Pictures Of Bruising After Total Knee Replacement

Exercise Prior To Surgery

You are most likely having the surery because you are in pain, and therefore limited in the amount of exercise you are able to do. It is, however, truly important that you go into the surgery as aerobically fit as you can be, and with as much muscle as you can develop.

for another that will help you with upper body strength.

It is important that you do not try any new exercise without first consulting your doctor.

Foot Swelling After Knee Surgery

Any major surgery including your recent total knee replacement includes an incision and direct force by your surgeon. When the surgery is complete and you are in recovery phase, naturally you would expect some pain and bruising of your knee and leg.

What happens when the bruising and redness is well beyond what you were expecting? Weve all had bruising in our lives however should you be concerned if your entire leg turns black and blue after your total knee replacement?

Evaluating and monitoring my patients in their home is one of my most important roles in the early recovery phase. The easiest thing to monitor visually from day 1 is the color of the skin and any bruising that has occurred in the leg or knee.

100% of my total knee replacement clients have bruising in their legs after surgery. The amount of bruising varies from person to person and I always warn my patients that the bruising can get worse even weeks after surgery.

So how much bruising is normal? Any amount of color change including redness and dark spots is normal, including the entire leg potentially becoming black and blue. However, normally there is not an increase in pain in those bruised areas appear as it might appear.

This is how to differentiate between normal and potential issues. If along with your bruising you notice a sharp increase in pain, any seeping through the skin or temperature change of the skin you need further evaluation and call your surgeon.

How To Deal With Bruising After Hip Replacement Surgery

Bruising after Hip Replacement Surgery may last 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery. Bruising is a purplish discoloration that Causes Skin Discoloration after Hip Replacement which generally indicates blood gathering under the skin.

In the hospital, the healthcare team may give you a blood thinner to prevent deep vein thrombosis, which may add to the bruising. Some bruising after Hip Replacement Surgery is normal and will subside over time, but it can come with additional tenderness. You can reduce inflammation and bruising by elevating your leg.

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Overview Of Total Knee Replacement Surgery

A knee replacement surgery is a surgical procedure that is used to replace a damaged knee, usually because of severe arthritis. Also known as knee arthroplasty, the surgery makes use of plastic and metal parts to cap the ends of the bones of the knee joint and the kneecap. This surgery is typically recommended for people who have suffered a severe knee injury or severe arthritis. It is more common in middle-aged or older adults since the condition of osteoarthritis is quite common in this age.

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that causes a breakdown of the cartilage in the knee joint and also the adjacent bone in the knees. Rheumatoid arthritis and traumatic arthritis can also cause damage to the cartilage of the knees, causing a need for undergoing a total knee replacement surgery. The ultimate goal of a knee replacement surgery is to replace the parts of the knee joint and kneecap that have been damaged and to relieve the knee pain that is no longer controlled by medications and other treatments.

What You Can Do To Improve Your Recovery

Practicing these five total hip replacement recovery tips can help you to have a smooth and successful recovery.

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Bruising After Knee Replacement Surgery

Bruising after total knee replacement surgery is normal. I experienced mild bruising and you may experience mild or extensive bruising. Bruising will be slightly different for each individual.

After TKR there are multiple areas that have the potential to bruise. There could be bruising on the thigh, around the knee, down the shin, and even as far as your toes.

The bruising will eventually clear up and it may take several weeks to disappear.

Bruises evolve as they heal. They may turn different colors in the process. It is important to remember that these bruises have nothing to do with deep vein thrombosis or blood clots .

Dont worry, bruising is part of the healing process and they are rarely permanent. Below, Ill share a few tips to help reduce bruising after knee replacement.

Dos And Donts To Protect Your New Hip

Dos and donâts vary depending on your doctorâs surgical technique and preferences. Your doctor and physical therapist will provide you with a list of dos and donâts to remember with your new hip. These precautions will help to prevent the new joint from dislocating and ensure proper healing. Some of the most common precautions are listed below. Ask your doctor if these precautions apply to you.

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Why Is My Foot Purple After Knee Surgery

There are a few reasons why your foot may be purple after knee surgery. One reason could be that you have a bruised blood vessel, which is common after surgery. Another reason could be that you have an infection in the incision site. If you are concerned about the purple color of your foot, please contact your doctor.

