Why is my leg swollen after hip replacement?

The body sends in thousands of cells to heal the incisions and the tissues cut/separated during the surgery known as inflammation. The influx of these cells also brings in the fluid that builds up in the tissues causing swelling. The swelling is especially prominent in the leg due to the effect of gravity.

How can I reduce swelling in my legs after hip replacement?

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.

What causes leg swelling 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.

How long does it take for the swelling to go down after a hip replacement?

It may take a month or two for the swelling and bruising to resolve. Your swelling and pain may increase if you are too active in the first few weeks after surgery. For that reason, it is best to take it easy for the first 2 weeks, practice the exercises from the hospital physical therapist, and practice walking.

How do you get rid of fluid after hip surgery?

Apply ice packs or cold compresses to the recovering joint to reduce swelling 3-4 times a day. Do not apply ice to the joint for longer than 20 minutes at a time. In addition, allow for time between ice packs for blood to return to the joint.

Swollen Legs, Is That Normal After Surgery?

Is it normal for leg and foot to swell after hip replacement?

Exercise, stockings and elevation also help. 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.

What causes fluid build up after hip replacement?

The body sends in thousands of cells to heal the incisions and the tissues cut/separated during the surgery known as inflammation. The influx of these cells also brings in the fluid that builds up in the tissues causing swelling.

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.

Can you walk too much after hip replacement?

Generally, I advise patients to walk only a few hundred yards a day total until they get to around six weeks. By that point, the implants are ingrown with bone, meaning that the bone is fused to the implant. Dislocations used to be a very big concern for hip replacements.

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.

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.

Is leg swelling normal 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 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.

How high should I elevate my leg after hip replacement?

It is important to elevate the entire leg, down to the ankle. When elevating, your feet should be above the level of your heart. You may also use pillows to elevate, but never place a pillow behind your knee.

What is the best exercise after total hip replacement?

How far should I walk each day after hip replacement?

We recommend that you walk two to three times a day for about 20-30 minutes each time. You should get up and walk around the house every 1-2 hours. Eventually you will be able to walk and stand for more than 10 minutes without putting weight on your walker or crutches. Then you can graduate to a cane.

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.

What happens if you don't exercise after hip replacement?

You have a window of time immediately after your surgery in which you can restore the range of motion in your new joint. If you don't move and engage in physical therapy, however, scar tissue develops that restricts movement and your muscles weaken.

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 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 drinking water help swelling go down?

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.

How do you know if your body is rejecting a hip replacement?

How long does it take to walk normally after hip surgery?

Most hip replacement patients are able to walk within the same day or next day of surgery; most can resume normal routine activities within the first 3 to 6 weeks of their total hip replacement recovery. Once light activity becomes possible, it's important to incorporate healthy exercise into your recovery program.

How long after hip replacement do you have to worry about infection?

Prolonged wound drainage (more than 3 days) immediately after joint replacement surgery has been shown to increase your risk of infection according to recent studies. It is important to promptly communicate with your surgeon if any of these signs or symptoms arise.