Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 1/28/2009

Question
I am a 42yro female with hereditary bad knees w/arthritis.  I have had both knees scoped 3 times each. My Ortho decided to do a LRR, partial patelectomy & partial menisectomy to possibly buy me some time b4 having to do a partial femur-patellar replacement. I wasnt expecting to have as much pain as I have, and its so stiff and swollen.  The surgery was 1/5 and he wants me to start PT 2/6.  I do leg raises and sliding my heal back exercises...  My question is: Should I be having this much discomfort and tightness even though its only 3 weeks postop?  Would it be help if i walked more?  
Thanks, Jill  

Answer
Hi Jill,


Are you using a cane? If not you may want to use one to help take some stress off the leg. If you are then I would continue until you see a physical therapist.

Why the delay in PT? Generally the sooner you get started with them the better. Are you using ice after your exercises? Do you take any type of pain medication?

Instead of doing heel slides try sitting in a chair in bending the knee gently. Lift the leg hold it for a slow count of five then gently bring it down until the knee bends as far as it will without forcing it and hold that position for a five count.

Now if the doctor gave you just these two exercises to do then by all means follow what he has prescribed only, as he knows the case much better then I do.

The pain is not unheard of that you are experiencing however it sounds like you are possibly not managing it well.

You may be walking too much. If you walk alot and that depends on each individual, use a cane on your strong side not the operated side.

keep with pain medication if you use it aleve, advil whatever you take and ice the knee after each exercise session and as needed throughout the day if you must.

let me know how you are doing.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.