Two answers from me ….. 1) I am now 2 years 8 months from my right knee, partial knee replacement, medial compartment -I still have the 'tight band feeling' - no sweat, it gets better each year - but - very slowly. The K tape seems to be helping and I can get some bend in my knee now when walking. No help, but they tell me of people who have it worse. Answered by Dr. Stuart Hickerson: Effusion: This most likely due to swelling on the knee. After surgery, my knee cap felt very tight. I am wondering if others have had this problem and how it was handled and how long it took to get better. Loosening of the implant: This is most often the cause of pain years or decades after the knee replacement; however, it is seldom the cause of persistent pain right after surgery.… Doctor...", "I had my rt knee replaced Dec 4th 2018. The surgery went well. I think I have Iliotibial Band Syndrome, i have an appointment with my physiotherapist on Monday. Feels like I have on the tightest knee sock imaginable with a tourniquet for a top band. It’s ackward to use, but feels better after use. Thanks for the videos. Hopeful mine will go away and praying all works out for you as well. This one is being a bear. This could be iliotibial band syndrome, but usually that resolves with rest and, if not, a cortisone injection may help. It did not move around at all. I have been diligent with therapy, go to the Y everyday plus my stretches. I need to have my other knee done as well and am fearful now of having the same issue. What do...", "Hi @mhort1213. Painful, try to ignore it. Feels like I have on the tightest knee sock imaginable with a tourniquet for a top band. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. I ride the bike, do the ARC (gazelle), step-ups with a weight, and all the stretches. I went through PT 3x trying different things to treat this, including astym and dry needling. Possible Causes of Tightness Behind Knee 1. I went through PT 3x trying different things to treat this, including astym and dry needling. There is no pain but it is an eerie feeling sometimes to feel it click after each step you take as you walk uphill. Your doctor might refer to this condition as an effusion (ih-FYU-zhen) in your knee joint. Thanks, Justin. Now i am told it might be lose. Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two common … My Dr at 6 wks says it is normal and will go away. But for the rest of us, we may still have it after months or years post TKR. With total knee replacements, however, “it’s very rare that somebody tells you, ‘I don’t even know it’s in there,’” Tarlow says. @tanner82, while we wait for others to share their experience, would you be comfortable sharing what you have tried with your IT bands thus far? Have you spoken to your surgeon about this? My left knee was a dream compared to this. I have to image the IT band syndrome is really affecting your ability to progress in your flexing and straightening of your joint. What do the doctors tell you that is causing it? I ordered a foam roller and received it 2days later. Because the IT Band runs from the hip to the knee, there are many areas that can cause trouble. In any case, this is not the usual recovery scenario for a knee replacement and it needs futher investigation. This is normal and expected. A lump at the back of your knee could be due to Baker’s cyst which can be caused by torn cartilage or fluid accumulation around the knee. What do you do that helps, if anything? What surprises me is that IT band syndrome is caused by overuse which would not be the case after knee replacement surgery. @mhort1213 I have had 2 TKRs but I do not recall a feeling like a tight band. After working out, the steam can improve muscle recovery. Actually my flexion and extension are very good when I am laying down. My knee continues to be pain-free with very minor soreness around the knee. "knee gets very stiff at night. Baker’s cyst is alleviated by treating the underlying cause, as well as draining the knee with a syringe or needle. “This is a slow process. JK. It can be a complication of knee replacement or anterior cruciate ligament surgery, with infections and … Very uncomfortable while it lasted. It is very uncomfortable and painful at times. I will have to ask my PT more about how this happens. I have great ROM. If either of these is what you are experiencing, I have been having this pain since about week 8 and I am now about 16 weeks out and still have it. And then that will feel strange. Some people call this condition \"water on the knee.\"A swollen knee may be the result of trauma, overuse injuries, or an underlying disease or condition. The surgery went well. If you have confidence in him then you have to believe that he is experienced in this and that’s why he’s not concerned. The water takes the pressure of the joints and makes it less painful. Doctor has suggested IT band release surgery. It did not move around at all. You mentioned your surgeon recommended another surgery to loosen the IT bands, but I can understand why opting for another surgery could cause some stress. Anyone else out there have any information or tips for dealing with this? Has anyone had they done and how do you feel since? My surgeon and PT have not been able to explain the what or why of this phenomenon. No help, but they tell me of people who have...", "Wow, that's certainly not encouraging. I think by 8 weeks it had mostly disappeared. Wow…I can't imagine having to live with what you have described and what I am also going through! The first is a minimally invasive procedure where the nerves that carry pain information away from the knee are ablated, or destroyed, with the use of a special needle. Did he/she indicate how long before that would improve? I had both knees replaces last month. After TKR, most of us will experience a tight band feeling across the knee. I had a friend who walked around in pain for two years before she found a surgeon who diagnosed her problem and fixed it. Many surgeons send these patients to a physical therapist first before considering manipulation or a … I have great ROM. Before surgery, my