Stiffness After Total Knee Replacement: is it normal?
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- čas přidán 11. 11. 2022
- Stiffness is very common after a total knee replacement. This video explains how to improve the stiffness and where it comes from.
Knee replacement courses: www.SUCCEEDCOURSES.com
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Without a doubt this is the best and most encouraging video I have seen. My total knee replacement was December 27 . At this moment I am sitting in my bed with tears in my eyes wondering why my knee is so swollen and I feel as if I have lost all the progress I was making. Yesterday because I was feeling bad that my husband wanted to get out of the house I agreed to go out and shop with him. After going to the bank, Aldi, the library, Marshall’s, and an hour in Kroger I couldn’t figure out why my entire leg was in so much pain. I’m not saying this to blame my husband I’m saying this to let this be a lesson to stop trying to please others because you’re starting to feel like a burden. I need to start respecting my limitations during the healing process. Thank you for a great video.
I am going thru the same as you. My surgery was November, 2022. I still can’t bend my leg back and have such pain. Has anything helped you?
I had mine on Jan. 9th and the tightness and stinging are causing a lot of pain and anxiety. They won't let me take any more pain meds after today. I do all the PT and exercises, icing and Elevating. I can only sleep on my back in one position which makes it hard to sleep. I was losing hope and feeling very discouraged. This video helped
Keep up with the PT, I promise a little pain now is sooo worth it to get the mobility back. Also like you mentioned, take your time and know your going to get frustrated. I'm 6 months post and still get frustrated. I walk at my own pace and if others in the group want to walk faster... go for it, I'll see you when I get there! Also ice, ice and more ice! I finally stopped using my ice machine after about 4 months
Deb please check my website for guidance. I have courses on there that will help you. You’ll want to look at this one www.succeedcourses.com/post-surgery-course
I had mine on Dec 15,2022 it stiff and tight want bend l walk with a lump still on cane. Got to get it manipulation .
Just had my surgery on 1/12/24 thank you for this video. Patience not my virtue and I thought I was alone. Thank you for this video
Same! I’m a compliant patient but not a patient patient.
I am so pleased i came across this video,i was thinking i had done something wrong,but this reassured me. Its been 4 weeks 15/12/23. Unfortunately i have got an infection so i am on antibiotics 😢. I retired last September,i never thought i would feel so low at my time of life. But brighter days are on the horizon 😊❤🇬🇧
It does help to know the " why's" of the stiffness. One must be patient and try to move as much as possible. It does take time. I have found solace in walking and graduated from a walker to a walking stick. Also I just started swimming and walking the lazy river. That helps me get the cobwebs and negativity out of my head, too! It's easy to feel discouraged. Thank you for your video and encouragement.
I had a knee surgery several years ago, and it took at least a five years to get the feeling back in all of my nerves. I was more active then and didn't feel as much pain as I do now. It's a process. Celebrate your victories!
Dr. Smith, you were spot on. I'm a few weeks shy of 1 year post op and am 67 years old. I'm a very active senior, so the idea of exercising during recovery was something I didn't have to fight or wrestle with. There were moments during the 1st several months I thought I made a bad decision and would be a cripple (pain, stiffness, muscle weakness, etc.). Then one day, around the 6th or 7th month things changed. My knee is virtually pain free by and large, for the most part feels normal, and much stronger than prior to surgery. It took nearly a full year to get to this point. Thank you for sharing as people need to know this surgery is very painful and has a subsequent long recovery.
Left TKR on 7 5 23 ...today is 11 6 23 .
.that 4 months and my Dr said every surgery is different .... cuz the one 3 years ago was a breeze ( I think) ... my only fear is that unbreakable scar tissue will develop as I move into month 5 ... Dr , if you read these comments, know that I'm at 120° + 1 or 2 °& I am resigned to the fact that my heels will never touch my butt again ....is that an OK future expectation ???
