Bruising to ankle and back of knee/calf

I also had a gigantic bruise and redness on the back of my calf. In my case it was just the results of being manhandled during surgery, not a DVT. If you have any doubt in your mind, a call to your surgeon's office will ease it. They know exactly what the cause could be, and what the symptoms of DVT are.

I also had a spectacular bruise show up behind my knee at about 10 days. It didn't hurt and I wouldn't have known it was there if husband hadn't spotted it. Now, at 3 weeks, it is beginning to fade a bit. Think you are probably ok but as Annie suggests, make that phone call to put your mind at rest.

Same for me and actually my surgeon told me it would happen ( because u had hardly any bruising for the first couple of days) and said it is really common. 1 week after op I got a massive bruise behind knee, down calf and top of ankle. Apparently this is not unusual. Also v swollen. Try not to worry 😑

I had bruising on the inside of my ankle and my entire knee was bruised, no brusing on my hip...everyone thought I had a knee replacement...I think it was the manipulation of the leg that causes that..

Each THR I had and in general most doctors commonly prescribe compression socks from the foot to above the thigh. This also helps with DVT & brusing even though as well blood thinners in some cases or given white platelets after surgery to make more blood to cover any blood loss from surgery.

Its a pain to get compression socks on and off. But worth the few days wearing them no brusing and swelling in ankles and knees. 

I have read where a lot of hippies experience brusing after surgery. The dr are not prescribing compression socks ? Just wondering. 

 

Hi Freda

I think that quite common.  My consultant came to see me in recovery and told me about the bruising to my calf and asked if I bruise easily, which I do.  It took weeks to go away.  Of course, the injections didn't help it to clear very quickly but DVTs are clots deep inside the veins and I think this is mainly surface bruising.  I wouldn't worry.

Cels Xxx

Hi Freda

I have had both my hips replaced but l noticed after my first thr l has bad bruising at the back of my knee. I think its quite common. I would not worry to much if unless ot gets worse or does not go away.

Good Luck

Laura x

Hi Freda, 

I had severe swelling of the knee/calf/ankle/foot and it also looked like someone had taken a baseball bat to them.  The hospital warned me this would happen as basically the bruised blood from the operation goes downwards due to gravity. Nothing to worry about really but you should always be cautious of DVT's and know the signs to look out for. 

Good luck with the recovery.

David.

Hi Freda - my son is the hippy. He had no back of upper leg/ knee/ calf bruising until second week. Icing those areas & incision really speeded lessening of bruises. By week 3 leg, knee, calf bruises were gone.

He wasn't issued compression socks & surgeon said DVT is rare & he'd be OK to fly at 8-9 weeks.

This is the place to ask questions. Best to you.

Aloha, Soos

Hi Freda,

i am in my second week, (11 days) and also have bruising on front thigh, back of knee, although not much discolouration. I am seeing a nurse later, but I can only summise that it is where they hold the leg tightly, to manipulate the joint during surgery.

my only other concern is that it is excruciating putting leg backwards during exercises, but these muscles were not able to be used fully for 7 years so I expect long term pain during rehab on this one!

 

I had bruising to the back of my knee. I was told that this was because they use your knee as a "jack" to dislocate your hip during surgery. I'm sure that's why you are bruised too. 

I’m thankful for this forum as I just noticed significant bruising on the back of my leg. I had a total hip replacement about 10 days ago so the stories posted here give me a good understanding of what probably happen. Thanks to all.

I'm 3 weeks and 4 days post hip replacement and still have bruising to my calf and around my knee and both are tender to the touch.It also feels very tight when I walk down stairs. I am grateful for your question and all of the answers as I feel a little reassured. I was given no information by the consultant or hospital about possible bruising and swelling and both were extensive initially. I had a 'wound check' by a nurse 2 weeks following my operation and she said that my compression socks were too tight around my knee and gave me a larger pair!!! The swelling has subsided now, but the bruising and tenderness is still there nearly two weeks on from that. I don't think it's an indication of a DVT - but always worth checking it out with the Consultant if worried.