- You may experience swelling and bruising around the knee or hip and down into the lower leg after your total joint replacement.
- Bruising may last for up to 6-8 weeks and this is part of the normal healing process.
- Being on the blood thinner after surgery can contribute to this bruising too. However, this medication is very important so please continue to use as you are directed.
- Swelling of the leg and down into the foot can sometimes last for 2 or 3 months.
Things you can do to minimize the swelling and bruising:
- Elevate the leg when you are not doing your exercises or when you are resting.
- For the first two to three weeks after your surgery, ice your knee or hip for 20 minutes every hour and after exercising. This will help to minimize both the swelling and the bruising. After a total knee replacement, using your CPM (Continuous Passive Motion) will improve your range of motion, make your knee feel better, and reduce swelling.