knee was extremely loose, moving all over the place, locking up, and causing me to fall. Baker’s Cyst. Most commonly, pain is felt either in the hip or the knee, or both, at the areas of attachment to the bone. I have IT band pain ever since getting partial knee replacements. My PT and surgeon, reassured me that it was normal and that my knee cap would hold steady and it has. @mhort1213 : Yes, initially it felt like someone hat put a really tight band around my knee – mine was just barely above the bending point, mostly on the underside of the knee. It felt like it had been cemented in place and was stuck in that spot. version 3.3.6.2.3.2Page loaded in 0.359 seconds, "@mhort1213 : Yes, initially it felt like someone hat put a really...", "I also have that problem and it has lasted 6 years", "Shoulder shrugs. Use hand or an electric hand massager on the tight spot. But, from the beginning I have had a tight band feeling just under my knee, and a compressed feeling in my calf muscle. The most important step in finding a solution to persistent discomfort is to first determine the cause of the pain. Iliotibial Band Syndrome develops when the IT Band gets irritated and inflamed due to friction. That said, this may not be that at all but a problem with the collateral ligament or a chronic bursitis. I am 8 weeks post TKR and have had this very tight band around my knee since week one. Anyone else out there have any information or tips for dealing with this? I still have bruised areas on my leg and it’s been 7 months since the last session. It takes a great deal of mental energy to rise above this pain to have a productive day. Good luck. I also have that problem and it has lasted 6 years. He is still complaining about a tight band around his knee like a rubber band. This is a form of manual stretching and massage and works great for tight fascia. But it will be much more stable. @collielady, I also had my knee replaced in 2006. very painful. The most common causes of pain after knee replacement include: 1. I am 19 months post TKR surgery. After surgery, my knee cap felt very tight. I can't get my range past 100. I am staying in therapy for straight aggressive stretching. If it persists, there are several possibilities, including infection, irritation from the components, scar tissue formation, or instability of the knee. I am wondering if that is what you mean by having a tight band on your knee, because it did feel like that. And the nurse showed me a stretching exercise to do. My ROM is excellent so I don't think it's scar tissue. When working normally, the IT band will glide across the outside of the knee over a fluid-filled sac called a bursa. They want to do another replacement. Current knee aspiration was all blood indicating another revision. A tight iliotibial band is the main cause of IT band syndrome. Knee replacement: 6 months after total knee replacement, swelling should be resolved. But was told at my one year appointment that there was a good chance I would just have to live with this. Jon Newman-> Re: Lateral knee pain after TKA (September 22, 2005 11:18:00 PM) I don't know about anyone else but my patients complain about pains all around their knees. What are your symptoms with IT band syndrome? Gradually went away. “A small retrospective study examined 13 patients who’d had hip replacement,” continues Dr. Peck. The calf muscle and the one behind the knee are swollen and tight. I hope it will improve very soon. As the leg bends and straightens, the IT Band glides over a bony lump on the side of the knee that sticks out slightly, called the lateral epicondyle. I get medial, I get lateral and I get the "It feels like there's a band around my knee" comments. I also have a few discussions that include videos you may want to check out as well: – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/live-qa-runners-lower-extremity-injuries-and-how-to-prevent-them/ Feeling Of Tightness Or Stiffness In The Hip: In 26% of reported cases, it seems like people experienced the same feeling of tightness in their hip, as well as their knee. I still have bruised areas on my leg and it’s been 7 months since the last session. I have been doing all the stretches and exercises recommended but no improvement. It takes a great deal of mental energy to rise above this pain to have a productive day. The surgery went well. IT band knee pain (also known as iliotibial band) feels like pain on the outside part of knee. This most commonly occurs at the bottom of the band where it inserts on the outer side of the knee. Your knee may begin feeling tight and warm. Some people may be fortunate enough to have experienced a reduction or elimination of this feeling after some time. I really think it is going to help. I was wondering if one of the two pains could be IT problems. Have they offered any suggestions to relieve it? version 3.3.6.2.3.2Page loaded in 0.619 seconds, "I have IT band pain ever since getting partial knee replacements. 2) I only notice my partial when I kneel on that knee or when there is … After a few months of therapy, it loosened up and began to move around like a normal knee cap. I was prescribed gabapentin, didn’t help. They’ll describe feeling … I am 19 months post TKR surgery. I will check out those videos. I was prescribed gabapentin, didn’t help. When I move from a straight leg position to a bent knee it feels like the skin is being torn in one spot. It might be worth asking your surgeon or physical therapist if your problem might be IT band inflammation. what is it?" Either it manifests as the inability to move your hips to a healthy degree (a decreased level of movement), or it arises when you're active (e.g., walking , running). You have obviously spoken to your doctor about this and he/she does not seem concerned. I had my knee replacement on 17th Dec 2018 and have a sharp pain on the upper outside of my knee when I bend it. A swollen knee occurs when excess fluid accumulates in or around your knee joint. There is a possibility that this is due to muscle spasm around the joint. My surgeon and PT have not been able to explain the what