Is ankle swelling normal after hip replacement?
Andrew Henderson
Published Mar 18, 2026
Is ankle swelling normal after hip replacement?
Expect moderate to severe swelling in the first few weeks after surgery. You may also have mild to moderate swelling for 3 to 6 months after surgery. To reduce swelling, elevate your leg slightly and apply ice. Wearing compression stockings may also help reduce swelling.
Why does my ankle hurt after hip replacement?
Peroneal nerve damage (foot drop) associated with hip replacement surgery is a serious disorder suffered by tens of thousands of individuals. The damage usually involves injury to the sciatic nerve arising from a complication occurring during or after hip implant surgery.
When should I worry about swelling after surgery?
It is not uncommon to have swelling after surgery. Often it is at its worst between 5-10 days after surgery. A compression stocking, if ordered by your surgeon, should be worn, especially if you have swelling to your lower legs. Treatment for swelling is elevation.
What is the time frame for blood clots after hip replacement?
Citing several published studies, Heit says the risk period for clots in the deep veins, for instance, can be up to 12 weeks after hip replacement and up to six weeks after knee surgery. These long-term risks are the most important for patients to know about, he says.
Why does ankle swell after surgery?
Swelling is normal after surgery. As the body begins healing itself, thousands of cells are sent to the affected body part. This is part of the first stage of healing called the inflammatory phase. The influx of all of these cells to the area causes more swelling.
How do you get rid of swollen ankles fast?
7 Helpful Ways to Reduce Swollen Feet and Ankles
- Walk it Out.
- Drink Lots of Water.
- Sleep on Your Side.
- Enjoy Some Pool Time.
- Limit Your Salt.
- Wear Compression Socks.
- Elevate Your Feet.
Why does my knee and ankle hurt after hip replacement?
This is normal as your body adjusts to changes made to joints in that area. There can also be pain in the thigh and knee that is typically associated with a change in the length of your leg. This is one of the many reasons why it’s important to closely follow a physical therapy routine following your surgery.
Why is my foot and ankle swollen after hip surgery?
Hip or Leg swelling after hip replacement surgery is a natural response of the body to the trauma endured by the tissues during the surgery. Normally the swelling would decrease over a period of days, weeks, or even months.
What causes swollen feet and ankles after surgery?
Does moving your legs while sitting help prevent blood clots?
How can I prevent a blood clot? Improve blood flow in your legs when sitting for long periods of time, following bed rest, or when traveling for more than 4 hours by moving your legs as much as possible and exercising your calf muscles.
What does a leg clot feel like?
Symptoms of a blood clot include: throbbing or cramping pain, swelling, redness and warmth in a leg or arm.
How much swelling is normal after hip surgery?
2 doctors agreed: Can be very normal: Leg swelling after hip replacement can occur for up to 3 months after surgery. I recommend my patients use compression hose, knee high, for 3 months post-op, with periodic leg elevation above heart and head 3x/day x 20-30 minutes.
How to relieve ankle swelling after an injury?
Elevate the foot above the heart for 48 hours after injury to reduce swelling in your ankle. Use several comfortable pillows or another prop to keep the foot elevated. Wrap your ankle with an elastic compression wrap to reduce swelling. Leave one finger-width between the wrap and your skin to avoid wrapping too tightly.
What causes pain after hip surgery?
The pain can result from a number of different conditions that arise due to the hypersensitivity. These conditions include joint effusion, which is a build-up of fluid, and enlarged bursa, which are fluid-filled sacs that are normally present. Hip impingement can result in pain after hip replacement surgery.