Swollen knee after full hip replacement

Bones, joints and muscles
1

Has anyone suffered swelling of their knee and ankle I am 3 weeks post op and the swelling is still swollen

2

Hi Kim, I had the same and don't want to say yours will last as long but mine did not fully go down until gone 12 weeks. My ankle took longer but my legs has been described as "I have seen fatter hanging out of a birds nest", cheeky sod!

You need to put your feet higher than your heart as often as possible and do your ankle exercises at least 4 times a day. Best wishes, Dot.

3

Thank you Dot I didn't know if it was normal doesn't hurt is just swollen. I know about putting feet higher than heart but thought I couldn't do that because it is too soon after the op ?

4

Hi Kim

Yes I still have awollen knee at almost 14 weeks. I asked my surgeon about this and he said it can take around nine months to fully go. Mine is still swollen. But it is going down slowly' If you have problems with the swelling use a pack of frozen peas and that will help.

5

Kim I have had a lot of problems I I have been putting my legs on two cusions off the sofa with a towel over them./ It will be fine to  do that as long as you have help to put your legs up and dont break the 90 degree rule

6

Hi Kim, you need to be either on your bed or sofa so you are lying down and have pillows/cushions under your lower limbs, this way you will not break the 90 degree rule. Even putting your feet up on a stool will help but former is better. Also ice packs, cheapoo frozen peas work great but mark them so you can pop them back in the freezer and use time and again (you would'nt want to mistakenly eat them, Dot.

7

Thank you hailea I will try all you have suggested

8

Thank you Dot that is so helpful

9

Hi hailea,

 I noticed bad swelling about week 2 although I found it quite painful. 

I have also now noticed a yellow bruise (I'm 4 weeks post op) running fron my knee down to my ankle bone which is also sore. I did ask consultant and he said that they manovure us quite roughly and the knee takes quite a tough  ride!!!

hope it eases off soon and you get a good nighs sleep

all the best 

Carol😄 Xx

i just used an ice pack. My mother had knee op and she had ice cuff, which I borrowed and the pain/swelling is much better now. 

I was gueninally shocked/surprised with all the other places I hurt  I nievely thought it would just be in the hip area!!  

10

computer mixed my sentences up! X

11

Yep 2.5 weeks after RTHR and knee and thigh are swollen.  This goes away with  elevation but comes back as soon as I start sitting up/walking around.  Physio says that this will be the case for 3 months.... so we just better get used to it ......

 

12

Cheers Neil at least I know it is normal

Wo der whether it is safe to fly with the swelling I have a holiday booked for 7 weeks fingers crossed it is

13

Thank you carol that is helpful

14

Well you'd need to check with the medicos but I don't believe the swelling is an issue.... the bigger thing is DVT risk when flying - I have a hol in wk10 to Majorca and was told I must wear the lovely TED stockings again for the flight (still have them on, my surgeon wants me to wear them for 6 wks!!)  Is your flight short haul or long haul?  

 

15

Short haul 4 hrs to zante

I have to wear stocking for 6 weeks too well I am hoping swelling improves with elevation and Dr says yes to flying I will wear flight socks

16

Good, enjoy Zante

Take lots of euros just in case! smile

 

17

Lol will do but all inclusive so not too sad

You enjoy your hols too

18

My thigh and knee were swollen for about 5 wks

19

Yes mine was massive. I have been wearing full length TED stockings at night and they have helped a lot.

put you legs up in the afternoons if you can, and ankle pumps too.

👍🌈💌

 

20

Thanks Georgie just glad it's normal