Why Does My Knee Feel Tight: Total Knee Replacement

[@geraldarcuri9307]

Terrifically helpful information. I am three + weeks out from knee surgery. I wish more PTs would discuss the benefits of warmth to muscle movement. When I let warm water run over my hamstrings in the shower, I am amazed at how easily I can flex my leg. Also, the emphasis in the first three weeks should be on HEALING from surgery, not ROM exercises. Why don't more orthopedic surgeons and PTs get this? A week of being able to sleep and begin to eat normally is worth far more than the "no pain, no gain" approach. Eventually, after a couple of months, I will be doing many of my exercises in a warm "hot" tub. A warm muscle is a relaxed muscle. ( Icing is fine to help with reducing swelling, but it is no ally beyond that for increasing ROM. )

[@LeahBrooksJeremiahGardens]

I 100% agree with heat and warmth. I am 18 days post-op, and I have no tightness. I aggressively worked to get ROM early on and had full ROM within 5 days. But after that, I just worked to keep the ROM and worked on strength. I never used ice. I used a heating pad over the thigh, massage, elevation, and compression stockings for 2 weeks.

[@jaystrake4459]

Very pleased to have found this video so I don't feel so alone in my journey. 12 weeks later and my problem has been horrendous saphenous nerve pain, but after seeing this, I realize that everything just takes time.

[@tonismith5945]

Excellent! My surgeon only addressed swelling as the cause of the tightness and my knee. The other reasons make total sense to me! Thank you so much

[@sparklander]

Thank you for the explanation of knee tightness. That explains why my knee felt so much better after riding the bike at PT.

[@coringtonbaldwin7629]

At 10 months my knee feel great...I am walking normal and am starting to forget that I have a Chrome knee..A couple of months ago...I was across the street from 2 girls who ran out of gas...I immediately wanted to assist but there was a lot of traffic...If I could run I would have been able to assist immediately...By the time the traffic cleared and I walked across the street...4 people was already pushing their car to the nearest gas station...It was at this point that I said that I will never run 🏃‍♂️ again...From our last exchange...you informed me that I will eventually be able to run ( in an emergency situation) but that you would not recommend running on a treadmill ( exercise)...I now have hope and I wanted to personally thank you...BTW...On today's topic...my knee felt tight after surgery but the tightness wore off after a couple of months.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

It’s good to practice a fast jog every once in a while just in case! I am so happy to have helped :)

[@docsays]

Thank you for sharing. I was wondering how long the tightness lasts.

[@trensetta1005]

Greatly appreciated the way you gave specific information on the tightening of the knee feeling. Definitely will subscribe to the channel for more informative videos that answer my questions. Thanks so much.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Awesome, thank you!

[@Bonnie62563]

I am 13 weeks post op, and I am in still experiencing pain, tightness and the awful IT band. How long will this last/ ? What exercises can I do for this ? I’m done with PT.

[@sherylevans495]

The cycling definitely loosens it! Fortunately I have a stationary bike so very easy to "jump" on safely. Even 3 months post surgery I still have stiffness and some swelling, especially at the end of the day.

[@IngridEllers]

It’s been two years and I still feel like I have a band a tight band around my knee. I had an injury in rehab about three weeks out from my surgery that was pretty severe and I had to go to another rehab facility. Could this have caused it?

[@inthecrosshairs4480]

Mine feels like a 3" metal band around my knee. Extremely tight and swollen. 8 weeks post op. FRUSTRATING is the word of the day. So tight and swollen that exercising is limited. Right now I'm wondering if I did the right thing. I never expected nor was a told to expect this. I need my left knee done also. At this time I would say, that will never happen. I have no choice but to give the knee time. So.....

[@dr.samanthasmith]

I would say around 90% of people have the same frustrations and symptoms that you do. I know my patients at eight weeks post surgery are very frustrated with the swelling. Usually by eight weeks post surgery, You are doing a lot more than you did four weeks ago. So you can imagine the swelling will increase because of the increased activity. Focus on elevation with ice on days where you have a lot of swelling. You can do 20 minutes of elevation with ice every hour.

[@shazidafungfook9570]

9​@@dr.samanthasmith

[@Cothteh]

How is your knee now? Did that feeling go away?

[@BabyGrand77]

I am right there with you. I’m about 4 months post op and I’ve had the feeling you are describing since early after my surgery and I also ended up getting DVT which delayed my physio. I wish I didn’t do this surgery. I also need my left knee done but have already decided that that will never happen!

