I can relate to all the comments I've read so far. I too have the tightness feeling in my knee area but mostly in my right knee. Four months ago I had both my knees replaced at the same time. I've given birth to seven children and I believe it was easier than having my knees replaced. The longer I'm on my legs walking or just standing, the tighter my knees feel. Ice packs or heat help relieve some of the discomfort. I guess my knees are still having "an attitude" from having surgery. I was told by my surgeon and people that have had the surgery done, it could take about a year (or longer) for the knees to totally heal. This whole process has been teaching me more patience! Hang in there those of you who've gone through this. I understand it's frustrating for I'm right there enduring it with you!

I can't thank you enough for this video. I am almost 5 weeks out, and this band feeling is so tight I cannot get enough movement even with doing my excersizes walking and everything else. My doctor has no communication skills and looks at me like what an excuse for not working hard enough and has threatened to put me under for a manipulation and intense PT. I don't know if being 5 ft. tall is a contributing factor. Trying to stuff everything into a small space. I am just relieved that I am mot alone and 5 weeks is not too late to get full range of motion. I wish everyone the best and will keep working at it. If anyone knows about manipulation under anesthesia please let me knows it scares me because I'm afraid it will just cause more swelling and put me back in my progress. ❤

Thank you for the explanation. I was really worried but feel better that this is a normal feeling and it'll get easier.

The tight band feeling I have is above the knee more in the quad muscle area. It is what prevents my flexion from going beyond around 95 degrees. Then I have the outer aspect of my lower leg and incision basically with no skin sensation but that is finally starting to slowly return. It is like my leg has been to the dentist and has been asleep for 3 months. Come on leg wake up already! I am just so hopeful that someday I return to a normal feeling leg. This was so much harder than I ever imagined it would be. The actual pain was one thing, but then the weird nerve sensations are a whole other set of problems to deal with if you have them like I do. For example right now it feels like there is something running up and down my outer leg. Nothing is there. Cannot really stand to have clothing up against that part of my leg. Not even a bedsheet or blanket. It was fun sleeping in January, trying to keep warm with one leg uncovered. I know I am not the only one who has done this!

Thank you for explaining the tightness around my knee. TKR Nov. this sensation is the worst part of the surgery.

I worked on orthopedics 20 years and when it comes to me, I can be an idiot- lol. Thank you for this info!

Thankyou finally someone is talking about sensation of pain with nerves , also people with fibromyalgia it can be worse.mine is 4 years and still having lots of pains with nerve damage

I'm 10 weeks out from having TKR surgery on my left knee, I have that tight band feeling around and in my knee big time, it's a funky feeling, glad I came across this video explaining the reasons why and it all makes sense and reading other people's comments that this feeling can last 6 months to a year, gives me peace of mind that this is all normal, thank you for the video doctor

I'm almost 3 weeks post op from my second TKR. I wish my PT gave me information like this, rather than just seeming to care about numbers. Your videos are informative and extremely helpful.

Thank You. You addressed exactly what I was feeling.

Thanks that makes sense. Gives me a better mindset

This is the best explanation of this symptom that I've heard. It makes perfect sense, my new knee looks bigger even without the swelling. On a less positive note, beware of KZfaq. I've heard another "professional" contributor stating that the cause of this tightness is unknown !!!

I appreciate your videos. Thanks!

Thank you so much Your videos really help me.

Why are you always spot on?! 😊

I sure appreciate you taking the time to make these videos. It helps me to understand what is going on. Thank you.

he is good very informative, thank you PT🙂

Thank you so much for all your videos. I'm 18 days out from tkr and haven't had a lot of pain at all, but weird sensations all over the place. Your insights and explanations do help a lot!

At 11 months post op,this tight band worried me some. Your explanation helped. I have increased some excercise lately so that may explain. But after nearly a year,I was concerned.

Thank you so much on this video. I had my tkr in Dec and this tight band threw me for a loop. I did have 2 months of PT which I did great on…now it’s this tightness. I feel more at ease knowing this is part of the healing process. My left tkr didn’t have this tight band so I was a bit concerned.

