When I move from a straight leg position to a bent knee it feels like the skin is being torn in one spot. After TKR, most of us will experience a tight band feeling across the knee. What I have learned though is we all just tend to have different post-op problems and discomforts. Any advice is welcome! But was told at my one year appointment that there was a good chance I would just have to live with this. I think by 8 weeks it had mostly disappeared. My knee was red and hot last weekend so I saw my specialist and he has me on a massive dose on Penicillon incase of infection. And then that will feel strange. It can be a complication of knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, with infections and … Wow…I can't imagine having to live with what you have described and what I am also going through! Knee replacement: 6 months after total knee replacement, swelling should be resolved. Many surgeons send these patients to a physical therapist first before considering manipulation or a … Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common … Has anyone had they done and how do you feel since? I will check out those videos. I have been doing all the stretches and exercises recommended but no improvement. Some people call this condition \"water on the knee.\"A swollen knee may be the result of trauma, overuse injuries, or an underlying disease or condition. The surgery went well. I can't get my range past 100. I would suggest that she continue with the ice packs and take OTC painkillers which will reduce the swelling and the tenderness. Some people may be fortunate enough to have experienced a reduction or elimination of this feeling after some time. version 3.3.6.2.3.2Page loaded in 0.359 seconds, "@mhort1213 : Yes, initially it felt like someone hat put a really...", "I also have that problem and it has lasted 6 years", "Shoulder shrugs. Your doctor might refer to this condition as an effusion (ih-FYU-zhen) in your knee joint. You have obviously spoken to your doctor about this and he/she does not seem concerned. very painful. I will have to ask my PT more about how this happens. The condition sometimes occurs in a knee joint that has recently been injured. It might be worth asking your surgeon or physical therapist if your problem might be IT band inflammation. There is a possibility that this is due to muscle spasm around the joint. My ROM is excellent so I don't think it's scar tissue. My recovery was long and hard due to scar tissue, so I can empathize the struggles of rehab with you. I have IT band pain ever since getting partial knee replacements. You mentioned your surgeon recommended another surgery to loosen the IT bands, but I can understand why opting for another surgery could cause some stress. I've had deep tissue massage that helps for a couple days, but it always comes back. What do you do that helps, if anything? People who have stiff knees heading into knee replacement surgery, tend to have stiffer knees after knee replacement surgery. The water takes the pressure of the joints and makes it less painful. Inflammation shows up as swelling, warmth, and pain. Use steam, visit the sauna. I know I need to be patient, it just gets a little frustrating dealing with pain all the time. Feels like I have on the tightest knee sock imaginable with a tourniquet for a top band. If either of these is what you are experiencing, I have been having this pain since about week 8 and I am now about 16 weeks out and still have it. If you have confidence in him then you have to believe that he is experienced in this and that’s why he’s not concerned. The skin around a knee is tight, where it is not as tight around the hip.” Cause of Knee Pain and Swelling Eight Weeks Out from Replacement Surgery It did not move around at all. With total knee replacements, however, “it’s very rare that somebody tells you, ‘I don’t even know it’s in there,’” Tarlow says. After 20 years of pain and icing her knee nightly, Sue Minutaglio of Westchester, NY, knew she couldn’t put off a knee replacement any longer. It’s ackward to use, but feels better after use. Baker’s Cyst. Now i am told it might be lose. I am staying in therapy for straight aggressive stretching. But for the rest of us, we may still have it after months or years post TKR. I have pain behind my knee that feels like it is full of liquid and when I bend it is squeezing that liquid and that hurts like crazy. I'm hoping this will go away as well. What are your symptoms with IT band syndrome? After getting partial knee replacements in both knees I started getting sharp pain on the outside of my knee when attempted a slight squat. He has been doing the regular total knee exercises to gain ROM..he is now currently only at 80 degrees but had a hx prior to surgery of decrease ROM in the knee secondary to old … My knee continues to click when walking up stairs and when hiking up hills. It is unusual that this feeling is persisting even after surgery. I am 19 months post TKR surgery. But the left has had issues. Doctor has suggested IT band release surgery. @mhort1213 : Yes, initially it felt like someone hat put a really tight band around my knee – mine was just barely above the bending point, mostly on the underside of the knee. 2) I only notice my partial when I kneel on that knee or when there is … Hi @collielady, I'd like to invite back @tmeurer, @strokemyoak and @lynnmorgan0916 who also discussed IT band pain in the past as well to share their experiences. I am a 65 yr old female. Pain Level 7 Months After Knee Replacement. When working normally, the IT band will glide across the outside of the knee over a fluid-filled sac called a bursa. The surgery went well. I have been pleased with my progress but over the last week a tight band around my knne is bothering me. – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/it-band/. Has anyone else had this and did it go away and when? I need to have my other knee done as well and am fearful now of having the same issue. I was