[@karahamil3657]

@@BabyGrand77how can you be active if you don’t get them done … I’m not talking about running a race I mean everyday activities …shopping going out and about etc ….

[@mariawarner1896]

Really helpful thankyou and your Facebook group is brilliant! ❤

[@Cwo30]

Thank you for the explanation! Im 5 weeks post op and I feel all of these symptoms. I have manual manipulation in 3 days to help get me straight and I’m really hoping this helps. My pain level is about 3 but my level of being uncomfortable and restless is 12.

[@gladysclark4035]

That's for helping me to make my mind up about getting my Total knee replacement

[@docsays]

Excellent info. You are the most informative yter I’ve found on this topic.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate that. It is definitely my specialty and I have done a lot of research to be able to provide good information to the public. I definitely don’t want to be providing false information.

[@docsays]

@@dr.samanthasmith - oh i can tell you know your stuff. Everything is on point! Im 4 wks out & pushing myself as hard as i can! Looking forward to more of your videos!! Thank you

[@daisyguzman9040]

Thank you so much for the info. My new knee does feel like it's gonna pop like a balloon. Hopefully with PT the tightness & swelling will go down.

[@keithray4197]

Thanks dr Sam! Your videos and explanations are amazing.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

My pleasure!

[@johnsenior478]

Best answer Ive heard - thanks very much- really helpful.

[@opalchung5375]

It is a pleasure listening to you, your explanation is on target. I am 9 months post procedure. The tightness is less as well as the swelling. Thank you.

[@VJackso]

Thanks I’m 7 weeks out (TKR) and the stiffness is my biggest issue, I’ve been told heat and ice helps. Biking for me is tremendously not good( @ therapy last week, They tried the bike, Honestly it felt like me leg left my body, I screamed and they stated I wasn’t ready for that, went to the knee flexing, sort of lifting from bed. But night time is worst for me, getting comfortable don’t happen till pre-morning, But I’m determined to keep moving and exercising w/therapy, I know I have a journey but I’ll get back to normal, Didn’t have full ROM before (TKR), so to get to 95-102 my Orthopedic Dr stated that’s good, after not having full ROM . Thanks for the Helpful post.

[@Cothteh]

How is the swelling now?

[@rosanesandberg9119]

Thank you, cleared up my concerns about the tightness.

[@Sandra-bk4rs]

Total knee replacement 2.5 months ago.After 4 days pt started.I screamed, eventually I was moved to another hospitals where zi coped with PT My knee is still stiff, I do my PT at home,Ive begun to walk without the walker for 10 min at a time I know its going to take a while before my knee is normal.Ive gone through a time of depression and pain,but realized at 70 Im not going to heal as fast as others,so I m just keeping oñ with PT and massaging my knee before getting out of bed,that helps.Will I have tne other knee done... NO r the walker for 10 minutes

[@2033Krish]

I had knee replacement surgery 6 days ago. The surgery leg is so heavy I can’t lift it. My husband has to lift it for me, when we do exercises, or where I need to lift the leg.

[@georgechandler7645]

Just found your channel. 4 weeks post op from TKR surgery. Have been using floor pedals for cycling motion. Just started the upright bicycle at my gym today with zero resistance. 15 minutes 2X a day. Walking about 30 minutes a day roundtrip to the beach. Keeping up all the stretching exercises. I live in Broadbeach, Australia. Dropped all the painkillers after one week. Take 2 Tylenol and 2 Advil together as needed. Usually just before going to sleep. My knee aches late in the evening every day, but seems to bounce back in the morning. Ice is your friend. I even sleep 3-4 hours a night with a cuff on my knee and ice water pumping from a DonJoy icebox. Keeping my knee cold eliminates the need for drugs. Following you on Facebook. Dr. Smith keep up the good work..

[@charlesmahone9516]

Hello Dr. Sam Just checking out this video I'm always stiff by Evening made Up my mind to invest in getting a bike to put in my basement to help on my way to get my knee stronger plus too stay in shape thanks for the information on stiffness of total knee replacement Take Care And Thankyou...

[@frankpaglianite4158]

Great information as usual I really love watching your explanations of problems and it helps me understand Thank you.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Glad to help!

[@modibokwt8453]

My problem is that My knee clicking when I’m walking or banding. Two months after ACL and meniscus surgery. My doctor said that it’s normal because there is fluid and gaz in my knee provoked by swelling.

