Why is my leg so swollen after hip surgery?

[@annacreasey3543]

I loved this , I have Right Hip replacement surgery on 2.20.24, nervous but really have done my home work. I pray now for a speedy recovery.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Hope it goes well!

[@KweenKdij]

@annacreasey3543 I was here, on this post 8 months ago. I hope everything went & is going well!🙇🏽‍♀️🙏🏽 I had my 2nd thr surgery in Jan.

[@simonlambourne5165]

I had my left hip replaced 2 weeks ago and yes the whole leg swelled up down to my toes! It's just starting to reduce, very slowly! Very uncomfortable but it passes. Keep going! You're doing great

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks for sharing your experience. For most people the swelling rapidly decreases after about 6 weeks.

[@saphprimera]

Thank you for your positive feedback. Today is the two week mark since I had THR of right hip (anterior approach) and the heaviness and swelling makes me walk with a limp. Praying it gets better ♥️

[@CliveAllan-w7g]

Thankyou for this. The most helpful straight forward video I've watched to explain my swelling 9 days post op. Not too bad but was starting to worry me.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks. I’m pleased to hear that it helped you.

[@phillyon5466]

Really useful video without un-needed music playing in the background like many others. I'm one month post hip op & my lower leg swelling is still gradually reducing so possibly another couple of weeks & hope to see a good turn around!? Eventually becoming much more mobile but it did take 2-3 weeks to recover enough strength in my operated leg to move it onto a bed/physio bench without having to loop something around it or hold my leg while trying to shift into position. Past week has seen a massive change. Everyone seems to recover at different rates! Thanks again.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks for your comment. It's appreciated. People (and some surgeons) underestimate the effects of surgery and how long it takes to recover. From your description it sounds as tho0hg you are turning the corner. By about 6 weeks post op most people are over the worst of it. Hope you continue to recover well.

[@CarolAnneChapman]

This is so good to know! I especially liked how you said that our bodies really are amazing, that the swelling goes down, often quite rapidly, after six to eight weeks. That is amazing!

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks Carol. It never ceases to amaze me how our bodies have the miraculous capacity to repair themselves!

[@devglall]

Informative and helpful as always Mr. Latham. A close relative of mine had a hip replacement a couple of years ago and I wish her surgeon had covered these things in as much detail beforehand!

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thank you Dev. It’s really important to help people manage their expectations of surgery.

[@markpatterson2811]

I didn't get much swelling and found everything easy , I think my age being 53 has been a godsend , wouldn't like to do it in my 70s , then I can imagine it's difficult. But modern medicine is quiet amazing I found

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Some people certainly seem to get more swelling than others. If you bruise easily that seems to increase the risk.

[@naomioconnor4107]

I just had my hip replacement and I am 73, not much swelling but I am good at icing

[@markpatterson2811]

@@naomioconnor4107 ice is the key

[@JPowell-kz7zn]

Hello, not bad at all having t done when in your'e 80's. My friend had both hips done in her 80's no problems, why did you think it would be harder at that age? Good luck hon Janet

[@jeanharper7529]

Same here. I’m also 53 and am just over 3 weeks out from hip replacement surgery. I’m walking almost normal now and am driving again. I had bruising but no swelling. I’ve had no pain now past the first few days. I am so glad i got the surgery done! I had severe advanced osteoarthritis with bone on bone in the right hip and was getting worst. Was in constant pain and crying, and i still had to manage to work full time. Now I’m moving around, no pain and no crying! Will be going back to work in a few more weeks. Wish me luck!

[@lillianhanna7264]

Been four weeks for me ! The swelling wasn’t bad ! Am 💯 better ❤

[@BigGtotheMax]

Had a total hip replacement 4 days ago Walking slowly on crutches but the pain is severe, even when resting up in bed.its pretty rough.hopefully it will be ok once the swelling goes down as my thigh and knee has doubled in size

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Give it time….

