Sequential compression at home after total knee replacement surgery

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Good morning,

2 weeks postop TKR with swelling of foot that is not getting better with ice/rest/hydration.  Compression devices really helped me while in the hospital - thinking I should get this therapy for home use during recovery or down the road when swelling occurs.  Any thoughts most appreciated

Mark

2

I think swelling of the feet is quite normal at this stage.

3

I had swelling in the calf and foot (as well as the knee of course) and just assumed it was normal.  My second or third week of Phys Therapy the therapist started doing manual compression to push out the fluid and that hurt quite a bit so I decided to use stretch bandages at home - firmly wrapped - while elevating the leg.  After a couple of days there was a big improvement and after a week or so it was gone except from the knee. I'm at 7 week snow and still some slight swelling in the knee but it is not a problem.

4

Never had an compression devices. . . but certainly had the swelling!  it lats quite a while . .two or three months in my case. In fact, even at six months yesterday I had to stand a lot, and today it's hot and a bit swollen again.  No fast fixes with this horrible operation!

5

Hi Mark,

I think its just part and parcel of the beast,im 3 weeks post op tkr, and my knee,calf and ankle still swell,especially after standing/exercising,hence the reason we are told to elevate and ice,it does help..think its just something we have to live with for a while..