prescribed gabapentin, didn’t help. Several different causes, including arthrofibrosis or scar tissue formation, can contribute to the development of stiffness after a total knee replacement. Before surgery, my knee was extremely loose, moving all over the place, locking up, and causing me to fall. I have great ROM. It felt like it had been cemented in place and was stuck in that spot. tight rubber band feeling. How is your range-of-motion going? The K tape seems to be helping and I can get some bend in my knee now when walking. I am wondering if others have had this problem and how it was handled and how long it took to get better. Very uncomfortable while it lasted. It also happens when I walk. @collielady, I also had my knee replaced in 2006. The surgery went well. This one is...", "Hi @collielady, I'd like to invite back @tmeurer, @strokemyoak and @lynnmorgan0916 who...", "Is the pain behind your knee associated with the IT Syndrome? Hi @mhort1213. The right knee has done great. You have brand new hardware in your knee and it will loosen up. A tight iliotibial band is the main cause of IT band syndrome. A lump at the back of your knee could be due to Baker’s cyst which can be caused by torn cartilage or fluid accumulation around the knee. Have they offered any suggestions to relieve it? It takes a great deal of mental energy to rise above this pain to have a productive day. After surgery, my knee cap felt very tight. The answers ranged from two weeks to three months after the initial replacement surgery. Have you spoken to your surgeon about this? How is your range of motion with...", "@mhort1213 I have had 2 TKRs but I do not recall a...", "I am 19 months post TKR surgery. But was told at my one year appointment that there was a good chance I would just have to live with this. The calf muscle and the one behind the knee are swollen and tight. HELP! Has anyone had experience with that surgery? The pain can feel like a burning or like a bad ache and it tends to get worse at night, when you lie down to sleep. A swollen knee occurs when excess fluid accumulates in or around your knee joint. Feeling Of Tightness Or Stiffness In The Hip: In 26% of reported cases, it seems like people experienced the same feeling of tightness in their hip, as well as their knee. Without this knowledge, it is very difficult to find an appropriate treatment. I am 8 weeks post TKR and have had this very tight band around my knee since week one. “A small retrospective study examined 13 patients who’d had hip replacement,” continues Dr. Peck. Thanks for the videos. This most commonly occurs at the bottom of the band where it inserts on the outer side of the knee. The first question addressed was how soon to do something about a stiff knee after knee replacement. It feels very stiff there as well when I bend it to walk and catches at about 30 degrees which makes me walk with a straight leg. I hope it will improve very soon. @tanner82, while we wait for others to share their experience, would you be comfortable sharing what you have tried with your IT bands thus far? What she … I have to image the IT band syndrome is really affecting your ability to progress in your flexing and straightening of your joint. Anyone else out there have any information or tips for dealing with this? My left knee was a dream compared to this. extends down front of calf. I really think it is going to help. I have been doing deep massage which seems to help somewhat. I release, straighten and feel a "pop" and than I can complete my pull in bend. I am a 65 yr old female. But it will be much more stable. If your surgeon cannot give you answers and some help, find a different surgeon. I ordered a foam roller and received it 2days later. My knee continues to be pain-free with very minor soreness around the knee. Has anyone had a tight band feeling after total knee replacement. Your knee may begin feeling tight and warm. Two answers from me ….. 1) I am now 2 years 8 months from my right knee, partial knee replacement, medial compartment -I still have the 'tight band feeling' - no sweat, it gets better each year - but - very slowly. Both knees still fell like a lot of pressure on the fatty deposit area (front outside of the knee). I think I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome, i have an appointment with my physiotherapist on Monday. When I walk or try to pull my knee in to bend I keep feeling a catch. It mainly hurts when I am walking making me walk with a stiff-legged gait. I want to clarify what you mean by tight band....". I get medial, I get lateral and I get the "It feels like there's a band around my knee" comments. I also have pain behind my knee when I walk that feels like a tendon, ligament or something is being stretched to its limit and then pops, then with my next steps it starts again. @collielady @tanner82 I am wondering how you are getting on now and if your problems are resolved yet. I will have to ask my PT more about how this happens. I am wondering if that is what you mean by having a tight band on your knee, because it did feel like that. Actually my flexion and extension are very good when I am laying down. I hope your issue resolves soon. Use hand or an electric hand massager on the tight spot. I am wondering if that is what you mean by having a tight band on your knee, because it did feel like that. JK. I had my rt knee replaced Dec 4th 2018. It takes a great deal of mental energy to rise above this pain to have a productive day. Gradually went away. hard to straighten leg. The most important step in finding a solution to persistent discomfort is to first determine the cause of the pain. I pray it doesn't last that long! I had my TKR (right Knee) in May 2018, so I am 10 months out. Current knee aspiration was all blood indicating another revision. I had my knee replacement on 17th Dec 2018 and have a sharp pain on the upper outside of my knee when I bend it. Right on 6/4 and left on 6/13. what is it?" My Dr at 6 wks says it is normal and will go away. In my case, I had fallen so much because of having 2 bad knees, that I felt safer when it was really tight. my range got up to 119 but i feel it is lower now. I am 10 weeks post surgery and I just went to the doctor yesterday who once again reassured me that the band feeling and the fluid on my knee would go away in time and that is all normal. It felt like it had been cemented in place and was stuck in that spot. Loosening of the implant: This is most often the cause of pain years or decades after the knee replacement; however, it is seldom the cause of persistent pain right after surgery.