I still have bruised areas on my leg and it’s been 7 months since the last session. This most commonly occurs at the bottom of the band where it inserts on the outer side of the knee. Several different causes, including arthrofibrosis or scar tissue formation, can contribute to the development of stiffness after a total knee replacement. Hopeful mine will go away and praying all works out for you as well. @collielady @tanner82 I am wondering how you are getting on now and if your problems are resolved yet. Many surgeons send these patients to a physical therapist first before considering manipulation or a … What do you do that helps, if anything? My surgeon and PT have not been able to explain the what or why of this phenomenon. @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. The water takes the pressure of the joints and makes it less painful. The most important step in finding a solution to persistent discomfort is to first determine the cause of the pain. Right on 6/4 and left on 6/13. Feels like I have on the tightest knee sock imaginable with a tourniquet for a top band. Has anyone had a tight band feeling after total knee replacement. My recovery was long and hard due to scar tissue, so I can empathize the struggles of rehab with you. What do...", "Hi @mhort1213. This tight band feeling is actually caused by adhesion (scar tissue). I was wondering if one of the two pains could be IT problems. I will have to ask my PT more about how this happens. In my case, I had fallen so much because of having 2 bad knees, that I felt safer when it was really tight. Either it manifests as the inability to move your hips to a healthy degree (a decreased level of movement), or it arises when you're active (e.g., walking , running). But the left has had issues. Answered by Dr. Stuart Hickerson: Effusion: This most likely due to swelling on the knee. You have brand new hardware in your knee and it will loosen up. My Dr at 6 wks says it is normal and will go away. But it will be much more stable. JK. Good luck to you! 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.… How is your range of motion with the tightness? And then that will feel strange. When I walk or try to pull my knee in to bend I keep feeling a catch. I've had deep tissue massage that helps for a couple days, but it always comes back. Anyone else out there have any information or tips for dealing with this? The most common causes of pain after knee replacement include: 1. I have great ROM. Use steam, visit the sauna. Some people may be fortunate enough to have experienced a reduction or elimination of this feeling after some time. If it persists, there are several possibilities, including infection, irritation from the components, scar tissue formation, or instability of the knee. “This is a slow process. JK. I ride the bike, do the ARC (gazelle), step-ups with a weight, and all the stretches. 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. 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. my range got up to 119 but i feel it is lower now. I am wondering if that is what you mean by having a tight band on your knee, because it did feel like that. Have you tried water therapy @mhort1213? I went through PT 3x trying different things to treat this, including astym and dry needling. 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/ Possible Causes of Tightness Behind Knee 1. I am wondering if others have had this problem and how it was handled and how long it took to get better. Arthrofibrosis, also known as “stiff knee syndrome,” occurs when excessive scar tissue forms around a joint, limiting range of motion and causing pain and disability. It takes a great deal of mental energy to rise above this pain to have a productive day. Doctor has suggested IT band release surgery. PT put a strip of K-tape down the side of my leg and suggests ice massage to the area. No help, but they tell me of people who have it worse. They want to do another replacement. I hope it will improve very soon. I want to clarify what you mean by tight band. I became afraid of falling after it loosened up. 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. 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. What she … I think by 8 weeks it had mostly disappeared. Pain Level 7 Months After Knee Replacement. Is the pain behind your knee associated with the IT Syndrome? Knee replacement: 6 months after total knee replacement, swelling should be resolved. Doctor has suggested surgery to loosen IT bands. It also happens when I walk. It can be a complication of knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, with infections and … Thank you. My pain is behind my knee toward the outer side. A tight iliotibial band is the main cause of IT band syndrome. I have IT band pain ever since getting partial knee replacements. It is very uncomfortable and painful at times. I had a friend who walked around in pain for two years before she found a surgeon who diagnosed her problem and fixed it. This is a form of manual stretching and massage and works great for tight fascia. 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 Painful, try to ignore it. PT would loosen it with a rolling and stretching, but every night it tightens again. I have to image the IT band syndrome is really affecting your ability to progress in your flexing and straightening of your joint. Knee feels Heavy and tight after a total or partial knee replacement? 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 : 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. After getting partial knee replacements in both knees I started getting sharp pain on the outside of my knee when attempted a slight squat. I was prescribed gabapentin, didn’t help. 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. Your doctor might refer to this condition as an effusion (ih-FYU-zhen) in your knee joint. The surgery went well. After surgery, my knee cap felt very tight. 