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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling And Inflammation In Leg After A Total Knee Replacement?

I had total knee replacement 5 weeks ago. I weigh 250 and I still have trouble bearing total wight on my operated knee. Yesterday I tried to do closer to the recommend number of reps required in my physio program....and this morning, as soon as I woke up I knew. I did too much. I could hardly walk today. I feel like I am back to week 2. My leg is swollen all day. Hot to touch. I have kept it up. And put an ice pack. Took an anti imflamitoy. My question is : is this a nor in some patients?
Thu, 28 Nov 2019
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.

Noted your history of total knee replacement 4 weeks ago, physiotherapy increased the swelling and pain like that in 2 nd week post-op.
This is not a norm but since the knee is connected to the thigh up and leg down it is possible that the edema fluid can easily go to the lower part of the limb through loose areolar tissues.
And this causes the pain and edema.
I would advise you the following:
Consult your Physiotherapist and Orthopedic Surgeon for clinical evaluation.
May need halting Physiotherapy for a few days.
Adjust the doses of anti-inflammatory medicine with others as required.
This is highly Specialized procedure hence you have to follow the advise as given by your TEAM only.
Try nothing on your own.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon
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What Causes Swelling And Inflammation In Leg After A Total Knee Replacement?

Hi. Noted your history of total knee replacement 4 weeks ago, physiotherapy increased the swelling and pain like that in 2 nd week post-op. This is not a norm but since the knee is connected to the thigh up and leg down it is possible that the edema fluid can easily go to the lower part of the limb through loose areolar tissues. And this causes the pain and edema. I would advise you the following: Consult your Physiotherapist and Orthopedic Surgeon for clinical evaluation. May need halting Physiotherapy for a few days. Adjust the doses of anti-inflammatory medicine with others as required. This is highly Specialized procedure hence you have to follow the advise as given by your TEAM only. Try nothing on your own. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, General Surgeon