[@BigGtotheMax]

@Lathamhipsurgery thanks for making such a great video for people in my situation.

[@joblogs542]

I think people who get answers from this doctor on there questions should have the decency to give him and his readers a follow up about there experience so others are reassured

[@BigGtotheMax]

@joblogs542 everything he told me happened. He told me to keep walking and the swelling would go down, and it did. It was a rough 2 weeks but since then I have been perfect even playing football and golf now

[@joblogs542]

@@BigGtotheMax ye my muscle had to be cut slightly this is why my legs a bit weaker plus my blood pressure dropped I have stage 3 kidney disease and blood cloths on both lungs but I feel fine now 1 thing I done wrong before my operation was stop all my medication 💊 4dapys before so that caused my blood pressure to drop so hope everyone who reads this part make sure you take all you medication right up until it says not like me stupid stop them 4 days before wrong move but was stable the next day to go home doing ok now my pain is a 1day 1week after my full hip replacement the groin pain has gone completely feel like 20 years younger and can't wait for the future best choice i ever made

[@jshoopes8305]

At age 72 I had total hip replacement with posterior procedure due to my fat belly. Went in the OR at 0700, walked with a walker at 1100 without THAT pain I had for a year and sent home at 1230. Recovered quickly with little pain. I credit my surgery department and myself with my healing by following their exercises weeks before and after the surgery.

[@sunkat76]

Thank you thank you ever so much for the very clear and helpful information. I am a carer for my mum who has just had total hip replacement surgery. I really needed someone to tell me this. I am very grateful.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks for your comment. I’m pleased to hear that the information was helpful. I hope that your mother makes a good recovery.

[@sunkat76]

@@Lathamhipsurgery Bless you thank you.

[@tommymandel]

Thank you, Doctor. Very helpful. After mine, I was surprised at how little whatever swelling had occured was affecting me. Much less than my PT predicted. In my case, the swelling didn't result in pain or soreness until 6 or 7 days after the procedure. Perhaps that had to do with the fact that I was walking a mile a day by then (indoors mostly.) Totally manageable, and I'm super-glad I chose this path, and for the amazing technology and PEOPLE that could make it happen.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks for your comment and for sharing your experience. It’s a wonderful operation to do and I love it! The giants of surgery, engineering and science who developed it were true pioneers. Also it wouldn’t be possible without antibiotics and safe, predictable anaesthesia.

[@MsEMM-z6h]

Thank you for this. My foot, ankle and leg can get quite swollen and hot in bed at night (not every night) even 5 weeks after THR. Glad to hear it may well improve in 2 or 3 more weeks

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks for sharing!

[@charleslyall4911]

Both my legs and feet were swollen after hip surgery,thanks 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@patnewson6908]

This answers my questions. Thanks. Had thr 10 days ago & swelling of leg has got quite bad. Ice packs ease it a bit but do not bring swelling down. Everything else about the surgery going well, so I am going to listen to my body & rest lots, leg up, & bit of walking around & simple exercises in between (if it hurts, I don’t do it). Started using electric foot massager - see if that helps. Realize there has also got to be blood flow to get better.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Time is the great healer. What you are doing is very sensible.

[@joannmeredith9644]

Thank you doctor for explaining you are so easly to understand. You speak right on my level. I needed to hear this it helps so much.😊

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thank you for such a positive comment!

[@JPowell-kz7zn]

I had my right hip replaced 9 months ago, I had hardly any pain. My problem is that now, after all this time my upper thigh and, it feels like my bottom because it hurts so bad. That must be my hip? i had a fall months ago, but the x ray was fine. Anyone out there have any idea what's going on with me? Please reply Hip Doctor........

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Buttock and thigh pain could be coming from the hip. It could also be from your back. A thorough clinical assessment and appropriate investigations eg ultrasound and MRI scans would help to confirm the diagnosis. Sometimes it is necessary to repeat the assessment and investigations a few times to see if there are changes developing over time.