The video was very good I am just 6months into my surgery and still very stiff and sore was worried about this as bending knee only 90 degrees but was told still room fr improvement thought because I was so fit fr my 70 yrs old I would have been healing quicker I used to walk 10 miles every day in walking club can't wait to get back I have increased my exercises and my ankle is stiff and sore as well I an walking every day 2 to 3 miles your video has given me hope that there is still time to get more bend In the knee
That’s super encouraging.. I’m a fitness instructor and am 67.. a dancer so this has truly done a number on my psyche too! Thanks for the post!
Thank you for sharing your story. I’m around 7 weeks post op, and I’m experiencing all that you mentioned, and I too thought I made a bad decision. To know that the process can take a significant amount of time to see real change helps me to be hopeful. Thank you for the feedback, and encouragement.
I am 76, going to have surgery in about a month, and I’m doing my due diligence as to what to expect. A minor complication foreseen is that I am deaf. Your posting with the narrative shown while you speak is very beneficial for me and perhaps more since knee surgery seems prevalent in seniors and many seniors are also deaf. Many thanks.
Thank you so much!! I got into a car accident May 2020 a month before my HS graduation and got my TKR December 2022, almost 6 months out and I noticed I can only walk 30 minutes before my knee is very swollen and can barely bend the knee. Stay strong everyone 💪
I had a TKR 14 months ago. I’m a 73 year old woman lives alone so I went to a rehabilitation hospital for five weeks to do physiotherapy. My surgeon told me to have a week to think about it before I had the surgery done because he said it would be the worst pain I would ever endure, but I had no choice because I was walking bone and bone and was on crutches for a couple of months before the surgery. It’s now 14 months and since the surgery I have had excruciating pain which has never improved despite my constant physio exercises and pain pills do not help at all and I cannot walk for more than an hour without being totally crippled with Pain and I have to get up in the night to ice my knee and the pain radiates all up and down my leg and on both sides front and back and up to my thigh I told my Surgeon I could not go on like this because I was very active before that as an emergency nurse and now I feel like I’m totally disabled despite doing everything I was told to do from my physiotherapy in the rehabilitation hospital my surgeon said that the prosthetic was in the position but I have had so many falls whereby I have fractured my neck in two places. I have fractured my ribs in the back where I fell and also fractured ribs in the front with another fall and I have had more falls and I can remember and many concussions which resulted in extra swelling lacerations and pain everywhere including my back where I compressed
some discs. My leg always feels like I have a tight compression bandage on it and every time I fall, because my knee gives way without notice, my other knee gets injured too. I cannot kneel on it at all. It’s difficult to move my leg in bed as it feels like a dead wright so I have to help move it with my hands. The same goes for getting in and out of cars The Surgeon does not know why I’m having all these falls, but my knee just gives away on me and I have not been off crutches for the full 14 months, I am due to go into hospital again in a month and he is going to take the prosthetic out and put a different type in where it is more stabilised on each side of my knee and I am absolutely petrified because the pain was so bad postop and it really has never got any better so I’m really not looking forward to it at all but I do not want to be disabled when I’ve been such an active person all my life. I really wish I’d never had it done as I followed every rule and I don’t take pain pills because they don’t work so it’s just basically icing it and elevating it, if you have any more ideas to help me before and after I have the next surgery, I would most appreciate it because it’s basically ruined my life and caused me to be isolated at home and not able to go out and enjoy myself with friends as I can’t even go out for dinner and sit in a chair with my Knee bent for very long it’s just too painfulso my quality of life and my mental health has been awful. I’d appreciate any help you can offer me thank you.😢
😊😊
Loved this video. I am six months out and still have stiffness after therapy. This video makes me feel so much better about the stiffness that I have now. Thank you
So happy to hep! Please join the facebook group if you haven’t facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share
I am 5wks today after surgery and this makes complete sense to me now where I am and how I should be more positive about the recovery. Thank You.
What a unique explanation of how your knee responds to the metal/plastic in our body.
Great video, gave me so much hope. The stiffness is worst when you wake in the morning.
I agree. Dr. Smith answered the question perfectly. Each time I go shopping the knee stiffness comes. Must limit activity😊
Knee replacement in October 2022. Skiing for 2 weeks in Jan 2023. Do the rehab and stick with it on a daily basis.