Bleeding occurs when blood gathers beneath the skin and is purplish in color. Foot discoloration in peripheral artery disease, which is characterized by a poor flow of blood to the extremities, can gradually occur. It is normal to experience fatigue following a total hip or total knee replacement. If there is a red or pink patch on top of the bruise, it is most likely Bruising. Blood hemoglobin changes color with each bruise, beginning the process of turning blue, purple, or black. It is not possible to escape the bleeding caused by surgical site bleeding, which usually travels under the skin to the most important part of the joint.

The swelling remains. bruises are on the rise. If you dont have the ability to put your foot down, it can be difficult. If you have any questions or concerns about your procedure, please do not hesitate to contact your surgeon. Swelling is possible in the first few days after knee replacement surgery in a moderate to severe range.

Schedule Your Consultation With Orthobethesda

Are you considering knee replacement surgery for yourself or a loved one? We know the questions and concerns can be daunting. OrthoBethesda is here to help. We specialize in orthopedic care, including surgical consultation, treatment, and pre-op / post-operative physical therapy. Our team of medical professionals and PTs can walk you through every step of your recovery. Book your consultation appointment today.

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Physical Therapy To Manage Pain Swelling And Bruising

After a total knee replacement, you will need to undergo physical therapy for some weeks with a qualified physical therapist. Your therapist is likely to use a transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation unit for increasing blood flow and reduce pain in the affected knee and surrounding area. These devices work by delivering electrical currents to the skin that helps reduce nerve pain.

However, according to the recommendations of the American College of Rheumatologys 2019 guidelines, TENS units should not be used in people who have knee osteoarthritis. TENS therapy is not useful for everyone, and studies have shown that people who have high levels of anxiety or pain catastrophizing are less likely to benefit from physical therapy done with the TENS unit.

Your physical therapist will also teach you how to massage the affected leg in order to stimulate the muscles and tissues surrounding the knee.

Your therapist is also going to recommend certain exercises that will help strengthen your muscles, increase the blood flow to the knees, and also help increase your range of motion. This will help promote healing and also help drain away any fluid from the painful and swollen tissues.

It is natural to experience pain while exercising after a total knee replacement surgery, but it is also essential that you make an effort to do some regular physical activity.

What Should I Expect After My Total Hip Or Total Knee Replacement

NOTE: The following is a general guide to care following your procedure. Your healthcare provider may have somewhat different instructions for you. Please follow those.

After total knee or total hip replacement surgery you can expect gradual improvement over the coming months. You should gradually expect less pain, stiffness and swelling, and a more independent lifestyle. Returning to work depends on how quickly you heal and how demanding your job may be on a new joint.

After you are discharged from the hospital or rehabilitation facility, there will be a few weeks before you return for a follow-up visit with your surgeon. This period of time is critical in your rehabilitation and you may require outpatient therapy services for positive long-term results from your surgery.

In general, patients do very well after discharge. However, its important that you contact the surgeons office if any of these occur:

• You have increasing pain in the operative site.
• There is new or increased redness or warmth since discharge.
• There is new or increased drainage from your incision.
• The operative site is increasingly swollen.
• Your calf becomes swollen, tender, warm or reddened.
• You have a temperature above 101 degrees Fahrenheit for more than 24 hours.
• For total knee replacement, your ability to flex has decreased or remains the same as when you were discharged from the hospital.

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Why Is My Whole Leg Swollen After A Knee Replacement

There are several potential reasons for why your whole leg might be swollen after a knee replacement. It could be due to the surgery itself, an infection, or a blood clot. Its important to speak with your doctor to determine the cause of the swelling and to ensure that it is being properly treated.

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Bruising Behind Knee After Knee Replacement

Your surgeon and physical therapist will both tell you that getting your knee straight after surgery is a very important goal. You will only have 4-6 weeks to get the straightness or knee extension back so working hard on this is key.

Your PT regimen will include hamstring stretching and quad sets to help straighten the knee. These type of exercises are designed to put strain behind the knee and will cause you some pain.

With this stretching of the muscles and ligaments behind the knee, you will also have bruising and swelling in this area. Expect this bruising to occur after you knee replacement and know it will be temporary.

Be sure to ice this area for 25-30 minutes 5-7 times per day to assist in the healing of this area.

