ANKLE SWELLING

Dear Janet

It's very early days really so don't panic! I would be inclined to pat yourself on the back and take it very easy and continue to use both crutches until you have built up really good strength in your muscles so that you do not have any hint of limping.

To be free of walking aids too fast is pointless as I've discovered! When I stepped back and picked up the crutches for a while my progress was much more solid and fast.

Cheers Richard

Janet,

Nothing to worry about at this point. I'm at over 8 weeks and my ankle still swells on occasion. It did quite a bit during the first few weeks. Keep elevating it as much as possible and icing it. So, give it some time and great news that you're losing your walking props! I got rid of my walker in the first few days and my cane after about 4-5 weeks so you're doing great! Don't push it though. Let it happen as it's supposed to. 

Cormac

Get that leg up above your pelvis if possible, bed is a good place, and don;t forget to stretch your ankle out, toes out as far and you can go, and then toes back towards shins as far as you can go, repeat and repeat, when I am sitting down, i now drive husband nuts, with wobbling my ankles, has become second nature, and stretch out feet, gives your shins a good workout and pumps your blood up into your torso.  Another exercise to try is on the bed, and push the back of you knees into the bed as hard as you can, and repeat and repeat, again good for pumping blood, also butt crunches, using those big muscles in your backside to move blood about.

Hi Janet,

I had a total hip replacement also 2 weeks ago,and also have swelling on my ankle and foot of my operated leg.

Had a routine check with my consultant on the 19th who said this is normal and to carry on doing the exercises and to walk.

Glad your recovery is going well.

Gail

Usually does swell but I would get your blood pressure checked too. Best thing if you can is to go to bed every afternoon for two hours. Is great for getting rid of excess fluid. X

My RTHR was 2 weeks ago tomorrow and I have knee pain and swelling. After speaking to the physio at the hospital it is all perfectly normal. Your body is getting used to waking again and walking in a different way. You’re using muscles that may not have been used for a long time.  There’s lots of internal swelling too that needs to settle down. Getting balance between exerercise and rest is crucial. Elevate and ice is key too. I was also advised not to ditch the walking aids too soon, using both of my crutches will ensure I remain balanced and ensure I have a good gait going forward and correct the bad posture I had unavoidable created due to pain pre op. 

Best of luck and take things steady. 

As others have said it's normal to get ankle swelling. Get plenty of rest and it'll go away as you heal. 👣

Hi janet

Take each day as it comes 4 months is no time.  It's 20 months since I had the hip replacement and I'm still having problems with my ankle.  I still use a crutch for support because last May I dislocated my hip bending down in the garden.  When I first had my hip replacement I keep seeking advice on my foot and ankle and all they kept telling me was it was too soon to tell.  Just think on the positive side you are thrilled to be able to walk again and you are recuperating nicely.

All the best Brenda