As a fellow PT that has had both knees replaced within 9 months in the past year+, TY for this terrific reminder! Patience is not my greatest asset, and there were more post op ‘issues’ with the 2nd knee…medication and a severe adhesive reaction, yuck! Plodding along, some days discouraged, but you have reminded me of the need for patience and continued, gradual activity increases! Keep up the great work!! 🙏🏼
Very informative video thanks, myself underwent tkr for both legs, 8 weeks now, able to walk with out support for 20- 30 minutes, doing daily ACTIVITIES BUT both knees are continuously stiff, If I do exercises feeling better, mild pain increases by evening, on my able to bend knee by 70 degrees
Am I doing fine, how do I reduce stiffness and pain
Great Video and wonderful explanation. Had my TKR in August '22 so I'm only a little over 6 months. The stiffness and swelling gets to me every once in awhile but remembering the pain I went through before the surgery makes the stiffness and swelling seem very minor. Still get frustrated not being able to do things like kneel without a big cushion, but at home PT was/is my saving grace as well as a wife who keeps reminding me that I had a major surgery and to take my time. I'm back to Walking 1.5 - 3 miles a day, and walking up and down 4 flights of stairs at least once a day. Best thing I ever did and yes, that includes my kids LOL
Great video! She's 💯 on everything people. I had my right knee replaced last June and it feels like I never got it replaced. I just got my left knee replaced 2 weeks ago and let me just say you can't treat the 2 the same. So I'm starting over from day 1 all over again and thanks to my awesome surgery & PT team I'm going to get back to myself again! Most importantly we have to do our exercises at home faithfully for a great recovery 🙏 💪
Thank you for this video, Dr. Smith. I'm now 9 weeks after my surgery and it was bothering me that I was getting knee stiffness after walking around Walmart . I thought the purpose of the knee replacement was to fix this problem. So now I know I;m normal and will be a little more patient in my rehab. 😊
I wish I had found your video before surgery. It's been more helpful than the doctor. I had the surgery 2 months ago and I am at 106°. I'm done with therapy and I've got to say I got more information with your video then the other help I've had.
I am so glad it’s helpful! I have a Facebook group too. Are you in it? Https://facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share
Thank you for your explanation, I feel a lot better knowing it’s the healing process
You have CLEARLY explained what to expect and answered questions about “normal” swelling and stiffness. Yes, time is the healer here. Thank you!
Loved having a place to ask questions. Please keep me updated.
Great, and informative video. My total knee replacement was at the end of Nov 2022 and I'm really pleased with the results. The message I keep hearing is that patience is the real game changer. I have made the mistake of going too fast, too soon, and my knee really let me know. I have now backed off and, as you say, it has improved. I am now taking it much slower and it is definitely the way forward. Thanks again Dr Sam' :)
I have just found your CZcams channel. Wish I had seen this earlier. You are explaining so many more questions about knee surgery and the feeling after the operation.
I have had my second one done two weeks ago and doing the majority of the exercises I have been given. Your explanation on stiffness is now helping me understand it so much better. I am now following your routine to help with trying to get my knee bending more a bit at the time. Thank you so much for doing such a great job.
I am so happy to help! You are a perfect candidate for my post surgery course as well. Are you enrolled? Https://www.succeedcourses.com/post-surgery-course
Thank you for all the important info and answers you provide, exactly what I needed to hear. It's definitely very helpful.
I had knee replacement in May and I thought I should be doing so much better, I had my therapy, and still exercising my leg, but I’m so stiff and hurts all up and down my leg. I’m hoping I’ll begin to see a change soon. Thank you for your video it was very informative….
This was the best advice I’ve received so far!!! I’m 3 weeks post surgery. Prior to watching your video I was very frustrated with my progress. Thank you!!!
It’s a long process. If you need structured help I have a course available www.succeedcourses.com/post-surgery-course
Thank you Sam!! Great info.
thanks! this was exactly what i needed. im at 8 weeks. your explanation was very good.
Good one Samantha. We appreciate it.