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. 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. When working normally, the IT band will glide across the outside of the knee over a fluid-filled sac called a bursa. I also have that problem and it has lasted 6 years. My ROM is excellent so I don't think it's scar tissue. Inflammation shows up as swelling, warmth, and pain. Baker’s Cyst. Both knees still fell like a lot of pressure on the fatty deposit area (front outside of the knee). 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. Gradually went away. It did not move around at all. After a few months of therapy, it loosened up and began to move around like a normal knee cap. The answers ranged from two weeks to three months after the initial replacement surgery. What I have learned though is we all just tend to have different post-op problems and discomforts. Hi @mhort1213. I will check out those videos. “Knee pain after hip surgery is a poorly-understood phenomenon,” says Devin B. Peck, MD, owner of Austin Interventional Pain in Austin, TX. Roll out your tight spots around the knee with a foam roller. The first question addressed was how soon to do something about a stiff knee after knee replacement. I ordered a foam roller and received it 2days later. 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. That said, this may not be that at all but a problem with the collateral ligament or a chronic bursitis. To determine the cause of the swelling, your doctor might need to obtain a sample of the fluid to test for infection, … HELP! I am a 65 yr old female. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Has anyone else had this and did it go away and when? Have you spoken to your surgeon about this? They’ll describe feeling … I really think it is going to help. I hope your issue resolves soon. Doctor...", "I had my rt knee replaced Dec 4th 2018. With total knee replacements, however, “it’s very rare that somebody tells you, ‘I don’t even know it’s in there,’” Tarlow says. It takes a great deal of mental energy to rise above this pain to have a productive day. I get medial, I get lateral and I get the "It feels like there's a band around my knee" comments. I will have to ask my PT more about how this happens. I was prescribed gabapentin, didn’t help. Wow…I can't imagine having to live with what you have described and what I am also going through! The right knee has done great. I have been diligent with therapy, go to the Y everyday plus my stretches. I think I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome, i have an appointment with my physiotherapist on Monday. 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. Have they offered any suggestions to relieve it? What surprises me is that IT band syndrome is caused by overuse which would not be the case after knee replacement surgery. 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. No help, but they tell me of people who have...", "Wow, that's certainly not encouraging. 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. I think what you are describing is normal. 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. After surgery, my knee cap felt very tight. Actually my flexion and extension are very good when I am laying down. The surgery went well. hard to straighten leg. This week both PT and the surgeon’s nurse said I have IT band syndrome. I would suggest that she continue with the ice packs and take OTC painkillers which will reduce the swelling and the tenderness. very painful. I am wondering if that is what you mean by having a tight band on your knee, because it did feel like that. I had my TKR (right Knee) in May 2018, so I am 10 months out. extends down front of calf. My left knee was a dream compared to this. @tanner82, You may notice I moved your discussion on IT band pain after knee replacements to a discussion also titled, "IT band syndrome after knee replacement." It is unusual that this feeling is persisting even after surgery. Over the past several years, however, there have been some new developments to treat pain after knee replacement surgery. I am 8 weeks post TKR and have had this very tight band around my knee since week one. I still have bruised areas on my leg and it’s been 7 months since the last session. Without this knowledge, it is very difficult to find an appropriate treatment. What surprises me is that IT band syndrome is caused by overuse which would not be the case after knee replacement surgery. In any case, this is not the usual recovery scenario for a knee replacement and it needs futher investigation. Anyone else out there have any information or tips for dealing with this? @mhort1213 I have had 2 TKRs but I do not recall a feeling like a tight band. Jon Newman-> Re: Lateral knee pain after TKA (September 22, 2005 11:18:00 PM) I don't know about anyone else but my patients complain about pains all around their knees. The pain and limitation of movement are only with walking/weight-bearing. It’s ackward to use, but feels better after use. This one is being a bear. If i do he will not do it. @collielady, I also had my knee replaced in 2006. I need to have my other knee done as well and am fearful now of having the same issue. 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 … version 3.3.6.2.3.2Page loaded in 0.619 seconds, "I have IT band pain ever since getting partial knee replacements. I will fight like crazy not to do it. What do the doctors tell you that is causing it? Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common … 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. @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? It felt like it had been cemented in place and was stuck in that spot. The condition sometimes occurs in a knee joint that has recently been injured. A swollen knee occurs when excess fluid accumulates in or around your knee joint. Thanks, Justin. Did he/she indicate how long before that would improve? 