Greetings, TKR friends!
I know it’s been a while since I last posted on this blog and noticed it continues to receive a substantial amount of hits. Thank you for the continued visits, and I hope at least one post helped someone.
Knee surgery is a painful journey, as many of us know, even times long after we had the actual procedure. My left knee replacement’s first anniversary was September 14, and next month will mark two years since the right knee was done – January 12, 2017 to be exact. While I’ve had mostly positive experiences since then, there were a couple of recent road bumps.
Degrees of discomfort can remain part of having new joints, as I experienced this past weekend. I went shopping on Thursday afternoon at a humongous store and began feeling the effects that evening. I figured plenty of rest, elevation, and ice would solve the problem the same as they had on previous occasions during my recovery from actual surgeries.
I felt okay Friday morning and decided to clean my apartment since the weather was too dreary for me to venture to the gym or take a one-mile walk. I had a rude jolt back to reality Saturday morning when I woke up with stiff, painful, swollen knees, and barely able to walk. Another reason I’m glad I kept the cane received after my first surgery (not to mention I still need it to negotiate high curbs, uneven sidewalks, and hill sides).
I spent Saturday and most of Sunday alternating between applying heat to ligaments and ice to the artificial joints, elevating, taking Aleve as needed, and relaxing much as possible. I was able to put a dent in the manuscript for an upcoming book set for release in 2017 in the process, so my entire weekend wasn’t a total waste. The left knee is still a little puffy as of today’s blog post, but at least I’m able to bend both knees without stiffness and pain.
Another issue I’d like to address is having a recent bout with plantar fasciitis in my right heel. I never experienced this condition until earlier this fall, when increased pain warranted a visit to the podiatrist.
Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, stemming from inflammation of the plantar fascia, which supports the arch of our feet. Also known as “runners heel,” plantar fasciitis is common among athletes (especially runners), flat-footed individuals (majority of our population have them), jobs requiring prolonged standing, and older individuals, to name a few.
In my case, both my legs “realigned”of sorts from knee replacement surgery and increased active lifestyle were two factors considered in process of diagnosing my foot issue.
Podiatry Today also highlighted another contributing factor in plantar fasciitis:
“Also look at the patient’s medical history for any recent surgeries such as unilateral total hip or total knee replacements. These surgeries may cause a limb length discrepancy or increased stress on a particular foot due to compensation.”
Fortunately, the condition is treatable. Since I prefer non-invasive options, I searched online for additional treatments to incorporate with some advised by my podiatrist, and turned up a plethora of information. This video is a favorite; it covers exercises, vitamin supplements, and other areas in treating plantar fasciitis without painful cortisone shots or surgical routes – both which should be done only when all other treatments have failed.
Some people – such as I – won’t be “cured” in a week, but the advice offered has helped a great deal. I also recommend these six exercises, which are done each morning to avoid those first painful steps after getting out of bed, and again before bed.
You can find additional plantar fasciitis details and treatments at this link.
Enough on the down side of knee replacements, however; now I’ll highlight a couple of recent positive journeys.
Having new knees allowed me to explore and enjoy many new things that were all but impossible pre-op. Once completely healed, one of the first things I did was join my local Planet Fitness in May 2016. I considered a gym membership for some time during the healing process, but never felt comfortable with the few I’d visited, and don’t get me started on their exorbitant fees. Planet Fitness is a perfect fit far as cost and suiting my needs are concerned; I try to visit at least three days a week to keep my joints flexible.
Many who know me are aware I’m an avid hockey fan, possibly one of few things I enjoy about fall and winter (well, that, football, and the holidays!). Some friends invited me to attend a game in October, knowing to see at least one game in person had been on my “things to do post-op” list for some time. PPG Paints Arena is a huge venue, yet I managed to walk everywhere with no problem. We had great seats and I immensely enjoyed the evening. The following morning was spent using ice packs on my knees, but I’d go to another game should the opportunity arise.
Oh, and I’m treating myself to to this shirt for Christmas!
If you’ve recently had TKR, the road is a long one and frustrations tend to arise along our journey. However, don’t give up; I speak from experience when I say brighter days are ahead. If not for TKR, I doubt I’d be walking today, let alone enjoying more of what life has to offer.
I wish you all a joyous holiday season, whether you have brand new knees or a seasoned “knee veteran.” Feel free to share your own milestones in the comments; I immensely enjoy receiving feedback and learning stories from fellow knee warriors.
Most important, keep on moving, icing, and elevating!
L. Anne Carrington's Journey To New Knees (Archived) 