Yes very helpful after having 2 bone on bone knees for 2 years I'd never thought about the new knee being greater in space and making the skin super tight well that along with the swelling.

Status post 10 days TKA, and feeling these exact same issues. Thank you for easy to understand reasons for this feeling.So concerned, since for past 3 days have been unable to perform exercises. Always worried that knee will always have issues.

Thanks, everyone, for your feedback. I'm almost 3 weeks post half a knee cap replacement. It truly is the hardest surgery I've had. I can't wait to bend my knee again and to walk. The small things we take for granted xx

Thank you I am so worried and now I have a relief

Thank you for the wonderful explanation of this pain. I thought I was crazy trying to explain the weird band tight feeling. I am 3.5 week post surgery and getting ready to have the second knee done. And I really was going to cancel it because I thought the doctor did something wrong. But you and your followers have put me at better ease knowing that this feeling is normal and will eventually go away.

Ty

I am 4 months post tkr. I had the feeling of a band around my knee but seems to have disappeared. However I have some numbness of large toe . When I have been sitting even for short time when I go go stand up there is pain In the posterior part of my knee. I have to wait for 10 seconds or so as I slowly stainten my leg and put pressure on foot before I can walk. I will try the exercise for sciatic nerve pain that you demonstrate in one of your videos. I like your explanations and demonstrations of exercises for stretching and strengthening. Thanks for your encouragement and support.

Wonderful

Thank you, you’re very reassuring, I was quite worried about the broad tight band sensation around the top of my knee I was starting to think my surgeon had overstitched my layers in that area 😳 I felt it was stopping me getting to the optimum knee bend it was so painful to try and push past it. It’s amazing what a week can do 😊I’ve being doing some gentle manual and rolling pin massage at the area and it is definitely improving. Week 4 has seen the most improvement for me, thank goodness! . 🥰🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

Awesome explanation of the causes of this "tightness" around the knee. I'm 2 years out on my right knee replacement and 1 year out on my left knee replacement. I'm a retired RN and I know the importance of exercise for my knees. I still feel like a belt has been tighten across my knees and it has felt this way since day one. I'm afraid I may be one of those super scar tissue developers that will make me have this tightness for the rest of my life. I'm ok with it but wish I lessen it.

I’m 5 weeks post-op and have been wondering why my knee feels this way. Your explanation makes total sense. It almost feels like there’s an internal brace around my knee, down into the tibia. It’s definitely uncomfortable. I’m still having a lot of swelling, so I’m sure that is part of it too. It’s hard to be patient, lol.

Thank you for explaining the tight band feeling. I am 6 months out and still have this feeling.

My doctor never explained all this to me except that it was related to the nerves and was normal. I’m almost 5 weeks after TKR and am told by doctor and PT I am doing great. My flexion is at 120 degrees already and have no noticeable swelling. Pain is minimal but annoying. As someone else commented the knee is so sensitive I can’t put a blanket on it. I’m sorry to hear of other people’s issues but I am happy to see that my issues are not unique. The tight band sensation is very annoying and drives me crazy sometimes. All I can do to lesson it is exercising in flexing the knee. I wonder how long I will feel this and sure hope it won’t be a year or so. I had an excellent surgeon and outlook is good so far but things get better so slowly. It’s hard to be patient. But we all have to remember how the arthritis felt and that it has nowhere to go now in your new knee. And also that this was major surgery, not dangerous but major. Be glad you are having this procedure now and not in the 70s, when they began. Mine was robot assisted and I’m sure that made a difference. Good luck to all of you!

Mine surgery will be two months in the 25th..just be glad when this rubber ban feeling breaks

I am 6 months post TKR and still have this feeling. ..

I had two partial knee replacements done on both knees, three years ago. The tight band around my knees is very bothersom as you might know. I thought maybe the surgeon had cut some nerves .I can’t stand it , it’s been going on way to long. I was told I had a lot of arthritis in both knees at the time of surgery , so that doesn’t help matters . I’ve been doing my own physical therapy and there’s no help. I just hate that feeling. I don’t wanna go back into having any scar tissue removed because I had a bad experience with anesthesia twice . I really could use good advice.

