How Long Will my leg be swollen after hip replacement?

Expect moderate to severe swelling in the first few weeks after surgery. You may also have mild to moderate swelling for 3 to 6 months after surgery. To reduce swelling, elevate your leg slightly and apply ice. Wearing compression stockings may also help reduce swelling.

Is it normal for lower leg to swell after hip replacement operation?

After a joint replacement, swelling is expected. Swelling can cause increased pain and limit your range of motion, so taking steps to reduce the swelling is important. Continue using ice packs or some form of cold therapy to help reduce swelling.

What causes swelling in leg after hip replacement?

The differential diagnosis of swelling after hip surgery, although most often due to deep vein thrombosis, should include popliteal artery aneurysm, Baker's cyst, or lymphatic obstruction. The presence of a large popliteal artery aneurysm can confound the diagnosis and/or increase the risk of deep venous thrombosis.

Is it normal for your thigh to swell after hip replacement surgery?

Swelling from the thigh down into the foot is common after surgery. The swelling gradually decreases with time, and can take a few weeks to months to disappear. Muscle movement such as in walking and exercise will help to reduce the swelling.

How long does it take to walk normally after a hip replacement?

3 to 6 Weeks After Hip Replacement Surgery

You'll likely be able to walk without a walker or crutches.

Swollen Legs, Is That Normal After Surgery?

Can you overdo walking after hip replacement?

It is important to gradually increase your out-of-home activity during the first few weeks after surgery. If you do too much activity, your hip may become more swollen and painful.

How long do you have to sleep on your back after hip replacement?

It's important to follow these sleeping precautions for 6 to 12 weeks after surgery, depending on your health and personal recovery. The best sleeping position for your hip is to lie on your back with a pillow between your legs.

How do you get rid of swollen legs after hip surgery?

To reduce swelling, elevate your leg slightly and apply ice. Wearing compression stockings may also help reduce swelling. Notify your doctor if you experience new or severe swelling, since this may be the warning sign of a blood clot.

How far should I be walking 4 weeks after hip replacement?

During weeks 3-5, walking endurance usually increases if you have been consistent with your home program. Weeks 4-5: Ambulation distances up to 1 mile (2-3 city blocks), resting as needed. Weeks 5-6: Ambulation distances of 1-2 miles; able to meet shopping needs once released to driving.

What should I be doing 2 weeks after hip replacement?

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.

When should I worry about swelling after surgery?

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. Treatment to reduce swelling after surgery is elevation.

How long does it take to get rid of water retention after surgery?

This will gradually subside during the first six weeks of the healing process. In addition, fluids may accumulate in the treatment area. This accumulation of fluids may add pounds, but will eventually drain out of the body.

How long does it take for the muscles to heal after a hip replacement?

“On average, hip replacement recovery can take around two to four weeks, but everyone is different,” says Thakkar. It depends on a few factors, including how active you were before your surgery, your age, nutrition, preexisting conditions, and other health and lifestyle factors.

When can you put full weight on leg after hip replacement?

Instructions after first postop visit (6-8 weeks after surgery): You should now be comfortable in walking with a cane or nothing at all, placing full weight on the operated leg. At this point, if you haven't already done so, you may wean to using 1 crutch or cane in the opposite hand/arm.

How long does it take for a hip replacement to stop hurting?

Most people, though, experience surgical pain for approximately two to four weeks following hip replacement surgery. Your activity level, medical history, and any pain you're dealing with before surgery have an effect on how long it will take you to make a full recovery.

What is the best sleeping position after hip replacement?

The best position to sleep in after total hip replacement is on your back with a pillow between your legs. You can also sleep on your non-operative side with two pillows lined between your legs. When you're sleeping on your back, make sure you don't cross your ankles or legs.

How high should I elevate my leg after hip replacement?

Elevation is key

Elevation can help reduce swelling and lower the risk of blood clots following a hip or knee replacement. Elevate the operated leg above the heart level to allow the fluid to flow back to the body from the legs.

What happens at 4 weeks after hip replacement?

It usually takes about 4 to 6 weeks to start feeling stronger and to be able to get around with less pain. You'll still need to continue with physical therapy by going to regular appointments. Walking at this point is especially important for your recovery. You'll want to walk regularly and avoid sitting for too long.

Is it OK to sit in a recliner after hip replacement surgery?

Try to sit in a straight back chair (avoid low sofas, recliners, or zero-gravity chairs) for the first 6 weeks. Do NOT sleep in a recliner. Your hip will get stiff in a flexed position and be harder to straighten out.

How long do I need a pillow between my legs after hip replacement?

Make sure you continue sleeping with the pillow between your legs for at least six weeks.

How far should I be walking 7 weeks after hip replacement?

The second complication we try to avoid is loosening of the implants. This can happen when patients do too much walking and stress the implants prior to the ingrowth process. Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks.

How should I sleep after hip op?

Do you gain weight after a hip replacement?

While many overweight patients intend to lose weight after joint replacement, a study at Hospital for Special (HSS) finds that although some patients are able to achieve this goal, equal numbers of patients actually gain weight after hip or knee replacement.