Question for post knee replacement victims

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

I will certainly be glad when my knee has completely recovered. I'm nearly 5 months post op and for the last few weeks I have been having pain behind my knee, hamstring area. I have completed formal PT, had this pain for a short period of time while going to therapy and the therapist said it was my hamstring. The pain has subsided a bit, but it occasionally causes me to have to grab the wall or something because I am afraid I might fall. I called the doctor last week and told to ice 3-4 x's per day, hold off on home PT for a week.

Again it is better and not constant but I just wondered if anyone else has had this problem during recovery. I don't recall this problem when my left knee was done.

Kachina624 · ‎03-10-2010

I never had a problem like you describe.

New Mexico☀️Land Of Enchantment

hckynut · ‎03-10-2010

@Goodie2shoes

I know the Physical Therapist measured both the degree of "bend" of the replaced knee almost every PT visit of my wife's. They also measured the degree of "extension", which is also very important.

My Ortho friend that did my wife's surgery, told me the "extension", is very important for the exact reason you have mentioned.

When the leg is bent at the knee, the hamstring muscle is "contracted", which over time can cause a muscle spasm(cramp) in the hamstring. From what he told me, he wanted me to make sure my wife worked on that part of her new knee, along with the degree of "bend". Bending beyond, say 100°, can contract a tight hamstring to the possible point of a spasm.

Might want to look into this with your surgeon and your Physical Therapist.

hckynut

hckynut(john)

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

@hckynut wrote:

I know the Physical Therapist measured both the degree of "bend" of the replaced knee almost every PT visit of my wife's. They also measured the degree of "extension", which is also very important.

My Ortho friend that did my wife's surgery, told me the "extension", is very important for the exact reason you have mentioned.

When the leg is bent at the knee, the hamstring muscle is "contracted", which over time can cause a muscle spasm(cramp) in the hamstring. From what he told me, he wanted me to make sure my wife worked on that part of her new knee, along with the degree of "bend". Bending beyond, say 100°, can contract a tight hamstring to the possible point of a spasm.

Might want to look into this with your surgeon and your Physical Therapist.

Thanks for the info, I no longer attend formal PT, released to home exercise. My doctor was not concerned when I called them. It's a bit better. If not gone in the next week I will contact the doctor again.

RespectLife · ‎02-27-2012

I am sorry you are experiencing pain...my DH is also 5 mos. post op and he said he has not felt that area giving him trouble. He is still able to be faithful with his home PT.

Just wondering why you used the word 'victim' though.....my DH elected to have this procedure done. It was his choice to do so. He will have the other knee done in the future. For him, so far, it has been an excellent decision. The surgical pain and recovery is far easier to handle than what he endured before. I know this is not the case for everyone. I have a dear friend that has struggled 1.5 yrs. post op! However, she will be the first to tell you she was not victimized.

Best of luck!

chlema · ‎05-22-2010

I have not experienced any problems with my hamstring, thankfully. I am 9 months post-op for right knee, 5 months for left. My doctor said the best thing to do is walk walk walk. I do not see myself as a victim tho, just a thankful and happy person who is so glad she had knees done. Looking forward to Spring when I can finally enjoy gardening again. Hope your pain resolves itself soon.

SeaMaiden · ‎03-10-2010

@Goodie2shoes expect the first full year after knee replacement for healing to continue... aches, pains, pulls, muscle issues. Deep tissue healing takes a long time with such invasive surgery.

It has been 7 years since my bilateral knee replacement and I still get occational pings when I over do it... or do too many deep squats. But actually I am surprised that I can do those deep knee squats! It is really amazing surgery and gave me my life back.

Goodie2shoes · ‎04-30-2012

@RespectLife wrote:

Just wondering why you used the word 'victim' though.....my DH elected to have this procedure done. It was his choice to do so. He will have the other knee done in the future. For him, so far, it has been an excellent decision. The surgical pain and recovery is far easier to handle than what he endured before. I know this is not the case for everyone. I have a dear friend that has struggled 1.5 yrs. post op! However, she will be the first to tell you she was not victimized.

My goodness you really have to be careful what you say on this forum! I was simply joking when I used the term Victim !! I have now had both knees replaced and made the decision to do that because of the pain and being bone on bone. I know it's a serious surgery and I am thankfull that I had it done and I do wish all who went thru it or has to have it done the best of luck with full recovery but you have to have a sense of humor or it can cause you to be depressed since it slows your motion for a while. So if I offended anyone it was not my intention ! Allow a little humor in your life. .

chrystaltree · ‎05-10-2010

I think we are patients, not victims. I never had that problem and I don't recall any of the other people I know who had TKR talking about that. Actually, by 5 months out, most people are fully recovered and back to their regular lives. However, people do recover differently. You say you talked with the doctor, I would suggest that you go in and speak directly to your surgeon. Let him examine that leg, tell him exactly where the pain is, how it feels etc. It could be something that isn't related to the TKR. I'd do as the doctor said, ice and wait and if you still have. It's time to go back in and see that doctor.

sfnative · ‎03-10-2010

@Goodie2shoes

It's not always a hamstring tendon issue of that of a ligament. The most commonly surgically injured nerve during a knee joint replacement is the peroneal nerve, which is in the posterior position and can cause marked pain. It can also cause numbness in certain areas of the foot and especially the large toe.

If you haven't had this discussion with your surgeon yet, it's time to do so.