Swelling is one of the most common side effects that sets in after a knee replacement procedure, and rightfully so. Swelling is your body’s natural response to trauma as fluids and white blood cells are sent to the area to help protect it and give it time to heal. However, too much swelling and inflammation can actually be a bad thing by inhibiting the healthy flow of blood and fluids in and out of the area. In today’s blog, we share some tips for managing and decreasing swelling in your knee following joint replacement surgery.
Preventing Swelling After Knee Surgery
It’s going to be impossible to eliminate all swelling following a knee replacement operation because surgery is a major trauma on the area. With that said, you’ll want to work to control and limit swelling because it can help to speed up your recovery by helping the joint become mobile more quickly. Here are some ways you can work to limit swelling following your knee replacement operation:
- Elevation – Let gravity do some work for you by elevating the knee above your heart so that fluid can more easily drain from the site. If your knee is constantly below your heart, gravity will naturally help fluid pool in the area. If it’s time to lay down and rest, consider putting a pillow or two under your knee so that you can elevate it and help prevent swelling.
- Movement – Early movement is encouraged for a number of reasons after joint replacement surgery, and swelling prevention is one of them. Activity gets your heart pumping and can help with healthy blood flow to the area, and movement is also beneficial for helping to drain fluid. Movement also strengthens the area, which can combat inflammation. We always encourage early movement to establish range of motion and bring healthy blood to the recovering area.
- Icing – Icing is another great way to help reduce swelling after a knee replacement operation, especially when you’re resting. Take a bag of frozen peas or wrap a bag of ice in a cloth and apply it to your knee for 15-20 minutes at a time. Icing works to constrict blood vessels, which will help limit how much fluid is brought to the area. This helps to limit fluid buildup, especially after activity that could cause an inflammatory reaction in the area.
- Medication – Certain anti-inflammatory medications can help prevent swelling and inflammation after a joint replacement operation, but it’s important that you don’t over-rely on these passive techniques. Medication can be part of your swelling prevention program, but it shouldn’t be the focal point. Pair medication with other techniques on this list.
- Ankle Flexes – One final way to help decrease swelling following knee replacement surgery is by doing some ankle flexion exercises. While seated on a bed or couch, lay your leg out flat with your heel on a flat surface and your toes pointed upwards. From there, flex your foot forward and point your toes out away from you. Hold this position for a couple of seconds before bringing your foot back to the starting position. Repeat this exercise for a couple of minutes to help improve circulation and prevent blood clots.
Finally, you can also help to decrease swelling by choosing a skilled knee replacement surgeon who can perform the operation using cutting edge techniques that limit the amount of damage on nearby tissues. It’s slightly harder for the surgeon to perform, but it’s much easier on the patient, which is why Dr. Botero has worked tirelessly to perfect his craft. If you want a surgeon who can get you started off on the right foot by helping to prevent swelling onset because of their surgical technique, reach out to Dr. Botero’s office today.
