9 weeks froml femoral osteotomy and still pain

[jzzlvr13]

I had my second femoral osteotomy on Nov 26th. I am no longer using
crutches or brace and muscles around the knee seem pretty strong. I am still having quite a lot of pain when walking and it doesn't seem to be getting much better...more stable feeling but still painful. Should I begin some walking to strengthen knee or go back to crutches and give it a rest. I believe I used the crutches longer last year but can't really remember. I'm getting very tired of the pain and being indoors all the time. Thanks in advance

[Heather M.]

Have you talked to your doctor?  Have you had an x-ray of the surgical site?  I've heard that sometimes it takes longer than thought for the bone break to heal--that could explain pain.  So could scar tissue, tendinitis, continued swelling, and so on.  Your doctor is the best bet.  I would think that 2 months post-op it would not be unusually to have pain from a surgical fracture, but your doctor should be involved to track your case.

Best of luck

Heather

[jzzlvr13]

Thanks for the input. I have an appointment next Thursday and  I'll talk to him then. The incision point has never given me any pain, just the knee. It's getting more localized (pain) and feeling a bit more stabile. I think it will be OK. I'm going to try to walk a bit on Sunday...just a little ways but you got to start sometime.
Thanks again,
Barbara

[gimp]

I agree with Heather.  Before changing any activities I would try to see your doctor.  A couple quick x-rays should confirm that the bone is healing properly.  

Although I still had some pain 9 weeks out from my HTO, it certainly was not as severe as you describe.  

Good luck!

[jzzlvr13]

 I might have overstated the pain level. The problem is I have equal pain in both knee. I had an osteotomy on my right knee a year ago and although it help the planting of my foot (I over pronated horribly) it didn't take the pain away. I will probably have to have a TKR on that knee in the fairly near future. The left knee has more cartilage left and was totally straightened by the operation and I am waiting to have a lessening of the pain in at least one leg. I might be a bit impatient. If only on leg hurts when I walk it will be easier for me to take.
One good thing is coming from the pain. I have been on a diet for almost three week and have lost 8 pounds...and have found that pain is a terrific motivator!
I am going to wait on a replacement of my right knee until I hopefully lose a fair amount of weight and get my left leg to as optimal a condition as I'm going to get out of it. Wish me luck!
Thanks again,
b