How do I reduce swelling in my legs after surgery?

You can reduce swelling by doing the postoperative exercises provided by your healthcare team. Elevating your leg on a pillow in bed for several hours each afternoon and using compression stockings will also help. It may be worth investing in an ice pack.

How long do legs stay swollen after surgery?

Swelling. It is not uncommon to have water retention and swelling after surgery. Often it is at its worst between 5-10 days after surgery. A compression stocking, if ordered by your surgeon, should be worn, especially if you have swelling to your lower legs.

How do you get rid of fluid retention in legs after surgery?

What is the fastest way to reduce swelling after surgery?

Apply ice packs: Applying clean ice packs to swollen tissues can help reduce swelling. The ice causes the blood vessels to contract. Care must be taken when applying ice packs to the tissue to avoid further injury; ice packs should only be applied for 15-minute increments.

Does walking reduce swelling after surgery?

This helps to reduce swelling, improve circulation, and minimize the risk of postoperative complications, such as blood clots. Simply walking around the room or to and from the bathroom several times a day is usually sufficient for the first several days after surgery.

Swollen Legs, Is That Normal After Surgery?

What foods reduce swelling after surgery?

Consuming foods which are rich in proteins, omega 3 essential fatty acids, iron, fiber, vitamins, and minerals as these nutrients help in the healing process in the body and also reduce swelling. Remember leafy vegetables and whole grains are good foods that reduce swelling after surgery.

Can you elevate your leg too much after surgery?

Minimize sitting time as much as possible to limit swelling. When sitting, elevate your leg as tolerated. Do not allow your leg to dangle downwards for too long.

Will drinking more water help with edema?

1. Drink 8 to 10 glasses of water per day. Though it might seem counterintuitive, getting enough fluids actually helps reduce swelling. When your body isn't hydrated enough, it holds onto the fluid it does have.

What happens if swelling doesn't go down?

If your swelling is chronic, or lasts longer than 2-3 weeks, you should see your doctor. Your doctor will be able to recommend medication, exercise or therapy to resolve the swelling. Remember, swelling is the body's reaction to an injury; if the swelling is still present, so is the injury.

Does ibuprofen reduce swelling after surgery?

You may need over-the-counter (OTC) medication to help reduce temporary pain and inflammation later on. These medications may include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Your physical therapist may provide massages and prescribe exercises to help reduce inflammation.

How long does post op swelling last?

How Long Does Post-op Swelling Last? Swelling after surgery tends to last about two weeks, with gradual improvements experienced each day. Minor swelling will persist for about two weeks after that, with residual swelling lasting another few weeks after that.

What helps swelling go down?

Applying an ice-pack or cold compress to an injury is the fastest way to deal with immediate swelling. It helps reduce swelling by restricting blood flow to the area and slowing down cellular metabolism. Cold therapy systems and ice baths are other methods you can use to apply cold to the area.

When should I be concerned about leg swelling?

Seek medical care right away if your legs swell for no apparent reason, especially if you have unexplained leg pain, difficulty breathing, chest pain or other warning signs of a blood clot in your lungs or a heart condition. Many factors — varying greatly in severity — can cause leg swelling.

What causes swollen legs after surgery?

Swelling is normal after surgery. As the body begins healing itself, thousands of cells are sent to the affected body part. This is part of the first stage of healing called the inflammatory phase. The influx of all of these cells to the area causes more swelling.

How many days should I ice after surgery?

The inflammatory process is most active in the first 24 hours after a surgery, persisting for up to 2 weeks. We recommend that you continue the aforementioned icing routine for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. This is a very effective way to maximize your healing environment.

Where does the fluid go when swelling goes down?

Fluid regularly leaks into body tissues from the blood. The lymphatic system is a network of tubes throughout the body that drains this fluid (called lymph) from tissues and empties it back into the bloodstream.

What naturally reduces swelling?

Some of the best sources of omega-3s are cold water fish, such as salmon and tuna, and tofu, walnuts, flax seeds and soybeans. Other anti-inflammatory foods include grapes, celery, blueberries, garlic, olive oil, tea and some spices (ginger, rosemary and turmeric).

Where does the fluid go when you elevate your legs?

If your leg is swollen and you raise it higher than your heart, the force of gravity will be moving the fluid in your leg towards your heart. The more the swelling and the longer there has been swelling, the longer and more frequently your need to elevate your legs.

Is it OK to sleep with legs elevated?

Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It's best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.

What happens if you elevate your legs for too long?

Don't elevate your legs on a table or desk without a cushion to prevent the edges and corners from digging into your skin. This can cause leg pain, bruising, spider veins, and nerve damage to the area. It's also counterproductive, as it hurts circulation to the area due to excessive pressure.

Should I elevate my leg while sleeping after surgery?

Do not scoop up your operative leg with either your good leg or a sheet when getting in and out of bed. Elevation: To minimize the swelling in your leg, you need to elevate your operative leg above the level of your heart. This should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes each time.

What to avoid eating after surgery?

Why pineapple juice is good after surgery?

Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which is a potent anti-inflammatory agent. Studies have shown that bromelain causes the human body to produce substances that reduce pain and swelling. This makes pineapple a great addition to your post-surgery diet.

Why is pineapple good after surgery?

Swelling and bruising are common after surgery. Pineapple and papaya are known to reduce swelling and inflammation because they contain protease enzymes that the body uses to digest proteins. Consuming pineapple and papaya after surgery will help offset the swelling that may occur after surgery.