[@lynetteprieto1434]

Hi Doc its five years since i had a total left knee replacement and am experiencing pain and stiffness all these years the knee is very very tight and painful i did physical therapy for almost fifteen months,am very frustrated due to this the Doctor told me it's arteriosclerosis and i will hv to do a revision can you help me please

[@richardthomas1566]

No doubt A great job of explaining things 👍

[@JayKay-jb5nm]

Nicely explained!

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ingridstock5657]

Thank you very much! This is very helpful to me! Now I understand why🙏🙏🙏 and it needs time ❤

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Glad it was helpful!

[@mildredbradway477]

Try swelling for 4 years & pain at a level at 8 to 10 from a revision total knee implant.. feels like my knee is glass ready to break. Imflammation. Why do I still have inflammation 4 years later. Plus now inflMmation is causeing circulation problems & circulation is cause vascurlar problems.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Depending on your medical history etc, your body might just be extremely angry now. Following an anti inflammatory diet and lifestyle might be beneficial. Working with your doctor, a PT or a personal trainer and a nutritionist could help tremendously.

[@eileencarlson]

Hello, I had total knee replacement on Jan 11 of this year I was a week behind in starting my home physical therapy and once that was done started Pysical therapy at a facility I went three times a week and then I had to get preapproved for more physical therapy, which took about 23 weeks so I was behind. I did do my exercises at home but every time I would go to sleep and wake up my knee was stiff always and when I went to physical therapy, he would bend my knee and he’d have me do squats in the bike, but every day the knee would still be stiff right now it’s about 98% bent which is not or 98° bent. Sorry my doctor wants it at 120° bend and it’s still stiff and I go to physical therapy. I do the exercises at home but I have a feeling he’s probably gonna have to go in and break up the scar tissue and he told me how he does it, but he doesn’t do that until like six weeks after or something and I’m healing but I’ve had to follow already three actually one on wood and two on concrete. The concrete one was the worst and it’s swollen. I fell last Thursday twice on concrete so both knees are swollen and I still do the exercises and I try to bend myself, but I can’t bend it without passing out from the pain.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

You may be doing too much which causes the knee to really tighten up. I would highly recommend my Knee Bending Course to help. It’s a 3 week program to get the knee to relax so it can bend. www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course

[@cil20002000]

Thank you for this video. I’m one week out and this is miserable. Poor rom before and now I understand

[@dr.samanthasmith]

You got this! Slow and steady. I have a step by step guide on my site too if you need more guidance. Www.Succeedcourses.Com/post-surgery-course

[@lizlemon9632]

Good info. Thank you. Educational.

[@calleecat]

Hi. I had a knee replacement in Nov 2021 and it failed. I barely have 60 degrees bend and I cannot fully extend. I have very little range of motion. I’m afraid to have revision surgery because I don’t want to be worse than I am now (there’s no guarantee revision will work). I can walk, just with an extreme gimp. I can’t stay on my leg for long as it gets stiff and sore. My question is…is there any hope that I can get my leg moving so I can at least walk normal without the risk of revision surgery? This is my driving leg and if a revision doesn’t work, I don’t want to lose my ability to drive. Would extreme massage therapy help me? I was also told that revision surgery would cause me to lose bone and have metal rods to replace my bone loss, which would cause me to have bone fractures. I was also advised that revision surgery would be a greater risk of blood clots and revisions would need to be done every 10 years because they don’t hold up as long as the original replacement. Is there any new technology that can help me get my leg moving without the risk of revision? Thank you for reading.

[@jimpuff8409]

I had partial knee replacements on both knees three years ago. Still feel so tight. I exercise and bend my knees a lot, and still no relief. It’s a tightness and numbness feeling . I was told I had arthritis, but would that cause that also? It is such a horrible feeling and I’m so frustrated.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Have you had an updated X-ray? You might need to continue to stretch and exercise. Join my exercise class. I run it every month. Next class starts October 29th. succeedcourses.com/Exercise-class

[@marabr4796]

Can you still ice at 9 weeks out? Still have a lot of swelling, tight banding making it very tough to get more ROM

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Yes you can!

[@maunalouw7593]

Thank you a lot for the information ❤

[@lydianichols0326]

I really enjoy listening to you. Has giving me a lot of information. Thank you I will be having surgery in June. I have done pre-rehab and just finished. But, knee is still stiff. I do some of the exercises to bend the knee but it won't give. Should I keep icing after I do my stretches st home before surgery. Hope to hear from you. Sincerely, Lydia N.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Yes! You can ice after you do your prehab exercises and stretches. Try to keep up with the exercises that don’t cause too much pain

[@danapatilloytf2024]

Help I had a knee replacement July 11th. On Aug 12th I noticed something was wrong my with my knee it turns out something was loose according to the xray. So all therapy was stopped bon August 15th. I had knee revision surgery on September 19th. Ive been in a rehab facility since July 15th. My question is my range if motion is only at 70. Ive been using a cpm im only at 80 on the cpm. Will my range of motion improve my knee it's swollen and tight?

