Swelling after total hip replacement

Posted by myfriendgayle @myfriendgayle, May 2, 2023

I have mild to moderate thigh, calf and foot swelling in my operated leg following total hip replacement April 21. Ice and elevation keep it from swelling more, but doesn’t seem to decrease it. Has anyone else had this problem? If so, what did you do about it!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Joint Replacements Support Group.

Yes I had swelling all the way down to my toes. Only lasted a few days. Not fun but went away! Elevation and ice. Anyway I’m approaching the third week mark and walking pretty good now…It takes time so Be patient. I know it’s hard!!

REPLY

I had this happen after my total knee replacements. Just keep doing the ice and elevation - it takes time.

REPLY

Thanks for the encouragement. It just seems like this is lasting too long. It’s been 2 weeks of swelling and it’s not getting any better - not any worse, but not any better either.

REPLY

O.k., I had total hip replacement on March 27, 2023....I still have swelling in my right foot, right calf and some soreness. (not bad, though) I have my 6 wk. appt. with my Orthopedic surgeon on May 18. The swelling is WAY less than in the beginning, though....the right leg was so swollen that my sweatpants looked like LEGGINGS on my rt. leg!! 🙂 I did one month of physical therapy....let the next 2 weeks go, Dr said it was fine to do so. I had pain for about 4 yrs., always limping from osteoarthritis in the rt. leg (and practically living at the Chiro!! $$$$$)....no limping whatsoever now! My only regret? That I didn't do this SOONER!! The swelling WILL go down....it's different with everyone....and I know I don't 'ice' and elevate as much as I should, but still doing fine!

REPLY

I had a left hip THR with the Superpath method. Absolutely no pain. Amazing. It even cured what my internist thought was bursitis in my leg just below the knee cap.

I did get swelling in both legs. My internist prescribed a diuretic and elevation. My physical therapist also recommended support stockings. After eight weeks it is essentially gone. I have another appointment with him next week and until then I will continue to use the Lasix and elevation.

BTW, my hip surgeon included two weeks of a "Nice" ice machine for right after the surgery. It is a great machine. You only have to put a tiny amount of water into it and it makes it cold.

REPLY
@monica1234

O.k., I had total hip replacement on March 27, 2023....I still have swelling in my right foot, right calf and some soreness. (not bad, though) I have my 6 wk. appt. with my Orthopedic surgeon on May 18. The swelling is WAY less than in the beginning, though....the right leg was so swollen that my sweatpants looked like LEGGINGS on my rt. leg!! 🙂 I did one month of physical therapy....let the next 2 weeks go, Dr said it was fine to do so. I had pain for about 4 yrs., always limping from osteoarthritis in the rt. leg (and practically living at the Chiro!! $$$$$)....no limping whatsoever now! My only regret? That I didn't do this SOONER!! The swelling WILL go down....it's different with everyone....and I know I don't 'ice' and elevate as much as I should, but still doing fine!

Jump to this post

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sorry for your continued swelling, but it’s good to hear that I’m not the only one with this problem. I’m wishing you well on your continuing recovery!

REPLY
@monica1234

O.k., I had total hip replacement on March 27, 2023....I still have swelling in my right foot, right calf and some soreness. (not bad, though) I have my 6 wk. appt. with my Orthopedic surgeon on May 18. The swelling is WAY less than in the beginning, though....the right leg was so swollen that my sweatpants looked like LEGGINGS on my rt. leg!! 🙂 I did one month of physical therapy....let the next 2 weeks go, Dr said it was fine to do so. I had pain for about 4 yrs., always limping from osteoarthritis in the rt. leg (and practically living at the Chiro!! $$$$$)....no limping whatsoever now! My only regret? That I didn't do this SOONER!! The swelling WILL go down....it's different with everyone....and I know I don't 'ice' and elevate as much as I should, but still doing fine!

Jump to this post

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sorry for your swelling, but it’s good to hear that others have had the same problem. I’m wishing you well on your continuing recovery,

REPLY

Thank you SO much and I wish you the same, I never thought I'd need this surgery but am just glad it's done & over with. It's so NICE not having all that pain! (and the limping that went along with it) I just WISH that I would have been given 'details' on the surgery and how I would feel afterwards. Yes, I have Internet (obviously LOL).....and I asked the Dr. for a pamphlet on it, when he mentioned 'total hip replacement' to me.....but all I heard was how 'easy' the surgery would be, how it was 'a piece of cake' (no...it wasn't), surgery and then home the next day, with no idea of what to expect, was a little scary. I have gotten through all of that, though....and getting better day by day.....and I hope everything goes smoothly for you....hugs!! 🙂

REPLY
@myfriendgayle

Thanks so much for sharing your story. I’m sorry for your swelling, but it’s good to hear that others have had the same problem. I’m wishing you well on your continuing recovery,

Jump to this post

I have had an antibiotic hip spacer in since 10/25:22
My foot and leg are still slightly swollen
I do try to walk around with the walker and use a wheelchair but I feel so stiff
If I am infection free for 2 months I might get another hip
Anyone experienced this ?

REPLY
Please sign in or register to post a reply.