I just had a TKR two weeks ago and I came across your channel. Thank you for sharing this information with us.
Thanks a lot for your explanation, Dr. Smith! It really ease my stiffness worrying!
Great info! The kitty is beautiful and a great addition to the video!
I’m so glad I found your channel, I am 10 post surgery. Yesterday my sister and I had lunch and some leisurely shopping for about 2 hours. Today I was wondering why my knee was so stiff, and you told my why, thank you. I will ice my knee now and start doing my daily walking. I’m finding the knee is not going to heal itself. Thank you again👵🏻❤️👵🏻
You're more encouraging than the PT I have. Thank you 👍👍
I'm so glad! If you need more help visit my website:) www.SUCCEEDCOURSES.com
Thank you for the great info for us TKR patients; So very helpful. May God bless.
thank you so much what a great discription of what and why I AM EXPERIENCING .
Thank you SO much for this explanation of WHY I’m so stiff! Week 3 today and I’m learning the limits of what I can do, but knowing why I’m having the increased pain and stiffness helps me listen to my body better and not feel like I have to push through it. It’s easier to accept it as normal when I understand the physiology, thank you!
You are so welcome!
Highly appreciate your video, very nicely explained the facts and gives positivety, hope i find relief soon, as per your advice.
knee replacement 4 weeks ago today. Knee is stiff and I do and go to pt. Good video and you answered the question that have been on my mine. thanks Mike
I had m my TKR 2 days ago and it's agonisingly painful today but I have an ice wrap on it and Strongbow medication. Yesterday I was quite positive, managed the stairas test, pain not too bad. Clearly we have to expect boys and downs and it is early days so I remind myself how worn out my right knee was and look forward to being able to walk without pain and stiffness.
My mother had both knees replaced and was very v active
Oh thank you I sure am glad I came across this video. I had surgery 3 weeks ago and must keep reminding myself to not over do it. My poor knee hurts and swells up but thanks to reading the comments from others and your video I now feel much better.❤
Thank you so much it been two months since surgery. I still have the tightness. Have ever you the first to expand way I have the symptoms I am having so thank you very much!!!
Such great info. Ty!
I am so glad I found your channel. I am 3days post TKR revision. Gee what a difference a surgeon can make! Yes I said surgeon. 4 years ago I had. TKR on my right knee. It has been the knee from hell. Luckily I have a little more knowledge about expectations, but now I’m angry they did not take my complaints seriously and just said sometimes it happens or you need to exercise more. It’s frustrating! Anyway I listening to your every word! Thanks for this video!
The more videos i see, the more im convincing myself not to get surgery, ill wear a knee brace the rest of my life. I can hit the gym twice a week and get walk and do bike cardio, but im in pain. But, im glad i saw you here
I can understand why you feel that way but I would like to share my motivation for getting both of my knees done. The first was last November. It took 6 months before it stopped hurting every day. It stopped hurting just before I had the second one done last month. Understandably, I'm in a lot of pain. I had bone-on-bone arthritis in both knees as did my mother. By the time the pain was too much for even her, the surgeons refused to do the surgery because she had a weak heart. She lived to be 93 years old and was reduced to a wheelchair because of the pain. I didn't want to end up like her. I'm only 70 and I could go another 23 years. I'd rather do it pain free (except for that year after surgery).
Exclent job explaining this .
Great video. I am four weeks post-surgery and have worked diligently multiple times a day. I shed the Walker and cane at two weeks post-surgery. Although very stiff at times I have full range of motion bending and almost there going straight. I have been shopping, shoveled snow (I know a no-no), and walking stairs normally. If I do more than an hour of activity I am fatigued, swollen, and stiff for about the next 24 hours. Therapy is uncomfortable folks but you must push yourself and do it for the good in the long run. Once this knee is ready then it’s on to the other knee in 2023.