or why of this phenomenon. Has anyone had surgery to resolve this problem or got any other tips please? My pain is behind my knee toward the outer side. It also happens when I walk. After 20 years of pain and icing her knee nightly, Sue Minutaglio of Westchester, NY, knew she couldn’t put off a knee replacement any longer. Elasticity in the knee fascia is important. My knee was red and hot last weekend so I saw my specialist and he has me on a massive dose on Penicillon incase of infection. After a few months of therapy, it loosened up and began to move around like a normal knee cap. I think what you are describing is normal. When I walk or try to pull my knee in to bend I keep feeling a catch. How many revisions can i have with Osteopena and RA. Feels like tight rubber bands around the knees. What I have learned though is we all just tend to have different post-op problems and discomforts. It is unusual that this feeling is persisting even after surgery. I am a 65 yr old female. I hope your issue resolves soon. Has anyone else had this and did it go away and when? But was told at my one year appointment that there was a good chance I would just have to live with this. Is the pain behind your knee associated with the IT Syndrome? That may help relieve that tight feeling and help with your range of motion. JK. I am wondering if that is what you mean by having a tight band on your knee, because it did feel like that. Doctor has suggested surgery to loosen IT bands. The condition sometimes occurs in a knee joint that has recently been injured. My knee continues to click when walking up stairs and when hiking up hills. The answers ranged from two weeks to three months after the initial replacement surgery. extends down front of calf. It felt like it had been cemented in place and was stuck in that spot. 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. Thank you. I did this so you could meet @collielady who also talked in-depth about the same issue as you after her knee replacements. Healing occurs in part through an inflammatory process. Without this knowledge, it is very difficult to find an appropriate treatment. Use steam, visit the sauna. Good luck to you! HELP! – https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/it-band/. In my case, I had fallen so much because of having 2 bad knees, that I felt safer when it was really tight. The pain can feel like a burning or like a bad ache and it tends to get worse at night, when you lie down to sleep. I had my TKR (right Knee) in May 2018, so I am 10 months out. I had my rt knee replaced Dec 4th 2018. How is your range of motion with the tightness? After getting partial knee replacements in both knees I started getting sharp pain on the outside of my knee when attempted a slight squat. I've had deep tissue massage that helps for a couple days, but it always comes back. He has been doing the regular total knee exercises to gain ROM..he is now currently only at 80 degrees but had a hx prior to surgery of decrease ROM in the knee secondary to old … Right on 6/4 and left on 6/13. I am 10 weeks post surgery and I just went to the doctor yesterday who once again reassured me that the band feeling and the fluid on my knee would go away in time and that is all normal. You have brand new hardware in your knee and it will loosen up. I have been doing deep massage which seems to help somewhat. Those who have better mobility prior to surgery are less likely to have stiffness after surgery. It feels very stiff there as well when I bend it to walk and catches at about 30 degrees which makes me walk with a straight leg. @collielady @tanner82 I am wondering how you are getting on now and if your problems are resolved yet. My recovery was long and hard due to scar tissue, so I can empathize the struggles of rehab with you. This one is...", "Hi @collielady, I'd like to invite back @tmeurer, @strokemyoak and @lynnmorgan0916 who...", "Is the pain behind your knee associated with the IT Syndrome? I release, straighten and feel a "pop" and than I can complete my pull in bend. Over the past several years, however, there have been some new developments to treat pain after knee replacement surgery. Shoulder shrugs. The right knee has done great. Hi @collielady, I'd like to invite back @tmeurer, @strokemyoak and @lynnmorgan0916 who also discussed IT band pain in the past as well to share their experiences. @tanner82, You may notice I moved your discussion on IT band pain after knee replacements to a discussion also titled, "IT band syndrome after knee replacement." Any advice is welcome! I would suggest that she continue with the ice packs and take OTC painkillers which will reduce the swelling and the tenderness. Knee feels Heavy and tight after a total or partial knee replacement? The hip has more soft tissue and collateral circulation around it, and it is higher up in the body, closer to the large blood vessels which drain the lower extremities. my range got up to 119 but i feel it is lower now. It mainly hurts when I am walking making me walk with a stiff-legged gait. Actually my flexion and extension are very good when I am laying down. The pain and limitation of movement are only with walking/weight-bearing. I became afraid of falling after it loosened up. I also have pain behind my knee when I walk that feels like a tendon, ligament or something is being stretched to its limit and then pops, then with my next steps it starts again. Have you tried water therapy @mhort1213? Has anyone had a tight band feeling after total knee replacement. I will have to ask my PT more about how this happens. Roll out your tight spots around the knee with a foam roller. I want to clarify what you mean by tight band. I want to clarify what you mean by tight band....". If i do he will not do it. I know I need to be patient, it just gets a little frustrating dealing with pain all the time. I am a 65 yr old female. I will fight like crazy not to do it. Arthrofibrosis is also known as stiff knee syndrome. How is your range of motion with...", "@mhort1213 I have had 2 TKRs but I do not recall a...", "I am 19 months post TKR surgery.