I am three weeks out from TKR surgery on my left knee. My surgeon assures me that swelling is completely normal following all that takes place during knee replacement surgery. I am curious to discover what others have experienced with SWELLING following surgery.
Totally normal Cheryl ... no concerns about that
I must admit, I used a unit which we sell (lol, sorry for the plug here) and found it amazing.
Its a little unit with ice and water inside, attached to a cuff on the knee ... Left it on 20 minutes and off, and then on again, and it worked wonders!
Friend also tried mine and found immediate relief too.
Hope you feel a little more comfortable now knowing it is all normal. The swelling will eventually subside.
Hi Cheryl - yes perfectly normal. Your knee has been through the mill and back and the swelling will take a while to go. That is way is important to ice your knee. You will find it swells after exercising as well so don't be concerned - just ice!!! Xx
Hi Cheryl,
Nothing to worry about,its something we all suffer and moan about lol...i spent yesterday icing and elevating mine all day as i went out to dinner saturday evening, today its much better and im 3 weeks post op,so i know it will go on being like this for a while..good luck x
Cheryl my swelling gradually reduced over approx 8 weeks. I had severe bruising from thigh to toes and did have a second surgery after 3 days as my wound burst open during physio....ouch! Even typing it makes my eyes water. 😁
I found as new bruises appeared, the swelling changed and moved to various areas. My GP put it all in perspective for me when I was querying it one day, he said that this is probably the most violent surgery that exists. He said that apart from the obvious trauma, the entire leg is forcibly bent and straightened repeatedly....he said you don't often see an over weight orthopaedic surgeon as this is a massive workout for them.
No wonder we're in agony for a while!
Yes - this is perfectly normal - and goes on for some time. Ice and anti- inflammatory will help. Swelling is worse in evenings and after exercise. Drink plenty of water.
I had TKR 3 years ago so am trying to remember back that far!!
I think basically that I had swelling.
The swelling is what makes the bending difficult it is not just the pain.
However, it does get better I promise.
Keep exercisng and you will get there in time.
Take care and keep in touch
Sarah
swelling pretty bad for about twelve weeks, gradually diminishing. I didn't take anti inflammatories as I have liver problems, so perhaps those would help. Bottom half of the leg and foot swollen so much I couldn't move the foot for about ten days. The calf was so swollen it was hard to touch, like a balloon blown up . . Even now after six months if I hae to stand for long it tends to get hot and swell up again, but nothing like before, .
I agree with what others have posted - it is normal and lasts quite a long time. Mine is still somewhat swollen after 7 weeks but isn't sore or hot any more. Icing elevation daily are they key. Someone mentioned what sounds like the "ice machine" my insurance paid for here in the US which circulates iced water through a sleeve. You can leave it on a long time even at night as the ice isn't on your skin. If it isn't bothering you very much just do ice packs.
Five years after my right TKR my leg is still swollen 50%more than left leg (which is waiting for its TKR. in my nativity I thought this was normal LOL Boy do Ilearn things on this forum!
Oh whoops! I meant NAIVITY, not nativity. I wasn't born yesterday, was I? 
Or in a barn!!! 🙏 lol
Thank you! I guess I will need to find some comfy footwear that will fit my foot+ swelling!
Everyone has told me...ICE IS YOUR FRIEND!
It does feel good, and yes, it DOES help with the swelling!
Thank you!
Have you noticed if certain foods/drinks etc. INCREASE swelling?
We had Chinese food one day, and my swelling was worse. I also was on my feet a long time.
I'm just trying to troubleshoot, but maybe REGARDLESS of being careful, swelling will STILL take place.
Wow! Glad I didn't know this BEFORE my surgery!
I am SO SORRY you had your SKIN burst open at your incision! I sure hope your therapist learned something that day!
I actually was written up as "non-compliant" by my first therapist I had the evening of my surgery. The reason? I told her I felt lightheaded and was going to faint when she had me stand!
Well, my special wonderful nurse, Cassie walked in when this was going on. She put herself between CRAZY PT and me, supported me with her body, helped me to sit on the bed and spoke ever so gently to me. She and her aide helped me to lay down. She explained that she wanted to check my blood pressure and had her aide get me a cool washcloth for my head. She gave me a cool drink, too.
Turns out by blood pressure was 80/58. Cassie was paying attention, and she HAD JUST WALKED IN THE ROOM! Why was CRAZY PT not hearing me? Why was she so hell-bent on achieving HER AGENDA for me?
Well, my Cassie wasn't finished with CRAZY PT! When CRAZY PT wanted to KEEP GOING while I was now IN BED, Cassie said, " Cheryl is finished with PT for now. Please leave while I finish her vitals."
CRAZY PT left, Cassie rolled her eyes and apologized that any if this had taken place and assured me that I was NOT in any kind of trouble because I didn't stand and try to walk WHILE I HAD LOW BLOOD PRESSURE AND FELT FAINT!
She was that German Shepherd Dog who guards you from those who might cause you harm. Cassie, I am SURE, will go on to become a nursing INSTRUCTOR someday. What a GREAT GIFT she is to the nursing profession!!!
Good tips, Caroline!
By anti-inflammatory, would that be NSaids like Ibruprophen?
I am taking Percocet and Ex. Strength Tylenol per doctor's instructions, but neither of these are anti-inflammatory, right?
What do you take?
Thanks, Sarah!
It is very helpful to hear that swelling isn't FOREVER!
I know that swelling is our body's way of putting a kind of protective bubble wrap on owie-achy parts. While the body is TRYING to heal, there are owie-achy parts all over the place!
I guess if you think about it, swelling is a protector which reminds us to only go so far...for the moment.
I will TRY to be patient!
Thank you!
Awwww! So sorry to hear of your swelling issues!
That was a very long time to have to endure such terrible swelling!
What does your doctor/ surgeon have to say about this?
What do you do when you need to wear shoes? I have been going barefoot except for VERY BRIEF times when I MUST put on something to wear for a doctor's appointment.
Is your pain level getting any lower?
I have been doing ice packs wrapped in bath towels. Frozen peas are my under- the- leg ice pack of choice!
What about icing FEET?
Do you think putting my feet in cold water might help?