Legs and ankles swollen after hip replacement

[Flythedragons]

I had my second hip replacement last week. My other one was four months ago. I was expecting the same experience, but it’s been different in many ways, some better, some worse. Unlike last time my legs from my knees down, ankles and feet have become swollen. Has anybody else experienced this? I’ve had my feet elevated today but there’s been no improvement at all, if anything they’re worse.

Should I be concerned?

It’s deifnitely not unusual to get swelling, elevating is good, as is movement and walking to aid lymphatic drainage. But obviously with any concern, go to the doctor if you feel it’s needed

Are you still wearing support stockings?

The swelling has improved slightly over night I think.

I wasn’t sent home with support stockings, maybe I should get some.

Please don't get support stockings - If you were wearing them I was going to suggest that you take them off!

When you elevate your feet they need to be higher than your heart. An hour or two laying flat out in bed with your feet on a pile of pillows should reduce the swelling.

Be sure to do all the exercises you were given and be as mobile as possible. Walking is good. If you have stairs, do one step up on your right foot, raise left foot to the same step, then step down on right foot, bring left foot down , climb up and down again starting with left foot, and then repeat with right foot and continue left foot/right root 10 times - don't tire yourself out and look to increase the number of steps you can do by 3 or so every few days, or every week if you prefer.

You may find a mini exercise bike useful - they can be found on eBay for as little as £12.70. Check out reviews here: thehomegym.co.uk/exercise-bikes/mini/

Good luck with your recovery - if you keep mobile I'm sure it won't take long before you're as good as new.