[@dr.samanthasmith]

It should! I hope therapy is teaching you how to manage the swelling so it’ll bend. I have a ton of resources on my site about this too. Https://www.succeedcourses.com

[@danapatilloytf2024]

@@dr.samanthasmith ok thanks and yes I do PT and OT daily. I'm being discharged tomorrow from rehab to go home finally. I'm just frustrated having that revision surgery makes me depressed. I wish I had never had this done and I'm for sure not doing the other knee which is much worse. Thanks for replying

[@robchehowski4281]

Thank you! I'm 6 weeks on from my TKR, & VERY frustrated over the tightness. My ROM is only about 90 degrees, & I'm unable to use my stationary bike. The most frustrating part is, before my surgery, I had full ROM, although my knee would get very sore, very fast. I bike between 12-15 km per day in good weather, & patience is most definitely not my strong suit, so maybe I just need to adjust my expectations. I find that the constant, grinding pain is the worst; it's like untreated dental pain. Both my surgeon & PT have advised not to treat it with heat at this time. Can you comment as to when I might be able to begin that?

[@dr.samanthasmith]

I allow heat for my patients. Exercise causes heat to the muscles so I say what’s the difference in applying external heat. I’d highly recommend my Knee Bending Course. You are definitely not too late to make improvements. You have plenty of time. Just need a different program. www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course

[@JanetHussey-on9nu]

Hi doctor I haven't had my knee done as yet I'm in agony at the moment and I'm terrified

[@ajayprabs2116]

I have had revision knee replacement on left knee , but still feels weak and not sturdy and feel a lot of movement when I walk.

[@hasmahrahiman8232]

Hi I’m into almost 6 months after TKR but why still very tight at the back of my knee? Is this normal or is there anything i need to do?

[@m.aliciapatino5201]

@dr.samanthasmith, I am on my 10th week of my right knee surgery. I am past my PT, but I went once this week this past Monday, and the last one is next week on Wednesday. I am doing all the PT exercises there and at home. I am a Diabetic with neuropathy and still have a lot of swelling on my knee and ankle. My PT instructor says maybe it's a longer-term because of age and my health issue. My knee doesn't want to bend because of the stiffness. Sometimes, my knee measurements go from 98° to 85° 84° because of the stiffness. I am very frustrated. 😖

[@dr.samanthasmith]

I would elevate with ice more. You might need to take my Post Surgery Course to get on track. I bet you could improve your knee bending with proper instructions. Www.Succeedcourses.Com/post-surgery-course

[@josephf2157]

Thank you. ❤ Please help me understand? I'm at day 8 I'm not expecting miracles, but this knee is so swollen that I try to move it at all with the physical therapist at my house I can barely move it? When do you think swelling will diminish enough where I could move it?, I have the ice machine, I'm trying to elevate it as much as possible, I'm just worried that scar tissue will set in and I won't be able to move it at all after that?

[@lynetteprieto1434]

Great info Doc I had a Tkr since 2019 and my rango of motion is not good my left knee is stiff and at times pain a lot did pt for almost two years it feels like a band is in my knee am doing some stretches going up and down my stairs is a challenge .I think only divine intervention can help me right now

[@Farmerbettyboop2]

Yes absolutely answered my question of why. I’m about 5 weeks post TKR and this tightness is driving me bonkers! I do ice after my exercise sessions but I’ll try the ice and elevate once per hour to see if this helps too TkU Dr Sam

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Definitely the swelling is a big component of the stiffness. Keeping that leg strong helps too. I currently am running an exercise class on my website. Lots of reports of decreased stiffness after the class. Check it out: succeedcourses.com/Exercise-class

[@Farmerbettyboop2]

@@dr.samanthasmith oh thanks. I’ll have to check it out later. I don’t meet the requirements right now.

[@Shahida-tn7gr]

Dear doctor iam 6 weeks in off my t kr I cannot sleep at night , I go out for 10 minutes walk and I feel very tired.i hav not seen a physio so for..iam not too sure what to do next.thanks for your amazing information. Cold packs gives me stubbing feelings in my knee.what should I do.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

I would recommend my Post Surgery Course for you. It will help you get through this successfully. Www.Succeedcourses.Com/post-surgery-course

[@mithokhan7896]

Hi dear where is your clinic please need address?

