairs) with my new knee going up steps first. Im still doing leg lifts (150) per day and it is improving. Although my thigh above the replacement knee is still thinner than my other leg. They said it is because of being on the crutches for so long. Im really chuffed with my new knee as im now able to walk unaided. Still got a bad limp, but trying my best to learn to walk properly again.

brian35

Had my left TKR 2 weeks ago. At the moment I am finding the knee bending the most difficult, due to swelling and a 'tight band' feeling around the new joint. Can anyone please tell me how long this lasts and what can be done to improve it and reducethe swelling?
I have six exercises to do and the two I find most difficult are sliding the leg under a chair (a plastic bag on the foot helps) and bending the knee by sliding the foot on a tray while lying flat.
I don't want to end up being left with a stiff knee! Physio is coming again today so hope she can help.

PS Physio says I am doing OK and gave me 2 sticks to use instead of elbow crutches. She said I had 95 degree knee bend. Still stiff though.

elnafinn

Hi Wendy

Great to hear from you and know you are doing ok. I got a good knee bend early on so that was brilliant for me. Even the physio was surprised! 110 degree bend is great. I cannot remember what mine went to, but the surgeon raised his eyebrows a little too, when I proudly told him what knee bend I had achieved!

I don't know if this helps but it does make a difference to have strong thigh muscles I feel, anyway.

One exercise that I was given to do was also for balance but it was to stand and hold the ankle of one leg with your hand and pull the ankle up to your bum, having the knee facing the ground. Hope that makes sense! Great for balance and also for working those thigh muscles and the knee bend all at once. Then do same with the other leg.

I have just done that exercise after not having done it for months and wow :!: my femur knew all about it!

So pleased to hear you are busy at work. Good news!

Love
Elna xx

marief

Hi
I have had both knees replaced at same time over 13 years ago and still do the exercises for knees and hip as i think you should try to keep everything firm and tight as poss .

keep going its worth it

Marie

greyheron

Thanks everyone for your replies - supportive and encouraging as ever.

That feeling of a 'tight band' really rang a bell with me, though I think it's improving.

I'm carrying on with the 'group hydrotherapy' and am thinking of having some 'remedial massage' (ooooh) to try and loosen up my calf and thigh muscles which are very tight around the back of the knee.

But life is definitely infinitely better with a new knee!

Enjoy the sunshine, everyone!

Wendy

aanderson

As you can see from my post its early days for me but already I have noticed one knee is bending further than the other one mine are still too sore but have you tried pulling it back with your hands to make it go that little bit further? my hubby who works in sport science suggested sitting so your legs can swing he said often when you relax and swing your legs they go that little bit extra without trying! Its a shame about your stairs if I can manage stairs and everyday living I will be quite happy about my bends! Wishing you luck Anne

greyheron

aanderson wrote:

As you can see from my post its early days for me but already I have noticed one knee is bending further than the other one mine are still too sore but have you tried pulling it back with your hands to make it go that little bit further? my hubby who works in sport science suggested sitting so your legs can swing he said often when you relax and swing your legs they go that little bit extra without trying! Its a shame about your stairs if I can manage stairs and everyday living I will be quite happy about my bends! Wishing you luck Anne

Thanks Anne for some great advice. I do leg swings (I think Elna suggested them) and certainly the movement seems freer when you swing (if you see what I mean).

I have seen several physios since my op - one suggested pushing the bad leg with the good leg to make it bend a bit further, another one was horrified at the suggestion. But I do 'help it along' with an exercise when I'm lying on my tummy - I bend my 'recovering' leg as far as I can and then push it that little bit further with the other foot.

As regards my stairs, I shouldn't moan about them, I can manage them OK and am very grateful for that, it's just that they're the deepest steps I have to deal with and they show up my need for just a little bit more bend.

Good luck with your recovery and thanks again for the advice.

Wendy