[@macnchessplz]

My spouse is 3 days out.He is having symptoms the original poster is experiencing. We found out the day of the surgery he also has a back problem (lower back).A disc or two is completely deteriorated and pain management will be had after the hip heals enough. Glad to see this post ,it’s helpful (I’m concerned).

[@earlejames8475]

Thanks so much for this info! I had a total hip replacement on 12/11/2023. Today 2/1/24 which is towards the end of my 8th week post op, I still have swelling in my calf and ankle. Is this normal?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks for your question. In my experience it can take a couple of months for the swelling to to go away. You should have a word with the hospital. They might want to check to see if you have a DVT.

[@earlejames8475]

@@Lathamhipsurgery Thank you!!

[@phoebe8983]

My husband had a posterior approach hip operation 10 days ago in the UK. His operated buttock is very swollen so sitting down is very uncomfortable. Some swelling down to the foot too. So he's really lying in bec and getting up for short walks around the house and to do his exercises. We are doing ice packs and elevating his foot. Is the buttock swelling normal, anything else we can do, how can he sit with any comfort and any idea when it might improve. Many thanks for your video. So helpful.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Some swelling is to be expected but if it’s that uncomfortable he should contact the ward/hospital and have it looked at.

[@colette8694]

Thank you

[@bellguts2766]

I’m 5 weeks post op from a tendon reattachment and my bursa removed. My feet and ankles are so swollen I can’t sleep at night. I have to soak them in a pan of cold water during the night for relief. How long will this last? I haven’t slept in 5 weeks. The doctor said use compression socks but with a brace and hip surgery I can’t get them on. Any help is welcome 🙏

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Swelling can often take a couple of months to go away. It should improve once the brace is removed but your surgeon is the best person to advise you.

[@mecanicalpencils4018]

Mine is soo swollen...and a lil painful. I had a DVT. I'm pushing through. 😢

[@simonlambourne5165]

Hi , 2nd comment! Its been 4.5 weeks now and although the swelling in my operated leg is less, my left foot ankle downwards is still swollen. No bruising now but its still very uncomfortable and difficult shoe wise! My daughter gets married 30th May! I'm hoping its better by then! Is this normal?

[@bettyreid8838]

Mine swelling didn’t go down for six months.

[@evienelson5219]

I'm 17 weeks post op and still swollen

[@fedupbin]

The thing is my dad already has Edema and very swollen legs and ankles. He has heart failure so a common thing. I must admit when he did fracture his femur a few years ago and things started hurting him more this year, he has to use a zimmer frame and his legs are at the biggest, so now concerned when he has the metalwork taken out, will his leg swell even more.

[@andydickens9878]

The ‘mechanical’ explanation here is splendid; the suggestion that I might look in my current state like an elephant’s ar*e probably apposite…

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Heaven forbid! Thanks for your comment. I hope that you are making good progress.

[@annetteogden1479]

What puzzled me was the bottom of my heel swelling which I found out is normal. 😊

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Gravity. Irresistible!

[@johnbutler3141]

I tried compression stockings and it helps

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

They work well.

[@razsbags]

How do you get them on if not being able to bend more than 90 degrees at the hip?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

@@razsbagsyou can get a device called a sock aid. I don’t routinely use TED stockings for my patients because of the difficulty getting them on and off.

[@priyankawasim9341]

Hello doc, It has been 2.5months since my hip replacement surgery. My calf and thigh muscles are quite tight. I am on regular exercise. Can you tell what's the maximum time by which the muscle tightness should go away?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

For most people swelling gets better after about 2-3 months. Muscle tightness might not be caused by postoperative swelling, so you should ask your surgeon or physiotherapist to have a look.

[@priyankawasim9341]

@@Lathamhipsurgery I was having leg shortening...now as the leg length got corrected, it must have caused the muscle tightness...I guess?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

@@priyankawasim9341 possibly. I can’t say precisely without a clinical assessment.