[@ah-1946]

I I had my knee surgery in 2018 and 2021. I had a major fall. I landed on cement on both of my knees ever since then I’ve been having feels like a balloon getting ready to pop on my left knee, so could you tell me if I damaged it or what?

[@dr.samanthasmith]

If you fell, you definitely need to see the surgeon!

[@kbbowman8654]

I would like to jump forward to procedures that may be introduced to help with the range of motion… I’m at 5 weeks and only 80…They have me very afraid, such as manipulation under anesthesia… Arthroscopy… And I believe there’s some other procedure contracture? Patellar tendonitis..Those are the things that make me very nervous and at what point do they make the decision that you are not gonna make it in time?my doctor put a scare in me that if I don’t get it, my window is closing, and I will never bend again! Real encouraging, right? Please help:😢

[@dr.samanthasmith]

I have a Knee Bending Course that will absolutely help! We’ve had quite a few people that have completed the program with great results. Please check it out. It’s much better than having the MUA. www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course

[@joanns185]

My rom was perfect now 90* 7weeks-this explanation does not help tell me HOW to stretch the muscles - they tighten up as soon as done with pt- back to low rom every time HELP

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Knee Bending Course! There’s so much more than just stretching to get the knee to bend. The course will teach you. www.succeedcourses.com/Knee-bending-course

[@kathyclark3168]

I have that feeling but ICE helps. I'm exercising more so maybe that's why it swells too. But ICE helps 😀

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Ice is the best!! My favorite ice pack is Active wrap. Active wrap stays cold up to 45 mins and it is very easy to store in the freezer. The ice packs attach by Velcro into the knee sleeve. I would recommend buying the knee sleeve (which comes with 2 ice packs) AND a set of extra ice packs so you can always have 2 cold ones in the freezer. You’ll want to order directly from the website and use the code DRSAM10 for 10% off. activewrap.com/products/heated-iced-knee-wrap

[@elbellogordo]

Gracias!!

[@damodaranp7605]

Madam,What if knee ffd 30 following tkr?

[@lynngabriel5675]

I am 5 month PO total knee replacement and still very tight ,is this normal

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Yes it is. You should have less tightness each month tho. If you do too much activity, expect increased tightness.

[@elizabethlinton1913]

Wk 12 of total knee replacement...why does my knee lock

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Usually weak quads. Join my exercise class! www.succeedcourses.com/Exercise-class

[@breezeyfaye]

What is your Facebook group?

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Https://facebook.com/groups/3278770492360139/?ref=share

[@jazpwr8613]

Thank you for the great videos as always. What is expected ROM after TKR? I know he can be different for everyone. But is there a limit because compared to your natural knee?

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Yes. Maximum is 130 for most replacements. Great question!

[@jazpwr8613]

@@dr.samanthasmith Ty😊

[@lynngabriel5675]

I'm 6 months po and still my knee is stiff,is this normal so far on

[@dr.samanthasmith]

It should be getting better each month! But the stiffness is one of the symptoms that lingers until 12 months

[@azlinamansor7769]

Thanks Dr Samant Thanks Dr Samantha for the explanation. I'm 8 weeks PO bilateral TKR. Still experiencing stiffness and tightness around knee band that I even can't sit longer when doing work (I'm still on medical leave, but need to submit reports from time to time). I really had a tough time sitting on chair for long, I just figured out that it might be due my limitation in knee bending (my ROM is still less then 90).I did all your suggestions except that elevated knees(coz I'm not sure how if both legs n feel a bit uncomfortable) & biking (will start this soon). Perhaps I need to do more to increase the ROM, in order for thing to get better. This stiffness annoying even to walk to the toilet.

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Please take my course. You will have everything you need to know in a structured way. It’ll get you back on track www.succeedcourses.com/post-surgery-course

[@SRobinson1485]

Thanks that's very interesting. Would it be good to start on the indoor bike after 2 weeks from my knee op

[@dr.samanthasmith]

Generally yes! Start out slow. Maybe a couple minutes, 1x. Then see how you feel the next day. If all is good, then you’ll increase the time.

[@valeriebaker4563]

18months on from tks I can hardly walk stiff numb and painfull thigh and calf muscle please. Help

[@dr.samanthasmith]

I would join my 4 Week Strength, Balance & Stretching Class. It starts January 7th. Read the reviews! It’s been extremely beneficial for people. succeedcourses.com/Exercise-class