How do you manage the swelling from the knee to the toes. Your presentation keep me in a positive frame of mind.

I feel very frustrated. I am very much into sports, 45 years old and treated my acl reconstruction with the utmost patience and discipline. However, now I've reached the 1-year post-op mark and my knee constantly feels heavy, with exactly this sensation of a tight band pressuring it. I still have trouble going up - and specially down - the stairs. One doc says its scar tissue with the need for corrective surgery while another says its chondromalacia - though I do not feel pain, but only this constant, nagging, annoying pressure and heaviness. Will get a knee infiltration injection this week and hoping it will finally fix this issue

Very good video and explanation. I am 3 years out of a double TKR and both knees have this tightness that I describe as having Saran Wrap around both knees. I guess I will have this the rest of my life. Very annoying!

This video was helpful. This has been my main concern, ongoing stiffness and tightness. After exercising and massaging the sensation immediately returns. It is impacting my mobility and I find myself walking with the heel and toe effect.... to avoid a limp. I have right knee replacement surgery on September 28, 2022. As I prepare to enter my 5th month of recovery, will the stiffness and tightness eventually subside? I continue to exercise daily at home, but only receive physical therapy once a month now at my medical facility. I would appreciate any insight you can give me. Thank you

I’m six weeks post op and my knee feels like it’s in a bear trap. 😜

51/2 months after TKR. Knee still achy, bones hurt, tight band around my knee. Exercise a lot . Knee not very stable. Can’t sleep knee hot at night. Painful surgery and recovery

thanks! why did no one else have this answer after all these years!

Thank u Doc very well explained... Am into 5 months post TKR ... 30+ yrs of Arthritis & now the pain & tightness after surgery made me think if i had done the right thing... Am able to walk, climb stairs without much problem... But standing for more than 5-10 mts gives me a lot of pain heaviness & tightness around the knee...wondering if everything is ok... Waiting for ur advice... Love from India ❤

Thank you, great information. I am going through this phase right now. My rom is 125 straight 0 I’m at 3 months po. How many times a day should I exercise?

I am 16 weeks post TKA as of today. I still wear the mild compression tube most of the time because it reduces the discomfort I feel. The tight band feeling is gone; it has changed to tightness under the knee, around the patella (a crescent-shaped area). I believe it is scar tissue that is pulling on the fascia. The quadriceps in that leg has atrophied a lot. How are other people who are this far post-surgery feeling?

In my 8th week post op. The tightness is more behind the knee and the back inner knee hurts when I bend it. But the extreme numbness from middle of knee down the lower leg inside of knee it the worse. It burns and aches and I’m concerned it’s not going to go away.

Thanks for this. I'm so frustrated. I'm a year post surgery and still have that annoying tight band feeling as well as a pulling sensation when lifting my leg that is slightly painful. If I place my hand on the knee i can feel some crunching sensation. I recovered very well from my surgery, and got excellent range of movement early on. I walk a brisk 4 miles every day, golf once a week and go to a Barre 3 class each week. So I'm active and able to function, but the sensation is so annoying. I just came from seeing my doctor who said it might be "Forgotten Joint Syndrome". Will this ever go away?

Hi 2 months ago I was bending my without any pain n I was doing some stretches for my back recently now when I do my bending my knee paining n do bend as far as before

Are there any type sneaker you recommend? Should I be spending over 100$. I love to work-out and since my dbl knees partial replacement I find myself walking a lot then at night I feel like every bone in my body is broken. From my shoulders especially major pain in hips and lower back and both knees feel very very heavy! I stretch I massage but the shoes I havn't tried yet. Example Hoka

I had my tnr nearly five months ago. Ive still got this tight band round my knee. Its very restricting in what i can do. I have sharp stabbing pain in my inside knee, which physio had said i havent got a trapped nerve. Surgeon said the knee itself is fine. Im on naproxen for pain but still have some

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Well, I wish I was where you were at… If I were at 90 I’d be doing the jig… I’m only at 60 and I’m unable to do a lot of the exercises without an unbelievable amount of pain and tightness… So count your blessings here at 90 and just be patient as they have said, in this thread!

