Physical Therapist Richard Szabala Responds:
A total knee replacement is an extensive surgical procedure in which a metal prosthesis is placed in the knee to take the place of the worn down joint surfaces. Although there is a lot of cutting in bone and soft tissue, often times, the main muscles surrounding the knee are merely moved out of the way during the surgery.Although it is rare to continue to have surgical soreness three years after surgery, it is not totally unheard of to have soft tissue and other joint pain.
Generally, it takes a full year for muscle strength to return to 100%.
When patients are discharged from our physical therapy clinic AthletiCare at the MACC Center, we educate them that the exercise program they were provided with is a lifelong commitment and should be continued at least every other day. Not following these instructions can cause all of the muscles to atophy and become weaker, thus making it difficult to climb stairs and rise from a sitting position. If this is the case, I would recommend making an appointment for physical therapy (click here for locations) so that you can receive a refresher course on your exercises.
Another factor that can cause difficulty climbing stairs and rising from a sitting position is the condition of the other joints in your body. If you have extensive arthritis in your hips or other knee, then climbing stairs and rising from sitting can agitate the other joints. Once again, stregthening can help in those cases.
The moral of the story is that you should continue exercising long after any surgery of the joints, as Motion is Lotion and keeps the joints healthy.
– Richard Szabala PT, OCS
Richard Szabala is the senior physical therapist at AthletiCare Orchard Park.
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I had bi lateral knee replacements 3 years ago. I still have pain in the soft tissue. It is still tender and sore to touch in certain spots around the knees. I also get deep sharp pain going through my knees now and again. Feels like needles and I still have a constant dull aching in there which can be much. I take medication for it.
ReplyDeleteI exercise regularly. I ride on a recumbent bike and I go to the pool and exercise. My range of emotion is very good. It is far better than it was prior to the surgery. My muscles are strong. I can do leg raises easily. I can do squats In the pool. It is great that I can do these things again. And I would say the surgery was very successful.
I told my doc that my knees still hurt but he doesn't seem surprised and asks me if my knees are better than before surgery which I reply and say yes of course.
I suppose I was hoping to be totally pain free in my knees. That's all.
And is there anything I can do to help the tender spots?
And why has it taken so long for me to heal?
where they pulled back the skin with retractors. Each side of the knee.
That's where it is still sore to touch in that indented part. If I accidentally knock my knee in that area. It is extremely painful. it's not often that happens but I do have to be careful.
I had bi lateral knee replacements 3 years ago. I still have pain in the soft tissue. It is still tender and sore to touch in certain spots around the knees. I also get deep sharp pain going through my knees now and again. Feels like needles and I still have a constant dull aching in there which can be much. I take medication for it.
ReplyDeleteI exercise regularly. I ride on a recumbent bike and I go to the pool and exercise. My range of emotion is very good. It is far better than it was prior to the surgery. My muscles are strong. I can do leg raises easily. I can do squats In the pool. It is great that I can do these things again. And I would say the surgery was very successful.
I told my doc that my knees still hurt but he doesn't seem surprised and asks me if my knees are better than before surgery which I reply and say yes of course.
I suppose I was hoping to be totally pain free in my knees. That's all.
And is there anything I can do to help the tender spots?
And why has it taken so long for me to heal?
where they pulled back the skin with retractors. Each side of the knee.
That's where it is still sore to touch in that indented part. If I accidentally knock my knee in that area. It is extremely painful. it's not often that happens but I do have to be careful.