[@hazelblair6634]

Don't sit in a chair for longer than half an hour. So do you have to stand all day or just keep on the move, how is one supposed to NOT sit for too long, it takes me longer than that to eat a meal.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

You just have to be sensible. Get up and move around. Stretch your legs. Lie down. Repeat as necessary.

[@hz00style]

Great explanation and this has helped me a lot

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks!

[@rickkane8043]

How you doing Doc? I got hips arthroscopic surgery to fix my labrum and fix my fai. I'm on my 10 post ops still can't walk cause my hips painful and my knee buckle up. During surgery they cut the TFL muscles? Cause I felt my ITband so thight cause my knee hurts. Thanks

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Sorry to hear that you are having problems. The ITB can be damaged during the approach. It would be best if you speak to the surgeon to ask for advice specific to your case. It's common to have ITB tightness after surgery but it usually settles down after a couple of weeks. I hope it gets better soon.

[@chrissychris1360]

Is this the same when your hip is dislocated?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Dislocated after hip replacement?

[@chrissychris1360]

@Lathamhipsurgery my hip replacement was 2006. Just recently, I was stretching, and my hip popped out. They were able to place it back. I was in an immobilizer for 2 weeks, and they told me to keep it straight. Well, midway through the 2nd week, both legs are swollen, and now I'm told I have lymphedema.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

@@chrissychris1360 Sorry to hear that. A dislocation after 18 years needs to be looked at carefully. There might be wear of the components causing a reaction in the hip joint. The pressure can cause lymph to accumulate in the lower limb. I have seen this before. I advise you to see a specialist hip surgeon.

[@chrissychris1360]

@@Lathamhipsurgery thank you. I have a referral for a DVT ultrasound and 2D echogram

[@barbarahallmark1065]

After weekswhen hip ok whitch positionsshould i notput myleg

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

I’m not sure what you mean.

[@blommie857]

My aunt had a hip surgery in Dec 2019. She was fine after. But about 2 years later her leg started swelling severely. Doctors can't find the cause. Her leg leaks water and she's in severe pain. What can she do?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

It’s impossible for me to comment without doing a thorough assessment.

[@KweenKdij]

My 83 year old father had a similar experience. However, his swelling and "leaking" came from Congestive Heart Failure.

[@fedupbin]

@@KweenKdij Yes I agree. My dad has the same

[@fart_restoration]

Im 39 and had a right hip replacement 6 days ago. The swelling is the worst part. I've got it iced and elevated almost half the day. Can't wait to be able to bend down and sit again. Soo much swelling. 😢

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Keep it elevated and lie down flat for at least an hour twice a day.

[@fart_restoration]

@@Lathamhipsurgery thank you

[@joaniemaskshead481]

Why does unoperated leg hurt and swell

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Difficult to say without knowing your medical history, and details of your surgery. I advise you to ask your surgeon.

[@earlejames8475]

ps. I'm 73 years old.

[@debbieallen8496]

I have had 6 hip replacements and this last one i developed 2 clots in my lungs,releashed wirh clots ,i didnt know so went to my hospital in town ,they found the clots ,if I hadn't know i could have died ,my symptoms were with my oxygen ,shortness of breath they did xray of my chest said everything is good so they dishcharged me ,this hospital i went to did a ct scan of my lungs and found blood clots so i stayed 6 days in hospital,i was told i had damage to my heart the vessels .i am not a fan of hip replacements recovering from this 6 th one today still sore stiff and its been 2 months ii use a walker and a cane if i feel brave .thats the real story

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Sorry to hear this. Most people have a good outcome but sadly as in all surgery there is a risk of serious complications. Wishing you well.

[@leemcdermott1770]

Hahahahahaha that's a good one Jeremy an elephant Haha let's hope we dont get to that sizr after the op loving your short but sweet videos.Always a wealth of great info.x

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks Lee. I couldn’t resist the elephant…. Hope you are on the right path for getting sorted out soon.

