Hi,I am Dr. Gopal Goel (Orthopaedic Surgeon). I will be looking into your question and guiding you through the process. Please write your question below.
Swelling After Total Hip Replacement Gone Down The Ankle, Calf Still Feels Tight. Will It Go By Itself ?
I had a total hip replacement on the 25th June 2013 and although most of the swelling has gone down my ankle and calf feel very tight,it's like they are being squeezed. I have been very active from day one of the operation,going out for short walks and moving about as much as I could but couldn't exercise for 3weeks because of the swelling and limited mobility in m leg. Will this eventually go or what more can I do to relieve this irritating feeling?
Normally it should go on its own with time. However, it might be helpful for you to raise the fit, or put them on a pillow on a position higher than the rest of your body to facilitate drainage. Wearing tight stockings during the evening could help. Getting a clinical review to exclude rare but serious conditions like a chronic thrombophlebitis or vein inflammation could be of help to be very sure of the clinical state.
From the given description, I feel that your signs & symptoms could be due to (1) PHYSIOLOGICAL DEPENDENT OEDEMA - which will resolve spontaneousy with Limb elevation and use of graduated compression stockings. (2) DVT (Deep vein thrombosis -formation of blood clots in the veins of leg) - This is also one of the established complications after THR surgery (though rare). You need a DOPPLER ULTRASOUND of your leg to establish the diagnosis.
Consult your treating doctor and get an evaluation done.
Hope this information is helpful. Good day
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Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement, Dr. Saurabh Gupta's Response
Hello and Welcome to HCM,
Thanks for writing to us.
It could be due to dependent swelling or due to deep vein thrombosis which is also a complication of total hip replacement. I would suggest getting this evaluated by your orthopedician for detailed examination and appropriate management.
Hope this helps you.
Wishing you good health...
Regards.
Dr Saurabh Gupta
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Swelling After Total Hip Replacement Gone Down The Ankle, Calf Still Feels Tight. Will It Go By Itself ?
Hi and thanks for the query, Normally it should go on its own with time. However, it might be helpful for you to raise the fit, or put them on a pillow on a position higher than the rest of your body to facilitate drainage. Wearing tight stockings during the evening could help. Getting a clinical review to exclude rare but serious conditions like a chronic thrombophlebitis or vein inflammation could be of help to be very sure of the clinical state. Thanks and kind regards, Bain LE, MD.