Anyone with lymphedema have a knee replacement?

Hello @mercuryrose, Welcome to Connect. I also have lymphedema in both legs with my right leg affected a little more than the left leg. I had my right knee replaced two years ago and my lymphedema is still under control. I wear 20-30 mmHg compression socks that are just under the knees. I was not able to wear the right compression sock for a week or so after my right knee TKR. After I had been wearing the compression socks for awhile and struggling on a daily basis to put them on, I discovered you can buy them with side zippers and they are a lot easier to put on and take off.

I think one of the keys to a successful knee replacement is to do your pre-operation leg exercises faithfully and after the replacement continue doing the post surgery leg exercises, as well as icing and elevating your leg per your surgeons instructions. That will help keep the swelling down and make your recovery go better. You might want to join in the following discussion and learn what @artscaping and other members have shared about knee replacements -- TKR #2.....Lessons I am learning: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tkr-2-lessons-i-am-learning/

Have you discussed your concerns with your doctor?

Thanks for the good information. I never seen compression socks with a zipper. Will do a search. Yes, my Doctor sent me to a Vascular Doctor and they are doing tests in November. My Orthopedic Doctor is requesting an approval before he does the first knee in February.

Here's an example of the zippered compression socks listed on Amazon.com. There are a lot and various prices. You just need to find your compression rating and size. For me they were less than half the price of my first two pairs from Mayo Clinic. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08272J4MB/

I am 75 year old female with lymphedema mostly in my right leg. Two orthopedic surgeons have recommended right knee replacement showing no real concern about the lymphedema but I am concerned what effect needed knee replacement will have on lymphedema. Please share if you have lymphedema and had knee replacement. Thank you!

Hi @kglenda, Welcome to Connect. I was diagnosed with lymphedema in both of my legs prior to having my right knee replaced. My right leg was also the worst one with swelling from lymphedema. The only problem I had was not keeping my right leg elevated enough during the recovery process which was on me for not doing what the surgeon told me to do. I wasn't able to wear the compression socks on the right leg for about a week if I am remembering correctly and they were a little difficult to get on my feet/legs. I finally found compression socks with side zippers that made putting them on and taking them off a lot easier.

I think another thing that helped me have a successful recovery was doing pre-surgery and post-surgery leg exercises to help with the knee and leg strength. How do you control the lymphedema now? Do you also wear compression socks/hose?

I sometimes wear compression stockings and use pneumatic pumps. I have also previously done physical therapy with a physical therapist who was certified in lymphedema treatment. Sorry to say I’ve not been consistent with any of the treatments or with walking, but the lymphedema has stayed in what I call mild to moderate stage. Thank you for your input. I am most concerned about infection from surgery and glad to hear you did not have that problem.

I’m glad to have found this thread. My 94 yr old mother has lymphedema in her legs, her left is worse, and also knob kneed. She wants surgery. She wears velcro compression wraps on both legs and uses the pump daily. Compression stockings always cut into her skin/make a line where they end, so she never uses. She’s overweight and uses a walker. Happy to hear you were able to have successful surgery. We keep wondering if things would get worse after the surgery because she’s not in great physical shape now. She would love to find a Dr who would do it.

I’m a 57 year old female and have lymphedema. I also had 2 successful knee replacement surgeries (right & left knees) several years ago. It is a tough and painful recovery from knee replacement surgery. The main important thing to do post-surgery is physical therapy faithfully as recommended. As for the lymphedema, I think it did get a little worse after the knee surgeries. I use compression therapy almost daily. (arms and legs). I have the compression therapy equipment here at home. That definitely helps me. I wish your mom the best. I do think the knee surgery would be hard on a 94 y.o., especially if she isn’t physically able to push hard with the PT. Definitely a conversation for her to have with an orthopedic surgeon.