Swelling can be moderate to severe in the first few days after knee replacement surgery, but it will start to decrease as you recover.You might experience some mild to moderate swelling in the weeks and months following your recovery.Following your doctor's instructions after surgery and trying out exercises meant to reduce swelling are some of the ways you can try to decrease swelling.Tell your doctor if you experience an increase in swelling.
Step 1: With your foot above your heart, elevate your entire leg.
Rest your leg on 1 to 2 pillows while lying down or sitting.If you place the pillows under your ankle and calf, your leg will be straight and not bent at the knee.If you want to elevate your leg at a 45 degree angle from your body, make sure that your foot is above the level of your heart.You can stay in this position for as long as you want.If you experience swelling in the days, weeks, and months after your surgery, you should elevate your leg.
Step 2: You should put an ice pack on your knee.
If you are sitting or lying down, icing your knee can help reduce swelling.Place the ice pack on your knee with a thin cloth.For 10 to 20 minutes, keep the ice pack on your knee, then take it out after a couple of hours.This should be done throughout the day.You should not put an ice pack on your skin.When you're done with the ice pack, make sure to refreeze it so it's cold the next time you need it.This can make the swelling worse if you use a heating pad on your knee.When your knee is swollen, only use ice packs.If you can, try a continuous cooling system.You can buy systems online.
Step 3: Discuss wearing compression stockings with your doctor.
Compression stockings can help reduce swelling in your legs.Ask your doctor how long you will need to wear compression stockings after your surgery.Take off the stockings as instructed.Pull them onto your foot and then roll them up to your knee.Pull the stocking up more to smooth it out.It can be difficult to put on compression stockings.If you want to put on stockings, wait until the lotion has fully absorbed into your skin.It's easier to get the stockings on if you apply baby powder to your legs.You can wash your stockings in a bowl or sink full of soapy water.Wait until they are completely dry to wear them again.Your insurance may cover the cost of compression stockings if you buy them from a medical supply store.If you wear compression stockings, they can give you an infection.If compression stockings are safe to use, talk to your primary care provider.
Step 4: Following surgery, take your medications as instructed.
If you have been prescribed a blood thinner or pain medication, you should take them as instructed by your doctor.A blood clot can be caused by not taking a prescribed blood thinner.Go to the emergency room if this happens.During the first 3 months of recovery, knee surgeries increase the risk of blood clot in the veins.Follow your care provider's instructions for any blood thinners.
Step 5: Change dressings and keep your incision site clean.
You can wash your hands with soap and water.To get rid of the old dressing, grasp it at the edge and throw it away.Wrap a clean bandage around the wound and place it over the site of the surgery.You will be given instructions on how to care for your wound after you leave the hospital.Follow the instructions carefully.When it's absolutely necessary, such as when the dressing is soaked with blood or leaking, you should only change it.You should check with your doctor if you don't know how to change the dressing.
Step 6: If you experience swelling, notify your doctor.
If your swelling seems to get worse, you should talk to your doctor.Your doctor may be able to tell you if you have swelling in your leg, calf, or both.
Step 7: Don't increase your activity level immediately after surgery.
New or increased swelling can result from doing too much too quickly.Going up stairs and walking long distances will likely be avoided by your doctor until your knee has had a chance to heal.If you want to live on 1 level, your doctor may advise you to modify your home environment so that you don't go up and down stairs.
Step 8: Check with your doctor before exercising.
If you don't know if you can exercise, call your doctor's office.If you want to increase your range of motion and reduce the swelling around your knee, you should see a doctor.Follow your doctor's instructions for any therapy you need.Tell your doctor if the exercises feel painful.
Step 9: Lying on your back, do ankle pumps.
This exercise can be done on a bed, couch, or recliner.Point your toes away from your body as you pull your foot back.Do 2 sets daily and repeat this motion 10 times.Gradually increase the number of sets you do until you are doing 20 sets per day.Rest your calf and ankle on 1-2 pillows while you do the exercise and keep your leg straight.Place your leg at a 45 degree angle.While you are in the hospital, you can continue to do these exercises at home to reduce swelling.
Step 10: Place your leg elevated.
With your calf and ankle resting on pillows and your leg out straight, begin to rotation your ankle in a clockwise motion.If you want to reverse the direction and rotation of your ankle, you have to do it 10 times.This will be the last set.There are 2 sets per day.Gradually you will be able to do 20 reps of each direction twice a day.If you want your calf and ankle to rest on pillows, keep your leg straight while you do these exercises.At a 45 degree angle, your leg should be elevated.
Step 11: Walk 5 times per day by your doctor.
They suggest that you walk around your home 5 times a day.If you don't space out your walks, you will get up once every 30 to 45 minutes.It is important to avoid sitting for long periods of time after surgery as this increases your risk of blood clot.Walk across the open area of your home, such as your living room or hallway.You will need to use a walker to support yourself.