Question
Hi,

My mother-in-law had vaginal hysterectomy 2 yr ago. Post the surgery, she was advised not to sit on the floor. This has become practice and now she is not able to bend her knees to sit cross-legged on the floor. Uses hand - as support on floor/wall - to get-up from floor. She seems to be NOT having pain.

What would be the repercussion of not bending the knee, meaning stiff knee? Would this be early stages of arthritis? Would physiotherapy help?

Answer
Dear Bragadeesh,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist, Elmhurst Podiatrist & West Loop Podiatrist says.......
Always do gentle warm-ups by moving the knees in different directions- including knee circles if she can. Do gentle exercises & make sure Mom is not overweight. Try to bend as much as possible-after the warm-up. Do not force-but gently push to increase movement. Try Tai-Chi or similar-which encourages knee & joint movement. Gentle motion helps increase lubrication-while lack of movement decreases lubrication of the joint fluid. Do these gentle exercises daily-if able to. Stiff knee may be the beginnings of arthritis. The above advise will slow down the arthritis.
Good Luck!
The podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in foot & ankle orthopedics & sports injuries.

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661
AnkleNFoot.com
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