Nerve pain – The surgical incision that is made through the skin and underlying layers to get into the knee joint also cuts through small nerves that pass through these tissues. Commonly this leaves the outer aspect of the knee feeling a bit numb or tingly after surgery, or a feeling of a “tight band” around the knee.
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.
Side-lying IT band stretch
Lie on your left side with your legs together and your hips and knees bent. Keeping your knee bent, move your right leg behind you and allow it to drop down until you feel a gentle stretch in the side of your right thigh. Hold for 30 seconds. Do the same on the opposite side.
The first option you should consider to reduce stiffness in your knee after knee replacement should be intensive physical therapy or a structured home therapy program. Intensive physical therapy or a home therapy program can help prevent the onset of arthrofibrosis and increase range of motion.
Repetitive squatting or excessive activity on uneven surfaces or hilly terrain can irritate the IT Band. Some patients who have knee arthritis or who have undergone a total knee replacement may develop ITBS.
Iliotibial band traction syndrome (ITBTS) after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a rare cause of painful TKA.
Treatment for stiff knee pain usually involves rest, physical therapy and medications such as anti-inflammatory and pain relievers. Recovery time will depend on the severity of the condition, but in general, it may take several weeks to months for the symptoms to fully subside.
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.
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.
With treatment, specifically nonsurgical treatment, about 50 to 90% of people with ITBS improve after about four to eight weeks. Some studies show that it happens within two to six weeks.
A mild injury may recover within a few weeks, whereas a severe injury may take 6 weeks or longer to recover. You need to stop doing the activi- ties that cause pain until your iliotibial band has healed. If you continue doing activities that cause pain, your symptoms will return and it will take longer to recover.
Conditions such as osteoarthritis and other joint diseases can result in meniscus wear, possibly leading to a tear. You might feel your meniscus tearing during an accident. This has been reported as feeling like a “pop” or a rubber band snapping within your knee.
Popping Sound or Sensation
Like a rubber band, when the tissue tears, it snaps, causing the popping. When the ligament is intact, your knee bends smoothly. However, after you tear your meniscus, the injured tissue sticks up, catching as you move.
Muscle tightness — You can experience muscle tightness around your knee due to overuse. This is common among athletes, runners, and workers who stand on their feet for long periods of time. Muscle tightness around your knee can also occur while exercising while using improper form.
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.
Most patients can start walking while still in the hospital. Walking helps deliver important nutrients to your knee to help you heal and recover. You can expect to use a walker for the first couple of weeks. Most patients can walk on their own roughly four to eight weeks after knee replacement.
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.
A common complaint about the knees is tightness and stiffness. Injury, mechanical difficulties, or physical pressures on your knees, such as extra weight, can all create tightness in your knee. In addition, a lack of strength or flexibility may be partly responsible when your knee feels tight when bending.
A knee sleeve should fit snugly. It should not be loose, baggy, or slide down your leg. It should also not be so tight that it pinches or slows circulation. If you experience numbness or tingling below your knee, the sleeve should be loosened.
Many patients with chronic ITBS feel fine most of the time, but suffer exasperating flare-ups whenever they walk or run for too long. They also usually learn to beware of going down stairs or hills. Hikers with ITBS may be completely fine with virtually any activity except coming down a mountain.
What Are The Risks If ITB Syndrome Is Left Untreated? It could lead to chronic knee pain or chronic hip pain. May lead to increased risk for knee or hip arthritis.