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Swelling of foot, knee (well whole leg) post THR

Posted , 23 users are following.

Cathsterr
Cathsterr

My leg feels so tight as it's so swollen as is my foot too ! Didn't expect this to be that bad. ICS team who change my TED say this is normal. Anyone else feel so swollen? My shoe is even really tight. Anyone else feel like this? I'm 2 weeks post op tomorrow night.

Also feels like I'm sitting on a rod sometimes ?? Suppose in a way I am. So uncomfortable. .......

3 likes, 41 replies

41 Replies

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  • dave63380
    dave63380 Cathsterr

    Posted

    Right THR 1 WEEK AGO / some swelling leg and foot just started but haven't done any ice yet today / are you still icing your hip every 3 hours for 20 minutes ? Dave 63380

    • Cathsterr
      Cathsterr dave63380

      Posted

      My hip seems ok just like sitting sideways on a rod lol Spose it is really, a titanium one.

      I'm using ice on my foot which is the butvthats irritates mevthe most. Thank you for your reply. Good luck with your recovery. X

  • linda81469
    linda81469 Cathsterr

    Posted

    Evening Cathsterr! I too was swollen from top of r hip to knee. Ice we'll help that! I'm 2 weeks 2 days out. Swelling has gone down considerably the tightness is now more noticeable and I'm numb too on side of my thigh. It's all normal tho! U just had a very serious operation! Use ice as often as you can for swelling. Hugs ???? and wishing you the best!

    • Cathsterr
      Cathsterr linda81469

      Posted

      Thank you Linda, frustrating though isn't it! It seems quite a common op now in younger people ie: late forties early fifties. Good luck with your progress too. Your op was similar date to mine then. Mine was on 21st. X

  • debbi1949
    debbi1949 Cathsterr

    Posted

    Not only ice, but elevate the feet above your head at least 20 min 3 times a day! That is a biggie! Yes, normal 
  • linda38528
    linda38528 Cathsterr

    Posted

    The swelling gets pretty impressive doesn't it?! ??

    Icing and elevation both help as noted above, but I was always told 10 min on and 20 min off for the ice and keep it away from the incision as the tissue there is more sensitive. I am not sure about elevating your feet above your head given concerns about clots! But certainly a pillow lengthwise under your leg(s) with a small cushion under it at your feet is fine.

    I was also given gentle foot rotations and foot pumps to do regularly - easy to do in bed and helps keep the circulation strong (therefore reducing swelling). Ditto with walking although sitting or standing for any length of time risks increasing the swelling in the lower leg and feet and it can get pretty bad.

    Keep your meds regular - helps manage both pain and swelling (Rocketman taught me to use my phone to set an alarm at regular intervals). He also reminded me to use my IPOD to listen to music when staring at the ceiling wishing I could sleep.

    Take care.

    Linda

  • georgia61514
    georgia61514 Cathsterr

    Posted

    You just went thought a serious operation . Trama to your body and now have a forgin object in you . Time a lot of time , patience , kindness to your body . Most inmportant " don't fall" . So REST .

  • noplaybarbie
    noplaybarbie Cathsterr

    Posted

    Hi Cathsterr....yes many of us had swelling. I remember mine at two weeks was pretty bad. Talk about tight shoes could barely wear mine. It is pretty normal and I know it is hard to deal with but it will subside soon. Wishing you well....Barb
  • renee01952
    renee01952 Cathsterr

    Posted

    hi cathsterr, 

    warm welcome to this wonderful hippies forum where we share our personal stories and experiences - 

    It is a frightening sight to see your leg so swollen, isn;t it? Mine started at top and made it's way down to ankle - took about 2-3 weeks actually - 

    during this surgery a lot of brutal manipulation was needed to for instance dislocate the hip joint, remove it, etc ... 

    With 2nd THR I asked my surgeon to handle me with more care rolleyes and he did - hardly any swelling or bruises ...

    of course, if it gets painful, red, and you have a fever,call your doctor and have it checked ...

    there is video on youtube of this surgery - not for the squeemish though - 

    I got a better understanding of what the "procedure" (Yeah right) involved and all the healing that needs to take place....  there is also an 3D animated version which is excellent -

    you can also visit:

    https://patient.info/forums/discuss/thr-useful-resources-487147 - scroll down to a Layman's Guide, created by one of our valued forum members -

    come back here any time when you have a concern or question ...

    big warm hug

    renee

    • Cathsterr
      Cathsterr renee01952

      Posted

      Thank you so much Renee, as I said to another member. These responses are putting my mind at rest. What a great forum to have. X
  • megan_33232
    megan_33232 Cathsterr

    Posted

    Hi there, I am now 10 days post op I have really bad swollen just like you explained. It was the bad my own GP referred me to the A&E and I got kept in o Monday and got out on Tuesday. They tests me for blood cloths or a reaction to the Metal hip and everything was fine. They said that if probably because they hammered the metal in. My own doctor that did the surgery said to just keep doing exercises, walk and to have my leg up at night. I have really bad swollen ankle and knee been using heat packs.

    I am hoping it will go down soon. I hope yours go down soon. It is really annoying have a swollen leg while you are trying to get back on track.

    Hope your well.

    Megan x

    • dave63380
      dave63380 megan_33232

      Posted

      8 days out THR / SOME swelling leg and ankle and foot / still very sore / Ice all the Time 20 minutes with break 1/2 hr ? In between/ good luck and be consistent with physical therapy/ I think it helps with stiffness/and keep it elevated / Dave 63380
    • Cathsterr
      Cathsterr megan_33232

      Posted

      Your right Megan, it sort of sets u back a little. But still determined to get better and stronger. X
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