It’s a shame your doctor didn’t discuss doing both knees at one time like I did. It’s one recovery!!! To be a good candidate, you must be in must be a good physical shape and not have a lot of comorbidities. And you need a great caregiver for the first two weeks. I was blessed to have that! I can’t imagine going through two surgeries, and two recoveries. Way too much time out of my life. I am 10 weeks out and doing great. Did my PT daily. And had my hubby put my bike on a stand and started riding when PT allowed, 4 weeks I think. I’m a 63 yr old female.
My total knee replacement was December 20. I wish i had seen this video sooner! Thank you!
Thank you for this information. I had a knee replacement on June 4, 2024. My knee is so stiff, and painful. My leg has not straightened out, and when I walk my knee is bent, and I walk with a limp. I’m using a cane. I’m frustrated, and I felt down because honestly I thought the surgery didn’t work. I’m glad to know the stiffness is normal, and that the process as well as healing can take some time. My physical therapist gave me home exercises to help my leg straighten out. At this time I have changed my mind about getting my other knee done.
Thank you so much. We do really appreciate your explanation. My partner is getting frustrated about his TKR journey and hope this video would help him more.
THIS VIDEO WAS SO HELPFUL...THANKS
Glad it was helpful!
Very helpful video, ty.
Thank you doctor…your video is well explained and helpful.I’m at 7 weeks ,still a bit stiffness .
Thank you Dr Sam, you answered mine questions, mine body notices foreign body, from the implant and inflammation response. You said its normal. It’s one year for me, will try to be patient with the PT and walking. Mine orthopedic surgeon reminded me, time and effort, perseverance.
You know its hard, getting wearily and fatigue, with the Lord’s help will keep working at it. Thank you. I am not on Facebook.
Glad I listened to this. Very reassuring.
What a long journey.
Thank you. Now I understand for the first time. 🤗
Glad it was helpful!
Thankyou Dr. Sam you're doing a good job explained the point stay strong keep the good work I need all the information to help me along the way of my total knee replacement yes it helps Thankyou...
You are very welcome! Thanks for watching
Omg this was so informative thank you 😅
Thank you great video. One year in after total knee replacement. I asked my surgeon a couple times if it was possible to reject implant. He never really answered me. But your video answered my question fully. It is a journey and everyone is different and similar at the same time. I recently started having a lot of stiffness again after a year, even though I exercise, walk, hike and swim. Apparently I still need to keep up with the range of movement exercises.
You are so helpful & caring .
Thanks for your answer.I just have a knee surgery about 1 month .I have this question just like other of your patients.
When I see this video so I have the answer.I'm from Thailand.
I am at my 9 months to date..After 6 months when my Physical Therapy ended...my range of motion was 132 degrees. At 6 months...I integrated the gym with my Therapy...I only hear clicking in my knee when I put on my shoes...I don't have any pain at this point...My hope is that at the 1 year point...I will no longer realize that I have a Knee Replacement...P.S..I attended 90% of my therapy sessions...If you were my therapist...I would of attended 100%.
I'm 2 months in and I'm still having problem bending with pain. I had a manipulation done last Thursday and it was better but today it's terrible. So what do I do. Also my bend in my leg is another problem. My doctor and therapist expect me to be alot better by now.
Thank you for this very informative video. I just had a total knee replacement on October 4th. I'm doing well. I'm seeing my MD next week and hopefully get my staples out.
Thanks for your advice Sam.
You bet!
In my 7th week and it is slowly getting better. I have found that ICE is the best thing. Thank you.
Excellent information. Had mine done in October, it’s quite a journey indeed.
I am one year & 7 months out from a left knee replacement. I still get stiffness, however it is much better. It was a long journey to get to this point. I was diagnosed with AFIB 5 months after the replacement and had to go on blood thinners. They caused me so much joint pain. I ended up getting a Watchman device put into my heart to get off the blood thinners. I finally get off of the blood thinners in August and hoping my knee will feel even better after that. I need to get the other knee replaced but will wait until later this year or early next year. Thank you for all your helpful videos. ❤
Thank you very much. I’m feeling more confident now.
Thank you Dr Samantha!
My surgery was 8/21/2023 and I truly appreciate this video. I have been doing more and the stiffness seems to increase with more activity or even standing for a longer period.
