?Should the leg be elevated to reduce swelling?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Mum, 83, came home from her Saturday hip replacemen today. She's doing well but a little worried about swelling - she'll call her doctor tomorrow. But in the meantime, she has a bed with an adustable/electric head and foot. Should she raise the foot of the bed, and if so, a lot or a little?

2

Hi

I would suggest she raises the foot of the bed until she sees the doctor then take his advice.

As for how much.....I dont really know.....dont know much about those beds.

I think.....just think.....that I read to elevate your leg above your heart.

What about ice for the swelling?

Glad she is seeing to doctor.........others will be along with information as well I'm sure

Love

Eileen  UK

3

Hi,

I would contact NHS Direct and get their opinion, they will advise you of the correct action to take.  I hope your mum continues to do well.

4

Elevating is probbably always good for swelling.  Just above the heart. A foot will do. Cameron seattle washingron

5

I think they discontinued this great service in Marc sad

6

Be careful in raising her leg because she could dislocate her hip.waiting one day Is good idea.

Now if she had anterior approach to her THR then there are no restrictions. But the other approachs do have several restrictions.

7

 I was told not to have knee higher than hip in case of dislocation. 

8

I hope its tighter than that. If it dislocates by raising it a ft. Then it isnt a very good hip.  When I had mine done there wasnt enuf morphine in the hospital.  Take your pain meda and rest. After a week or so it will be alright. 

9

I would suggest Ice, and more ice , but only in 20 min stints, she should also be wearing teds socks..It seems to be common in the UK for this and also bruising, I had electric bed and raised mone but had Anterior app, is that what she had? if thats the case you are ok. But call the Dr and get peace of mind.  Hope she is ok 

10

Hi

Let us know the outcome of your mothers visit to the doctors {or his visit to her LOL}

Is she wearing TEDS like someone mentioned????? Horrible things but it has to be done for 6 week at least

Love

Eileen  UK

11

My leg was quite swollen after my right revision of THR in September.  It's due to all the muscles and soft tissues being shifted around during the operation and also the leg being in a very strange position during the op as well.  I found my ankle and knee were swollen mostly and I had some bruising around my knee and ankle as well.  It all resolved in a couple of weeks.  Make sure Mum keeps her feet and legs moving if poss - even if she is sitting or in bed, it will hep to distribute the swelling and lessen it.  I didn't use any ice but if that helps then go for it.  It should settle of its own accord.

12

She slept with the foot of the bed elevated and woke up with much less swelling. She's a trooper and will do what needs to be done. Love her so much. Hard to be 4000 miles away but both my sisters are there and helping out.

13

Hi

It is so hard to be so far away.......I'm in the North East of England and my mum is in Northern Ireland......so its planes etc to get to her.

Or a ferry but about 5 hours to the ferry.

She is 991 almost 92 as well and as you say its hard.

My brother is there so thats something to be thankful for.

Love

Eileen  UK