… Have you tried water therapy @mhort1213? I became afraid of falling after it loosened up. Knee feels Heavy and tight after a total or partial knee replacement? The first is a minimally invasive procedure where the nerves that carry pain information away from the knee are ablated, or destroyed, with the use of a special needle. What do...", "Hi @mhort1213. Oh my gosh… I pray it doesn't last that long! I am 19 months post TKR surgery. Because the IT Band runs from the hip to the knee, there are many areas that can cause trouble. I went through PT 3x trying different things to treat this, including astym and dry needling. It did not move around at all. This tight band feeling is actually caused by adhesion (scar tissue). After a few months of therapy, it loosened up and began to move around like a normal knee cap. What surprises me is that IT band syndrome is caused by overuse which would not be the case after knee replacement surgery. If it persists, there are several possibilities, including infection, irritation from the components, scar tissue formation, or instability of the knee. After working out, the steam can improve muscle recovery. Good luck. The hip has more soft tissue and collateral circulation around it, and it is higher up in the body, closer to the large blood vessels which drain the lower extremities. @mhort1213 I have had 2 TKRs but I do not recall a feeling like a tight band. Possible Causes of Tightness Behind Knee 1. I ride the bike, do the ARC (gazelle), step-ups with a weight, and all the stretches. My surgeon and PT have not been able to explain the what or why of this phenomenon. The pain behind my knee prevents me from raising my leg while walking. I was wondering if one of the two pains could be IT problems. And the nurse showed me a stretching exercise to do. This one is being a bear. They want to do another replacement. Painful, try to ignore it. This week both PT and the surgeon’s nurse said I have IT band syndrome. After surgery, my knee cap felt very tight. No help, but they tell me of people who have...", "Wow, that's certainly not encouraging. I also have a few discussions that include videos you may want to check out as well: – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/live-qa-runners-lower-extremity-injuries-and-how-to-prevent-them/ Over the past several years, however, there have been some new developments to treat pain after knee replacement surgery. The pain and limitation of movement are only with walking/weight-bearing. I was prescribed gabapentin, didn’t help. I want to clarify what you mean by tight band. Hopeful mine will go away and praying all works out for you as well. If i do he will not do it. I went through PT 3x trying different things to treat this, including astym and dry needling. Healing occurs in part through an inflammatory process. I still have bruised areas on my leg and it’s been 7 months since the last session. Anyone else out there have any information or tips for dealing with this? What do the doctors tell you that is causing it? JK. 1995 upper tibia osteotomy, 2004 total knee replacement, 2006 total knee revision, 2017 total knee revision. IT band knee pain (also known as iliotibial band) feels like pain on the outside part of knee. Good luck to you! I have been diligent with therapy, go to the Y everyday plus my stretches. How many revisions can i have with Osteopena and RA. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. My PT and surgeon, reassured me that it was normal and that my knee cap would hold steady and it has. @bonzobear72 I have come to realize that it is not unusual to not get the range you would like, but at this point, I do not believe there should still be swelling. That said, this may not be that at all but a problem with the collateral ligament or a chronic bursitis. After a few months of therapy, it loosened up and began to move around like a normal knee cap. Did he/she indicate how long before that would improve? Feels like tight rubber bands around the knees. In any case, this is not the usual recovery scenario for a knee replacement and it needs futher investigation. Those who have better mobility prior to surgery are less likely to have stiffness after surgery. Feels like I have on the tightest knee sock imaginable with a tourniquet for a top band. I had both knees replaces last month. “This is a slow process. Has anyone had surgery to resolve this problem or got any other tips please? I have great ROM. Is the pain behind your knee associated with the IT Syndrome? Arthrofibrosis is also known as stiff knee syndrome. Answered by Dr. Stuart Hickerson: Effusion: This most likely due to swelling on the knee. No help, but they tell me of people who have it worse. PT would loosen it with a rolling and stretching, but every night it tightens again. This could be iliotibial band syndrome, but usually that resolves with rest and, if not, a cortisone injection may help. What surprises me is that IT band syndrome is caused by overuse which would not be the case after knee replacement surgery. Thanks, Justin. The most common causes of pain after knee replacement include: 1. Iliotibial Band Syndrome develops when the IT Band gets irritated and inflamed due to friction. But, from the beginning I have had a tight band feeling just under my knee, and a compressed feeling in my calf muscle. 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