Ankles swollen

[referee54]

As you all know, I had a bi-lateral done in November. I just looked down and noticed my ankles are a little bit swollen. Anybody else with this? They do not hurt, they are jus puffy. Feet are swollen a tadbit, too.

Tim C.

 

[jannd1053]

I know what you're talking about. I had bilateral TKR 12/5/07. I find that the longer I'm on my feet the more swollen my ankles and lower legs become. I just elevate them when ever possible. There is probably still some healing going on. However, If this swelling is accompanied by shortness of breath,chest pain,or if you have a known heart condition,I would see my family phycician soon to be evaluated.

 

[Josephine]

Elevation, elevation, elevation!! And if it's too much of a problem, get some short knee length compression stockings.

 

[kath]

I am fine around my house, because I sit and lay down whenever I feel like it, but after working a few hours, my leg from my knee down was swollen a bit. As soon as I elevated it when away. I would keep an eye on them though, if it is happening when you are just relaxing you better get it check out to rest easy.

 

[Josephine]

I wouldn't worry too much - operated upon legs do swell for quite some time after. As long as it's not excessive and/or painful, there is no need to worry. But do get off your feet more and invest in those knee highs!!

 

[referee54]

Just got home---my PT looked at my ankles and legs and said to be on the safe side to get ultrsounds done---so I wne to the hosptial and had the ultrasound done---they found no blood clots.

The PT also saod that they maybe swollen for 6 months and that hard workouts can cause the swelling, too.

Tim C.

 

[kath]

Tim,
Sure glad the ultrasound turned out so good, that must have been a bit scary. Do you wear Ted stockings? I personally don't like the darn things as I have varicose veins and have had many striped 20 years ago so the ankles and tops feel like rubber bands around my legs, BUT if you do have correct fitting ones, they do help keep down the swelling. I had to wear them after surgery, did you? If so, try pulling them back on for a while, but put them on when the swelling is down while you are in bed before you stand up in the morning. It may help, won't hurt.
This is some journey we are on, can't wait to see us all 6 months from now. I really hope most of us stay in touch for that long just to see the outcome.
Here's to skinny legs!

 

[Josephine]

I would suggest using regular compression knee highs, like they sell for long haul flights. They are not as ferocious as TEDs and look more 'normal'. On this website you can get good ones and even custom made ones. They are ones I use when my ankles/feet swell (in my case it's a family/weight thing!)

 

[kath]

oh great I am going to look into that, because I have to admit, when I got home from the hospital the TEDs came off for most of the time. Thanks Josephine