This is normal during the early stages of recovery, as the knee experiences swelling which causes temporary stiffness. This should begin to subside within the first month or so after the operation; if it continues to feel stiff or if the stiffness gets worse, contact your surgeon.
Knee stiffness is a complication that may occur. Treatment options include aggressive physical therapy, manipulation under anesthesia, surgical removal of scar tissue, and revision knee replacement. Your surgeon will decide which treatment is best for your unique needs.
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 can be a complication of knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, with infections and bleeding as known contributing factors.
Barring any complications, most patients are able to return to most normal activities and walk without the need of assistive devices between three to six weeks after surgery. Overall, it usually takes two to three months to make a complete recovery from a minimally invasive knee replacement.
Slowly let your affected knee bend by lowering your feet. At some point, you will feel a gentle stretch. Hold for the desired amount of time, and then use your unaffected side to help straighten your knee out once again. Repeat.
Those with a long-term stiff knee may need about 2 months to feel better. Shelbourne Knee Center discharges patients from the Knee Rehabilitation Program for OA after 2–4 months. But patients need to continue the daily exercises and strengthening at least 3 times a week.
Knee stiffness and pain that can occur after a knee replacement may be because of scar tissue and collagen attaching to the knee implant.
Don't Overdo It
Signs of over-exercising include swelling of the entire leg and lingering pain that stretches into the evening or into the next day.
By: Sunil Jani, MD, MS, Orthopedic Surgeon
A full recovery can take 6 months to 1 year or longer. After surgery, efforts are devoted to controlling post-surgical pain, establishing good range of motion, and increasing muscle strength. Once fully recovered, a person typically has less knee pain and better knee function.
After your knee replacement, it's important to stick with the recommended physical therapy plan and continue challenging yourself without overexerting your healing knee. Following an exercise regime can also reduce swelling, increase your range of motion and strengthen your body.
Tightness in the knee can occur as a result of injury to the tendons, ligaments, or cartilage inside the knee. In some cases, it may be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Anyone who experiences tightness in one or both knees should see a doctor for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
Patients undergoing total knee replacement are highly likely to experience fatigue before the surgery and six months following the procedure. It's normal to feel tired frequently after the surgery. Sometimes, people feel exhausted even without performing routine chores or strenuous exercises.
Knee replacement is highly successful for relieving knee pain and restoring joint function, but some patients experience knee stiffness following the procedure. This stiffness causes a limited range of motion in the knee, and it can be accompanied by pain.
“Kneeling ability varies greatly post-knee replacement, and is multifactorial. Greater pain is a contributing factor to the inability to kneel postoperatively, but this appears to be nociceptive rather than neuropathic in nature.”
Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily, or even 2 to 3 times daily; and walk for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily during your early recovery.
Can you sleep on your side after knee replacement surgery? You can, but it's wise not to do so until at least a few weeks after surgery, when you can start bending your knee. Make sure you lay on your non-operative side. Sleeping this way makes sure no pressure falls on the knee you had surgery on.
Postoperative Factors
Infection of the joint may lead to swelling and inflammation that may lead to postoperative knee stiffness. The infection may also lead to formation of fibrosis tissue. Delayed participation in physical therapy is the most common cause of knee stiffness following replacement surgery.
Post-surgery, massage therapists should defer to guidance from the orthopedic or physical therapy teams regarding when to begin massage near the affected joint—often about six weeks after surgery. Until that time arrives, it's best to focus massage efforts away from the site.
The biggest challenge in the early recovery of a TKR (up to 3 months postoperative) is the regaining of knee motion.
A person should see their doctor as soon as possible if they suspect a torn or injured knee. Receiving prompt treatment will help reduce the risk of further injury. A person should also see a doctor if knee stiffness is accompanied by other symptoms, such as pain or swelling.
Usually stiffness in the knee is easily treated and not a sign of serious injury. However, knee stiffness symptoms can be associated with trauma and severe damage.