Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction.

1,052 Members
1,819 Posts
0 Online
Muscles & Bones
/ Arthritis Support Group

Total Knee Replacement

Susan1947
Susan1947
Hi: My husband just had total knee replacement 4 weeks ago, and he goes to his therapy 3 times a week. He cannot keep taking pain medication, but how long before you get some relief?
He uses his icepacks like he was told, then sometimes he needs a heating pad to loosen up the muscles in his leg. He is getting so frustrated. Anyone gone or going through this.
Thank You
Susan
Vanyel
Vanyel
Recovering from knee replacement takes a long time. He must be patient and keep working on it. It takes a good 6 months, though he will be back on his feet in about 3 months. I had mine done when I was 47. I was off work for 3 months, and then went back only part time for another month before I could work full time again. You lose all the muscle strength in the leg. It is a huge brutal surgery, and it takes a long time. Keep using the ice. Keep using the pain medications as long as you need to. And keep up with therapy - that is essential. Try not to get too frustrated. Patience is another key. It will get better. I am now going on 4 years out and I am riding horses and working and getting around without trouble in that knee. So hang in there. Let the body do its thing. Take the meds. Do the therapy. Good luck.

Vanyel
Susan1947
Susan1947
Thanks for your reply. I think he knows it will take time, but he has no patience. He feels like doing something, and then he loses interest. He says its more trouble than its worth. Gary has a job where he is on his feet all day, and we wonder about how he will do. His surgery was end of April, and they are telling him he can go back to work Sept. 1st. I already thought about the Part-Time to start. Its rough financially also. Lots of things to consider. He loves to shoot pool, and is really good at it. He did start to go back to play with his team for a tournament last week. Thats only one night a week, but I think its good exercise and it gets him out.
I needed to hear from somebody who has gone through it all. He also does his therapy 3 times a week, and exercise in between.
Again Thank You
Vanyel
Vanyel
At the time I had my knee done I was working as an RN in the ER, so I was on my feet running around for 12 hour shifts. I did get back to full time work doing it, and managed just fine. So tell him it will happen. Hang in there, behave, and be patient. :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hi Susan,
Recovery after a knee replacement takes about three months. Pain will come down gradually as he progresses with his rehab program. This should consist of muscle strength building, balance and range of movement exercises. Ice packs will certainly help to decrease discomfort after a round of physiotherapy.