I have a serious issue with visible tightness band above the knee plus the whole knee feels like it is in some kind of trap...I could not bend knee while walking and walk like a patient after stroke. I also have severe pain in lateral corner under knee which is obviously neurological in mature. I had full range of motion and no stiffness prior to surgery. everybody saying how great my ROM after surgery 118 flexion ( a bit less in supine position) and 4 degree less then normal extension after 5 weeks but when I stand or walk no bending...knee feels like in contraption and tight visible band above.. feels like heavy weight put on leg...plus pain under knee. this surgery making me much worse then pain I was dealing with before. it seems no solution to it.

I had full knee replacement 9 months ago my knee is very tight and also round my ankle is tight I've tried less exercise resting but it's tight all the time even Tring to go down and up stairs it seems to be getting tighter all the time really concerned

i have this problem im 10 weeks out .i also have severe thigh atrophy .i have a machine they gave me to help stimulate the muscle .tried to walk by myself its so tigjt and feels.like i have a tight brick in there what can i do .

I have tight band in my knee but I also have like shooting pain almost like electricity. Is that a part of the healing process?

I had my knee replacement 1/10/23. and my knee still swells and tightens really bad. Im scared my scar tissue is tightening and I wont be able to bend my knee anymore.

I had full knee replacment 4 weeks ago I have tignest an sorness an was wondering if that was normal an I am a stomach sleeper an was wondering if I could start sleeping on my stomach again thank u

2 years after knee surgery , I still feel this tight band around the front of knee. What options did I have to correct this probllem

I had both knees replaced 2 years ago and still have a horrible squeezing sensation to the point that when standing or walking (weight bearing) it feels like my knees are being strangled. It becomes unbearable and I have to sit down to reduce the sensation. I also have a lot of numbness and pin prickling nerve pain around the bottom of the knee, down the outside of my calves, and if I am walking or standing too long, this weird sensation creeps up into my thigh. What, specifically, can I do to get rid of these horrible sensations? I feel like my life has become handicapped by having TKR.

I am 12 weeks out , I had tkr and it is so stiff and a feeling band around my knee. How long will it be before it goes away

I am six weeks out today and the tightness is pretty hard to deal with. Is it normal to have this six weeks out?

I had this but it seemed no one had an answer of why. It was horrible the first 2 weeks post op. It felt as though I had a steel bar pressing against me when I attempted to bend my leg. My pt forced the bend more and more each day. The first day, I was in tears but after several days I can barely feel it now. As far as the stiffness is concerned... After I do my stretches its as if my body instantly stiffens back up, as if I hadn't been doing stretches. I'm going into week 3 post op and feel as if since the surgery I'm, in a way, fighting my way out of drying cement, that's how it feels. It's as if I have to constantly be working at it day and night to make any progress. Thankfully I am not where I was and progress is being made but the constant feeling of immediately stiffening up again is so overwhelming.

People never seem to mention weight, in this offensive culture now. Excess body fat will more strain on knee more swelling etc. Which leads to longer recovery. Shame most post op consultants won't tell you that even prior to surgery.

I had a knee replacement sx a year ago and have had a knee manipulation and arthroscopy SX and I still can't bend my knee the way I should any suggestions anyone?

Sir I have tkr 4 months back but my scar has developed a keloid scar It has completely dried but the scar is deep maroon in colour Why it is kindly give suggestion

All I’ve been told from day one is I have a 90 degree bench mark now it’s 130. I’m 4 weeks tomorrow. I barely met 100 forced on a machine that cranked it to that point. I exercise daily and am active doing housework. Walking up and down ,y long drive. I’m still exhausted and feel like a numbers not met failure. Depression is a hard thing to fend off with this.