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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In Ankles And Calves Post Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

I am a 70-year-old woman who had bilateral total knee replacement surgery in May of 2014. I still have swelling in my ankles and calves almost daily. I work out in the pool at least 3 days a week and carry on a fairly active life. I can walk without a cane, but my gait is awkward. I have my yearly checkup with my surgeon in a week. Is it normal to have swelling this far out from the surgery? Is there anything I can be doing to alleviate it? I am quite overweight at 252 lbs.
Thu, 29 Sep 2022
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

Swelling of your ankle and calves is most probably not due to the bilateral knee replacement surgery. As you have an active lifestyle, the muscles must have gotten strengthened by now after total knee replacement. The possible causes of swelling in ankles and calves are:
1) Chronic kidney failure
2) Congestive cardiac failure
3) Acute kidney toxicity
4) Pulmonary hypertension
5) Right heart failure
6) Varicose veins
7) Deep venous thrombosis
8) Lymphadenopathy
9) Cardiac tamponade
10) Cardiomyopathy
11) Prolonged standing
12) Obesity

I'm sure your limbs swelling is not surgery related. Kindly reach out to a nearest physician and have the following tests done:
1) Complete blood picture
2) Kidney function tests
3) ECG
4) 2D echo
5) Blood pressure recording
6) Fasting and post prandial blood sugar

Depending upon physical examination and test results, diagnosis can be made and treatment can be initiated.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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What Causes Swelling In Ankles And Calves Post Total Knee Replacement Surgery?

Hello, Swelling of your ankle and calves is most probably not due to the bilateral knee replacement surgery. As you have an active lifestyle, the muscles must have gotten strengthened by now after total knee replacement. The possible causes of swelling in ankles and calves are: 1) Chronic kidney failure 2) Congestive cardiac failure 3) Acute kidney toxicity 4) Pulmonary hypertension 5) Right heart failure 6) Varicose veins 7) Deep venous thrombosis 8) Lymphadenopathy 9) Cardiac tamponade 10) Cardiomyopathy 11) Prolonged standing 12) Obesity I m sure your limbs swelling is not surgery related. Kindly reach out to a nearest physician and have the following tests done: 1) Complete blood picture 2) Kidney function tests 3) ECG 4) 2D echo 5) Blood pressure recording 6) Fasting and post prandial blood sugar Depending upon physical examination and test results, diagnosis can be made and treatment can be initiated. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist