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Swollen Ankle after Anterior Hip surgery

Posted by vivuscraig @vivuscraig, May 31, 2022

I had surgery 7 days ago. My swelling has been minimal. I have been walking and doing exercises. I have been applying ice and keeping my feet above my heart when not moving.

Yesterday, during a friends visit, I sat in a regular chair for 2.5 hours. After the visit my surgical leg and ankle were very swollen. After icing and elevating in the evening and overnight, the swelling did decrease some.

However, after doing just a little activity today, my ankle balloons up again. I am elevating and icing but the ankle is very slow to respond.

Is this normal? Should I avoid activity while it is swollen? Thank you in advance.

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queenie2030 | @queenie2030 | Dec 13, 2023
In reply to @pvctom2021 "I am going through the same problem, just had total hip replacement, was assured I’D be..." + (show)
@pvctom2021

I am going through the same problem, just had total hip replacement, was assured I’D be up and walking and we’ll recovered but 6 weeks. Now I’m 9 days post op and have bruising down my leg, swelling in calf (not too bad) and swelling and some bruising around the ankle and top of foot...I try to elevate it, but been told to rest is to rust. I do the ankle pumps , the other exercises and ice pack as much as you can to a foot and ankle...all say normal healing process, ebb and flow of liquids etc..
PT comes again tomorrow...I guess after reading your article I should be somewhat assured which I am, but feel that the med team should tell a patient more of what to expect in the following weeks after surgery..
Any feedback welcome thanks

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I think everyone’s recovery is at a different rate. I felt like I failed when at 6 weeks I still was far from recovered. I kept on with PT and elevation, however. At 3 and a Half months I finally feel mostly recovered. I just gave up a came a week ago. I was able for the first time to get into the drivers seat of our van and drive again yesterday. I had extreme swelling for a couple of months in spite of compression stockings, elevation and icing. It takes a lot of patience and persistence. At one point I did too much and caused more pain. I backed off activity some and added more rest and it paid off in a few weeks. Best wishes for a Good recovery no matter how long it takes.

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jerelyn | @jerelyn | Dec 13, 2023

I have had both hips replaced using the anterior approach. I had significant swelling in my whole leg including the ankle. The left one was don July 1 and I still have some swelling but it’s getting better. Had the right one done Nov 1 with same swelling. I completely agree with Sue and encourage your dad to do ankle pumps and walking. That is the best thing to do while awake.
I sleep with pillows under my knees and also wear compression socks during the day. Really helps to remember this is major surgery and it will take a lot of time and patience to get back to normal. The booklet I got from my Mayo surgeon said it takes a year.
Also, I recommend PT if that is available to them. I have safe exercises to do there and at home. BTW, I am 77.

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pvctom2021 | @pvctom2021 | Dec 13, 2023
In reply to @queenie2030 "I think everyone’s recovery is at a different rate. I felt like I failed when at..." + (show)
@queenie2030

I think everyone’s recovery is at a different rate. I felt like I failed when at 6 weeks I still was far from recovered. I kept on with PT and elevation, however. At 3 and a Half months I finally feel mostly recovered. I just gave up a came a week ago. I was able for the first time to get into the drivers seat of our van and drive again yesterday. I had extreme swelling for a couple of months in spite of compression stockings, elevation and icing. It takes a lot of patience and persistence. At one point I did too much and caused more pain. I backed off activity some and added more rest and it paid off in a few weeks. Best wishes for a Good recovery no matter how long it takes.

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Thanks so much…🙏

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noemee | @noemee | Dec 14, 2023
In reply to @sueinmn "Thank you for being an advocate for your Dad and welcome to Mayo Connect! Are you..." + (show)
@sueinmn

Thank you for being an advocate for your Dad and welcome to Mayo Connect! Are you also his caregiver? I think it is important to to have a helper/cheerleader/prodder close at hand for the first few weeks as much as possible.

Swelling in ankles and calves after hip replacement is totally normal, it is a sign that surgery has caused a major disruption to the body. Elevation is helpful in draining the fluid back towards the torso, where it can be absorbed and eliminated. Does he have a recliner where he can sit & elevate on a footrest, perhaps with a pillow underneath? You may need to get creative about placing (thin) support cushions, rolled towels, etc to ease his back.

Here is what I know about sitting versus lying down - too much lying down, or being inactive increases the risk of blood clots and pneumonia. So moving every 1/2 hour or hour, except during sleep, is highly recommended. Also, when sitting or lying down, ankle pumps, ankle circles and mild leg lifts (lightly assisted at first) should be done frequently. Also, he should be walking several times each day, with increasing distance from day to day

As for side sleeping - I understand - but does he have any restrictions about positioning of the operated leg? After about 2 weeks, I would lie on the non-operated side, with the upper leg bent & knee through ankle well supported by a firm pillow so it was elevated about 6-8".

Finally, you may be able to help with the swelling by doing some gentle "lymphedema massage" to the leg. You can find examples like this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=exo_kn_2R0k

Good luck helping Dad recuperate.
Sue

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Hello - I’m at week 1 - post labrum tear/ FIA hip Arthroscopic. Noticed my entire leg is a bit pinkish and swollen. I’d like to think is due to a response to the shock of surgery and not thing to do to with blood clot.

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