Overcoming Stiffness After Leg Surgery: Tips for Recovery

Removal of plaster cast due to stiffness in the bones?

Hello Doctor: I had a car accident on December 18th last year, resulting in an open fracture of the tibia in my right leg.
Due to concerns about infection from the wound, I was treated with a triangular external fixator.
Afterward, my leg atrophied, but the wound gradually healed.
I then underwent surgery to remove the external fixator and had internal fixation with plates and screws, followed by a cast that extended from the sole of my foot to above my knee.
One month after the plate surgery, the external cast was removed, but my knee has become stiff and cannot bend.
I am gradually working on bending it every day, but it becomes tight at a certain point.
Should I continue to push through the tightness? Additionally, the doctor provided me with a plastic board to step on for support.
When I practice stepping on the floor, it feels like the sole of my injured foot cannot bear the weight, but if I apply pressure on my heel, it feels more manageable.
Can you explain why this happens? Lastly, I have been taking shark cartilage powder in capsule form.
Is that beneficial?

Fangfang, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/04/26

Dr. Chen Yongxue reply Orthopedics

Hello, it is quite common to experience joint stiffness after a fracture.
It is important to engage in rehabilitation to restore the knee joint's original range of motion as soon as possible.
If rehabilitation is not effective, and depending on the situation, an anesthetic may be needed for arthroscopic surgery.
However, this is contingent upon the fracture having healed.
Additionally, be cautious of any other intra-articular injuries, such as damage to the cruciate ligaments or meniscus, which could also lead to similar symptoms.
It is advisable to return for a follow-up appointment with an orthopedic surgeon for evaluation.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2016/04/26

More Info

Recovering from leg surgery, especially after a significant injury like an open tibial fracture, can be a challenging journey. It’s great to hear that you are actively engaged in your rehabilitation process. Here are some insights and tips to help you overcome stiffness and improve your recovery.

Understanding Stiffness After Surgery
Stiffness in the knee and leg after surgery is a common issue, particularly after prolonged immobilization. When a joint is not moved for an extended period, the surrounding tissues can become tight and less flexible. This can lead to a decreased range of motion, which you are experiencing. It’s essential to address this stiffness early on to prevent long-term complications.

Tips for Overcoming Stiffness
1. Consistent Range of Motion Exercises: Continue with your daily exercises to improve knee flexion. It’s crucial to gradually increase the range of motion. If you find that you can only bend your knee to a certain point before feeling tightness, it’s okay to push gently against that barrier, but avoid forcing it. You might consider using a towel or strap to assist in gently pulling your foot towards you while lying down.

2. Physical Therapy: If you haven’t already, working with a physical therapist can be incredibly beneficial. They can provide tailored exercises and manual therapy techniques to help improve your knee’s flexibility and strength. They can also guide you on how to safely increase the intensity of your exercises.

3. Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat before exercises can help relax the muscles and improve flexibility. Cold therapy afterward can reduce inflammation and pain. Alternating between heat and cold can be effective in managing discomfort.

4. Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings, as these muscles play a significant role in knee stability and function. Exercises like straight leg raises, quad sets, and heel slides can be beneficial. Gradually increase the resistance as your strength improves.

5. Weight-Bearing Activities: As you mentioned using a plastic board for weight-bearing, it’s essential to gradually increase the load on your injured leg. Start with partial weight-bearing and progress to full weight-bearing as tolerated. If you experience pain, it may indicate that you are pushing too hard or that your body needs more time to adjust.

6. Nutrition and Supplements: You mentioned taking shark cartilage capsules. While there is some anecdotal evidence suggesting that shark cartilage may support joint health, scientific evidence is limited. It’s essential to maintain a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals, particularly calcium and vitamin D, to support bone healing. Consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplements.

7. Patience and Persistence: Recovery takes time, and it’s essential to be patient with yourself. Celebrate small victories in your progress, and don’t hesitate to communicate with your healthcare team about any concerns or difficulties you encounter.

8. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help manage pain and anxiety related to your recovery. Stress can exacerbate physical tension, so finding ways to relax can be beneficial.

Conclusion
In summary, overcoming stiffness after leg surgery requires a multifaceted approach that includes consistent exercise, physical therapy, proper nutrition, and patience. It’s important to listen to your body and progress at a pace that feels right for you. If you continue to experience significant pain or limitations, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation and guidance. Your recovery is a journey, and with the right strategies, you can regain your strength and mobility.

Similar Q&A

Post-Operative Hip Replacement: Addressing Stiffness and Recovery Concerns

Hello, Doctor. My mother is nearly 80 years old. Last February, she fell and fractured her left leg, undergoing traditional hip joint surgery. However, over a year later, she still feels stiffness in her left leg post-surgery. She has consulted the original surgeon several times ...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Typically, recovery after surgery takes about two to three months, and stiffness is related to the healing of soft tissues. Additionally, if the artificial joint is too tight, this phenomenon may also occur. It is advisable to consult a rehabilitation specialist for physical ther...

Post-Surgery Rehabilitation Challenges for Hip Joint Patients

Post-surgery rehabilitation issue. Mr. Chen underwent surgery on his left hip in Miaoli on March 24 and was discharged on the 28th. He has a question regarding his rehabilitation period. Due to adhesions in the left hip prior to surgery, he has long been unable to keep his left k...

Dr. Shi Guozheng reply Orthopedics
Two weeks after surgery, you can start applying heat to the thigh and gradually perform straightening movements. You can also bend the left thigh while seated, but the hip joint's flexion should not exceed 90 degrees initially. Additionally, you may consider taking muscle re...

Post-Surgery Complications: Recovery Insights for Rehabilitation

Hello, I was hospitalized for emergency surgery to relieve pressure due to CO2 poisoning on January 7, 14, and 25 (skin grafting). There was some muscle necrosis on the outer side of my right calf, which has been debrided, and a skin graft was performed on the inner side. So far,...

Dr. Li Weiqiang reply Rehabilitation
Hello: Currently, there is stiffness in the ankle joint and foot drop due to prolonged lack of joint activity. The heel cannot fully touch the ground, and there is decreased lower limb strength, resulting in a phenomenon resembling functional leg length discrepancy. Active rehabi...

Post-Surgery Recovery: Addressing Inner Thigh Tear Complications

Hello doctor, I had a car accident at the end of last month that resulted in a 4 cm laceration on the inner thigh near the joint. Due to concerns about the wound reopening, I kept my leg slightly bent after the stitches were placed. Two weeks later, after the stitches were remove...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
This is due to joint stiffness caused by a long-term fear of bending after an injury. It is recommended to gradually increase the range of motion and apply heat therapy. If necessary, a physician may prescribe muscle relaxants. If joint mobility does not improve, it is important ...