Strategies to Reduce Postoperative Swelling - Surgical Guide to Left Posterior Total Hip Replacement Surgery

Leg Swelling

After joint replacement surgery, most patients develop swelling in the operated leg. The amount of swelling can vary. The swelling itself is typically in the leg, knee, ankle, or foot. You may also have black-and-blue bruising, which usually goes away over several weeks. Bruising can appear around the operative site and down the back side of the operative leg. If bruising appears to be very bad or feels very painful, please contact your surgeon’s office. Once bruising develops, it will travel down your leg and may reach your foot.

For the first 6 weeks after your operation, sitting for a long time with your foot down tends to worsen the swelling. While you are awake, you should not sit for more than 30 to 45 minutes at a time. Periods of walking should be alternated with periods of elevating your leg in bed. When elevating the leg while lying down, the ankle should be above the level of the heart. Lying down for an hour in the late morning or afternoon helps reduce swelling.

To prevent or reduce leg and ankle swelling:

• Elevate operated leg in bed on 1 to 2 pillows while lying flat.
• While you are awake, avoid sitting for longer than 30 to 45 minutes at a time.
• Perform ankle exercises.
• Apply ice to your surgical area for at least 20 minutes a few times a day (especially before and after exercises) or more frequently as recommended by your surgeon.
• Some doctors may recommend the use of support hose.