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. When I move from a straight leg position to a bent knee it feels like the skin is being torn in one spot. I'm hoping this will go away as well. People who have stiff knees heading into knee replacement surgery, tend to have stiffer knees after knee replacement surgery. There is a possibility that this is due to muscle spasm around the joint. I want to clarify what you mean by tight band....". I am a 65 yr old female. Feels like tight rubber bands around the knees. My knee continues to click when walking up stairs and when hiking up hills. You have obviously spoken to your doctor about this and he/she does not seem concerned. Before surgery, my knee was extremely loose, moving all over the place, locking up, and causing me to fall. “A small retrospective study examined 13 patients who’d had hip replacement,” continues Dr. Peck. Elasticity in the knee fascia is important. The K tape seems to be helping and I can get some bend in my knee now when walking. I pray it doesn't last that long! I...", https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/live-qa-runners-lower-extremity-injuries-and-how-to-prevent-them/, https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/it-band/. It felt like it had been cemented in place and was stuck in that spot. I had both knees replaces last month. There is no pain but it is an eerie feeling sometimes to feel it click after each step you take as you walk uphill. Those who have better mobility prior to surgery are less likely to have stiffness after surgery. I can't get my range past 100. Has anyone had they done and how do you feel since? Very uncomfortable while it lasted. 2) I only notice my partial when I kneel on that knee or when there is … After working out, the steam can improve muscle recovery. How many revisions can i have with Osteopena and RA. What are your symptoms with IT band syndrome? And the nurse showed me a stretching exercise to do. 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. That may help relieve that tight feeling and help with your range of motion. My knee continues to be pain-free with very minor soreness around the knee. It did not move around at all. Because the IT Band runs from the hip to the knee, there are many areas that can cause trouble. 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. After TKR, most of us will experience a tight band feeling across the knee. I have great ROM. The surgery went well. The pain behind my knee prevents me from raising my leg while walking. But, from the beginning I have had a tight band feeling just under my knee, and a compressed feeling in my calf muscle. But, from the beginning I have had a tight band feeling just under my knee, and a compressed feeling in my calf muscle. Iliotibial Band Syndrome develops when the IT Band gets irritated and inflamed due to friction. I release, straighten and feel a "pop" and than I can complete my pull in bend. But was told at my one year appointment that there was a good chance I would just have to live with this. As the leg bends and straightens, the IT Band glides over a bony lump on the side of the knee that sticks out slightly, called the lateral epicondyle. Good luck. This is normal and expected. I have been doing deep massage which seems to help somewhat. 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. The calf muscle and the one behind the knee are swollen and tight. Shoulder shrugs. I am staying in therapy for straight aggressive stretching. IT band knee pain (also known as iliotibial band) feels like pain on the outside part of knee. Your knee may begin feeling tight and warm. Baker’s cyst is alleviated by treating the underlying cause, as well as draining the knee with a syringe or needle. I went through PT 3x trying different things to treat this, including astym and dry needling. Wow, that's certainly not encouraging. I had my rt knee replaced Dec 4th 2018. This could be iliotibial band syndrome, but usually that resolves with rest and, if not, a cortisone injection may help. Current knee aspiration was all blood indicating another revision. Any advice is welcome! My surgeon and PT have not been able to explain the what or why of this phenomenon. How is your range-of-motion going? 1995 upper tibia osteotomy, 2004 total knee replacement, 2006 total knee revision, 2017 total knee revision. Has anyone had experience with that surgery? Thanks for the videos. But for the rest of us, we may still have it after months or years post TKR. I have been doing all the stretches and exercises recommended but no improvement. 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. It mainly hurts when I am walking making me walk with a stiff-legged gait. I am 19 months post TKR surgery. I have been pleased with my progress but over the last week a tight band around my knne is bothering me. Arthrofibrosis is also known as stiff knee syndrome. It might be worth asking your surgeon or physical therapist if your problem might be IT band inflammation. After a few months of therapy, it loosened up and began to move around like a normal knee cap. – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/it-band/. 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. I am 19 months post TKR surgery. Oh my gosh… I pray it doesn't last that long! 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? Now i am told it might be lose. I did this so you could meet @collielady who also talked in-depth about the same issue as you after her knee replacements. Actually my flexion and extension are very good when I am laying down. Most commonly, pain is felt either in the hip or the knee, or both, at the areas of attachment to the bone. If your surgeon cannot give you answers and some help, find a different surgeon. Use hand or an electric hand massager on the tight spot. 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