I had a full knee replacement on 28/4/23, so just over a week post op. Have to say most painful thing EVER! Really struggled to get on top of pain relief and have ended up in local a&e due to how ill I was feeling, changed meds for last couple of days but feel a little better at this stage. Struggled with rehab exercises due to severe pain, concern I have now is, knee although painful seemed lose, yesterday muscles around need seemed to have gone into a “locked” state, and has really restricted my movement which is worrying me greatly!Anyone had something similar and does it pass? Focused on rehab and getting better but worried they will have to give me another op to loosen the muscles around my knee, any advice/support would be amazing to try and out my mind at rest! Thank you 😊
Post Knee Replacement Advice: I had a full knee... - NRAS
Post Knee Replacement Advice
I used to do my exercises 2 hours after taking painkillers and used ice pack as well.The pain will slowly ease off, but the op does take the stuffing out of you
Keep trying, you have some weeks before you need to have 90○ bend. Hope you are feeling better soon
Good Morning, thank you for your message and taking the time to reply. Taking meds then doing exercises after, just the aching which is tough! 90o bend isn’t to far off tbh just the aching! Thank you and have a great day
Good morning, Connie is right. Take your pain killers and when they kick in, do your exercises. But do them you must. I remember the pain and to start with thinking I can't do this and I will never get through this, but I could and did and am so glad I did. Icing is very important too. Immediately after the exercises and regularly all day long. You are stronger than you think, believe me! All the best.
Thank you so much for the message, and yes icing is done on the regular, kinda takes away the burning sensation lol
It’s all about the balance between meds and exercise, and my first week after op hospital was just not getting the right balance of meds which has put me on the back foot a little. Was given a lovely knee brace with ice pockets from the physio which is use a lot which is making a difference! Will stay positive, although it’s hard and focus on the long term benefits, thank you again and have a great day!
Knee replacements are notoriously painful. I was an orthopaedic nurse for over 30yrs. We used to advise patients to do the exercises prior to surgery, so they were starting with strong muscles. Take your pain relief regularly, and do your exercises when relief is at its maximum. Applying ice for 10 mins will reduce the swelling and ease the pain. In the early days it’s more important to get the knee straight, so don’t be tempted to out a pillow or rolled up towel under your knee. If you do, you risk having a permanent limp. When resting keep it elevated, to keep swelling controlled. It is also better to do little and often, rather than a couple of longer bouts of activity. It’s not uncommon to need a procedure called “MUA”, manipulation under anaesthetic. This is normally followed by putting your leg on a machine, that keeps it moving continually, called a CPM, continuous passive movement machine. If your muscles are completely knotted your gp may prescribe a mild muscle relaxant, to enable you to exercise as required. Putting items under your need will also exacerbate the muscle issue, as it gets used to resting in a relaxed position, and doesn’t like it when you do try to straighten it. It is important to get the knee straight early, the bend will come. Hope todays a better day for you. My mother in law has recently had her knee done, despite me advising to do the exercises prior to surgery, so she was starting with strong muscles, she didn’t. She says she now wishes she’d listened, and 7 weeks on is still struggling. Unfortunately she is in Spain, and my health at the moment prevents me travelling there. It is a gruelling rehab, more do than hip replacements 🤗
Hey Runrig, thank you for the lovely message, and was warned by the surgeon that it’s one of the most painful op’s possible, but focused on the long term benefits, just gotta park the short term pain and discomfort! I can get my knee flat on the ground and bend isn’t far off a 90o degree bend, just got really stiff over the last couple of days making me really nervous it’s not normal! Probs me overthinking things (as I do!) just didn’t give the op as much respect I should have! Need my left knee done at some point and will Definitely be doing pre-op training, which I didn’t this time and paying for it now! Hope your mother in law recovers quickly and sure the warmth is doing her some good! All it does where I am is rain!! lol
Thank you again, and have a fabulous day
I had a machine for the icing and compression for four weeks and that really helped a lot with keeping the pain at bay and reduced the swelling greatly. This is the link Game Ready UK
Game Ready UK
I had a knee replacement 5 years ago,and have to say that since then it has been the best joint in my body,totally pain free,so hang on in there!I stayed with my son for first week and made sure I did my exercises at least 3 times a day,after paracetamol kicked in.Also attended rehab sessions at hospital for 4 weeks after that,where they measure knee bend to make sure you can get to 90o.You must take pain meds at regular intervals,I used to write it down and ice,ice,ice.Each week gets a bit better,and I looked after myself after the first week,although I slept downstairs for a few weeks,as my stairs are steep.I know how very painful it is at first,but when I think back to walking with a stick before the op,and in pain all the time,this is like having a baby,painful at the time,but you know it will end,with a good outcome!Good luck and keep us posted when you can and we will support you.xx
Hey Doodle, thanks for the message! Luckily being looked after by the wife with the kids helping where they can! And just need to stay focused on the long term benefits and not the short term discomfort! I am the worst patient ever tbh, wanna do loads of stuff I know I can’t but it will come! Definitely did not give this op the respect I should have and done my pre-op exercises which would have helped now! Will stay on top of the pain relief, and ice ice and more ice and hopefully things will settle! Thank you again for message mate and hope you have a great day!
Hi Spurslad, I think you are expecting too much too soon . The first 12 days are painfull but you still need to do a few exercises everyday as advised by Ot and build it up. Do you not have a number to contact Ot if you have a problem? , I did when I had mine done. I used to do my exercises in the morning before getting up to face the stairs . But I agree it is very painful and might take some time before you feel more comfotable. I had morphine for my pain but it still hurt . Unfortunately I had an accident while recovering and broke a bone in my foot, so do take care take it one day at a time especially till the stitches come out. Believe me it will get better but its not easy. I remember a family member having one years ago he was in hospital for a fortnight then physio every day for months but he did go back to work and still walks on it now in his 70s. So heres to a speedy recovery for you , think the saying is no pain no gain but don't overdo any exercises little and often works well. Best wishes for a speedy recovery
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