[@leemcdermott1770]

@@Lathamhipsurgery u should really be a comic on the side Jeremy

[@leemcdermott1770]

Lot of hype around the superpath approach Jeremy. Its been around for a bit but they say u dont have to dislocate the hip or cut major muscle groups to expose the hip.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

@@leemcdermott1770 I've never done it Lee. It's a variant of the posterior approach and they say that you don't have to release as much of the external rotator muscles to expose the hip joint. You do have to stretch them to bu88ery to see the joint properly, and that can cause tearing. There have been lots of studies looking at the different approaches, and they all do the job as long as they are done carefully. The outcome is the same whatever approach is used. The enthusiasts for these alternative approaches say that they are better, but I'm not convinced.

[@healthyfitnesslifeguy6217]

My mom had a hip fracture way back in February (now it's June) , but started seeing more swelling in the same leg (thigh to her feet) that had the surgery (hip) . We 've been encouraging her to drink water. When we tried elevating it, she started to feel more pain. I read soaking an Epsom Salt water will help, which I'll try tomorrow. Any other tips?

[@stephenlong9536]

Had my hip replacement surgery 7 weeks ago , still got swelling, am now on fluid tablets

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thanks for your comment. It would be best for your mother to have a formal assessment to see what’s going on.

[@jazzdazzle10]

My mom has fractured the neck of her femur. She didn't want to go for surgery. It has been two and a half months since then. She can now stand with support, but she cannot take more than five steps with the walker. When she turns on the bed onto the left side, we observe a swelling beginning from her hip to her mid thigh on the fractured side. We first thought it was her displaced bone, but it just feels like a lump. It doesn't hurt much, but we cannot understand what it is. She is taking physiotherapy regularly. Could you please explain the lump? Is there something to worry about, even though we can see her progressing slowly but steadily?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

I can’t give a diagnosis without a clinical assessment. She needs to see an orthopaedic surgeon.

[@krishnachaitanya9927]

Hello sir I had a hip replacement surgery 7 days back. My boll was removed and replaced nd i am not able to bare the pain nd my legs getting swelled day by day i am so tenced can you please suggest me anything for better relief from that swelling and pain it might be helpful to me

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

I think that you had better speak to your surgeon.

[@Shaktobengalee]

Bro how is it now? By ball joint got broken, I am having a total hip replacement what should be my precaution

[@Foodiestictacs]

Im 16 years old and six months back iwent under hip displacement surgery Till jow im not able to walk straight and near the surgery there are muscles bumps can you please tell how can i fix it?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Speak to your surgeon for advice.

[@Foodiestictacs]

@@Lathamhipsurgery he is not responding anything...he just says it will take time.....can you please suggest me something please 🙇🏻‍♀️

[@Foodiestictacs]

@@Lathamhipsurgery im just 16 years old ...it's somewhere turning a hopeless situation for me... please 🙇🏻‍♀️🙇🏻‍♀️

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

I can’t provide patient specific advice without doing a face to face clinical assessment. If this is something that you would like to do then please contact my office. The details are in the description.

[@jeanlives6032]

​@@Foodiestictacsit takes long time, especially if u over do activities, or bend down improperly

[@isabellombard3608]

Thank you .Blessings 🙏

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thank you!

[@dbauer07]

Outstanding…Thank you!!

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

Thank you!

[@kendavis1198]

WAS THIS A SUPERPATH PROCEDURE????

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

No. I don’t do superpath.

[@EghonghonIlaboya-ii3qw]

I have a relative who did hip replacement and after 6 weeks, still experiences pains, stiffness and also finds it difficult to lift the leg Please are there possible ways to relief? Also, from the information gathered from the video you stated that the patient should not sit more than half an hour does this apply to the lying down routine?

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

My advice is to lie down for at least an hour twice a day. Sitting for more than half an hour at a time should be avoided. Your relative should speak to his her surgeon for specific advice.

[@macsmiffy2197]

Thank you.

[@Lathamhipsurgery]

You're welcome!