Great vid, thanks!! 🙂🙂🙂
Glad you liked it!
Good info. Thx.
Very helpful video, I'm at week 3 of TKR and am very stiff, I'm relieved that this is normal. Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Yes very informative. Thank you do much
Your kitty is a delight!
Great information I had knee replacement 6 weeks ago and still experience stiffness and tingling sensations.
Same here, 6 weeks postop(Sept. 30) and still have swelling, stiffness, discomfort and still need walker but most doctors on CZcams advise of this so patience is key
Hi I'm 8 weeks post op and I'm having what yr experiencing I had my other knee done 3 yrs ago and it took a year before it settled down so its early days yet hope you have a speedy recovery
Very encouraging. Thankyou
Great video convinced me that I was normal and made me understand it’s a marathon not a sprint as she says.
This is plain and basic and so true a great common sense vid on TKR
Thank you for this video. I am 5 months post my 2nd TKR, with 3 months in between surgeries. My 2nd knee is recovering much slower. I am still experiencing stiffness and that heavy, achy feeling from time to time. I’m learning patience in my recovery. I’m following your channel now for updates along the way to recovery ❤️🩹
2
Years after knee surgery. Still swelin
very stiff and Painful physical therapy 4 times. Hope this will go away. I've had many tests.They stated
The knee replacement is good..I will keep trying to get better.Thank you for the best explanation for this condition 😊
G
Great very helpful.🙏
Thank you so much!!!! I'm almost 6 weeks post-op and was wondering what was wrong with my knee. Its very stiff. Now I know its normal
That was great info.
Glad it was helpful!
Love your video.Makes me worry less about my stiffness after 2.5 months.Love your cat by the way.
Great information! I am 1 week postop today and I was already thinking I should be doing more than I am.
Thank for this video, i had my surgery one week ago!!
Thanks for the info it is very positive. Everyone is different I have found. I'm on 5 months still have some stiffness. Each day gets better. Keep working, it can be a hard journey.
Love your videos. 5 weeks post surgery. I had to slow down my activity as I was going to hard.
Great video thanks
It’s so reassuring to read yours and other real world comments on what to expect. It is so easy to become disheartened when you’re trying to do everything your therapist tells you, and you see no improvement . Sometimes it’s hard to get your spirits up.
Thank you so much
From South Africa, best video and most helpful. I was driving at 4 weeks and think I am doing pretty well.
Wow South Africa! I’m so glad this video was helpful thank you! Please join the Facebook group facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share
I had surgery last week and have been feeling positive and pleased with the result. This morning, however, I woke up more stiff and sore which worried me. I watched this video with a sigh of relief. It’s normal, it’s expected so phew!!!
Thanks mine was Jan 13 Your explanation's are spot on Thanks
Thank you, I feel I am getting the best information at the best time. (pre-op) You are very much appreciated.
Check out my course to help you get prepared! www.succeedcourses.com/Comprehensive-knee-replacement-course
I had knee replacement in 11/29/22. My doctor refer me to this home therpy that not doing their job. I did my therpy at home . Thru you tube. I'd finally went to regular therpy on my fourth visit I still can bent my knee that good . This is my six weeks, two weeks in that time I couldn't get in . I'd pray to God to help me thru this. I'm still doing therpy at home. And I like your video. Thank you
Wow. They shove had therapy ready for you. Please join the Facebook group for more help. Https://facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share
That is exactly what I am going thru right now at like 9 weeks post op TKR.
Very helpful!
Great video, tha you so much, watching from the UK I'm due to have a knee replacement next week.. I'm terrified 😢 ... lovely that your cat is in the video 😍
I am 59 and had TKR due to osteoarthritis with osteonecrosis This is probably the best explanation of stiffness and swelling I’ve found.
I am 10 weeks post surgery and still having a lot of swelling and stiffness.
Good to know that I am probably not falling behind with my recovery
I can sometime walk around the block, but when I do, I pay the price afterwards. And yes, an hour at the grocery store, and that’s about all I can handle
I will use your advice and hopefully it works out for me.