Knee Flexibility Issues After Surgery: Treatment Options - Orthopedics

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Hello! Thank you for reaching out with your concerns regarding your knee flexibility after surgery. It sounds like you've been through quite a challenging experience with your right knee, and I appreciate your detailed description of your situation.
After undergoing a surgery like the one you had for the removal of the patellar bursa, it is not uncommon to experience stiffness and discomfort in the knee joint. The tightness and pain you are feeling, especially on the inner side of the knee, can be attributed to several factors, including inflammation, scar tissue formation, and muscle weakness or atrophy due to disuse during your recovery.


Understanding Your Symptoms
1. Stiffness and Tightness: After surgery, the body often responds with inflammation, which can lead to swelling and stiffness in the joint. This is a normal part of the healing process, but it can be frustrating. The tightness you feel when bending your knee is likely due to a combination of swelling and possibly some scar tissue that has formed around the joint.

2. Pain on Pressing: The pain you experience when pressing on the inner side of your knee could be due to irritation of the soft tissues or the underlying structures, including ligaments and tendons. It’s essential to monitor this pain, especially if it worsens or changes in character.


Treatment Options
Given your current situation, here are some treatment options and strategies you might consider to improve your knee flexibility and overall function:
1. Physical Therapy: Engaging in a structured physical therapy program is crucial. A physical therapist can provide you with specific exercises aimed at improving your range of motion, strengthening the muscles around your knee, and reducing stiffness. They may use modalities such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to help with pain management and swelling.

2. Gentle Stretching: Incorporating gentle stretching exercises into your routine can help alleviate tightness. Focus on stretches that target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles. Be cautious and avoid pushing into pain; instead, aim for a gentle stretch that feels comfortable.

3. Strengthening Exercises: Once you have regained some flexibility, strengthening exercises for the quadriceps and hamstrings will be essential. Strong muscles around the knee can help stabilize the joint and improve overall function. Exercises like straight leg raises, wall sits, and step-ups can be beneficial.

4. Ice and Elevation: Continuing to use ice on your knee can help reduce any residual swelling and pain. Elevating your leg when resting can also assist in minimizing swelling.

5. Gradual Return to Activity: As you progress, gradually reintroducing activities that involve bending and weight-bearing on your knee can help improve flexibility and strength. However, listen to your body and avoid activities that cause significant pain.

6. Consultation with Your Surgeon: If your symptoms persist or worsen, it would be wise to follow up with your orthopedic surgeon. They can assess your knee for any complications, such as scar tissue formation or other issues that may require intervention.

7. Consideration of Injections: In some cases, corticosteroid injections may be considered to reduce inflammation and pain, but this should be discussed with your healthcare provider.


Conclusion
Recovery from knee surgery can be a gradual process, and it's essential to be patient with yourself. With the right treatment plan, including physical therapy and a focus on gentle stretching and strengthening, you should see improvements in your knee flexibility over time. Always communicate openly with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and progress, as they can provide tailored advice based on your specific situation. Wishing you a smooth recovery and improved knee function!