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Avoiding A Blood Clot After Total Knee Replacement Surgery: A Patient Story

My story is a little different from most total knee replacement patients, but the lessons I learned pre and post-op will help anyone avoid blood clots.

I have a clotting disorder , which makes me an Uber Clotter, that was discovered several years ago when I had major clots in both of my lungs or pulmonary emboli . It was the perfect storm that led to the discovery of my disorder was an arthroscopic knee surgery, birth control, and a cross-country flight. Any of those can cause blood clots, but add my disorder to the mix and that story ends with me getting off a flight unable to breathe and being rushed to an ER. I was a very active person in my forties.

So I went into my TKR as a patient who takes warfarin daily with the same fears everyone has undertaking a major surgery. I did a lot of pre-op online research, but I will tell you that unless information is coming from an organization like the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, or NBCA, you are going to find a lot of personal stories online that will most likely scare you. And dont watch the Youtube videos unless you are a person who needs TMI.

What will help you is a plan, similar to the one I had.

How Will I Feel The First Few Days Back From Joint Replacement Surgery

No matter how much you prepared for your homecoming, it will be an adjustment. You will likely experience anxiety and question whether you were discharged too early. This is a normal feeling, so relax and focus on your recovery.

Depending on your surgeonâs policy, you may get a call from a care coordinator. This is your opportunity to report any problems and ask any questions. You may also get a visit from the physical therapist or occupational therapist within 48 hours of discharge. Your provider will let you know what to expect and the timelines involved.

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Exercise Maintaining A Healthy Diet And Body Weight Taking Steps To Prevent Blood Clots And Preparing Your Household For Reduced Mobility Can Help To Ensure A Successful Recovery Following Your Hip Replacement Surgery

Surgery may be the most important and intense step in any treatment plan, but it is not the only one that carries serious weight and particular risks. The recovery period following an orthopaedic surgery usually involves many important steps and processes that will determine your long-term health and mobility.

This is the case with total hip replacement surgery. Hip replacements have become a common procedure and, since the 1960s when these operations were first performed, the safety of hip replacement procedures has increased dramatically. The ultimate success of the surgery, however, will be determined by the success of the recovery process.

The doctors and specialists at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute use the best methods and equipment available to promote a successful total hip replacement recovery they will guide you through every step of the recovery process. However, there are steps for a healthy and smooth recovery that have to be taken independently. Continue reading to learn about the measures you can personally take to improve your total hip replacement recovery process.

The Importance Of Knee Replacement Surgery

The purpose of knee replacement surgery is to relieve pain while also improving function. It is common after knee replacement surgery for some people to experience pain, but it is usually a temporary side effect that goes away quickly. Bruising around your knee can last for one to two weeks after surgery, but it can also occur in your thigh, calf, ankle, and foot. After a knee replacement, you may experience bleeding in your leg, which can cause bruising of the thigh, calf, and foot/ ankle.

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Getting Into And Riding In A Car

When getting into a car:

• Get into the car from street level, not from a curb or doorstep. Have the front seat moved back as far as possible.
• Car seats shouldnt be too low. Sit on a pillow if you need to. Before you get into a car, make sure you can slide easily on the seat material.
• Turn around so the back of your knee is touching the seat and sit down. As you turn, have someone help lift your legs into the car.

When riding in a car:

• Break up long car rides. Stop, get out, and walk around every 45 to 60 minutes.
• Do some of the simple exercises, like ankle pumps, while riding in the car. This helps reduce the risks of blood clots.
• Take pain medicines before your first ride home.

When getting out of the car:

• Turn your body as someone helps you lift your legs out of the car.
• Scoot and lean forward.
• Standing on both legs, use your crutches or walker to help you stand up.

Ask your health care provider when you can drive. You may need to wait up to 4 weeks after surgery. Do not drive until your provider says it is OK.

How Long Will A Replacement Knee Last

Wear and tear through everyday use means your replacement knee might not last forever. Some people will need further surgery.

According to the National Joint Registry , around 1 in 20 patients who have a knee replacement will need further surgery after 12 years. However this depends on the type of replacement. Total knee replacements tend to last longer than partial knee replacements.

Find more information on how long knee implants last on the NJR website.

Page last reviewed: 02 August 2019 Next review due: 02 August 2022

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