i had knee surgery two weeks ago and now can't get the swelling to go down any suggestions?

Answer 1

Keep off your knee, Ice packs and time. Knee surgery is a tough one! Good luck.

Answer 2

Me too! I had mine on 3/23. Forget all these people that are telling you about the CPM machine. That is only required for certain procedures, not all of them and it also does nothing for swelling on a knee that has been operated on two weeks ago. Some movement is good for you. Try sitting on the edge of the bed and bending it a few times. Now...is your knee red or hot to the touch? If it there is a possible infection or possible blood in the joint and you should call your doctor or go to the ER now and have it drained. If it is just swollen, but there is no redness or heat (a little warm is normal), then keep it elevated above heart level and apply ice for 20 minutes on and off for as long as you can. Swelling is still normal for 2 weeks after surgery. Are you having additional pain? Or is it just the swelling that is your problem? If you have any more questions e-mail me at [e-mail] (those are zeros on the end). I check it all the time.

Answer 3

Has your leg been elevated.?? Your leg should have been in a CPM machine directly out of surgery. I think that is it's name..It provides constant movement. My first knee was done and when I was put in my room the machine was applied immediately. Minimal swelling. Could bend it 90* in two days. ( required to leave the hospital.) I kept it on for about 7-10 days.(I'm thinking back 12 years) I would elevate the leg as high as possible and the swelling went away very rapidly..Do your quad exercises religiously, without fail.......In 21-25 days I could bend it over 110*..The second knee is a different story. The damn nursing staff did not supply me with the machine..I called outside company and rented my own..Kinda peed off the Hospital staff..Because I didn't get the machine I had aggregious swelling in the knee..It took me an extra week and a half to achive the same result I had with the first knee..I don't mind telling you that I read the Hospital the riot act. They were very appoligetic but that didn't help me recover any sooner..Elevate that leg as high as you can and it will drain (reduce) faster than if you keep it only up a little..I used to lay on the couch and put my leg against the wall. Absolutely vertical..Sounds strange but it would drain back, to where ever it goes, quite rapidly.I think it drains into your butt..Don't worry, it doesn't make your butt swell...Any info you think I might be able to help you with, please feel free to contact me @ [e-mail]..........Work around the misspelled words, spell check has croaked again.!!!!

Answer 4

I've only had three knee surgeries (my last was in February this year) but I have had a problem with swelling with all of them. I was told to follow the "RICE" formula - Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest your leg as much as you can; ice it regularly (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off, as it IS possible to give yourself frostbite!); use an ace bandage or better yet, a compression stocking like Ted hose; and keep your leg elevated as much as possible.

With my second and third surgeries, I also took anti-inflammatories like diclofenac and/or naproxin. You will probably be going to see your doctor within the next couple of weeks - be sure to mention the possibility to him/her.

Hope this helps, and good luck!

Answer 5

What was your post-op instructions ? If you're up running around allot,and not elevating the knee, when you are sitting down,that may be the problem. You should elevate the knee,and put an icepack on it to reduce the swelling etc,if your suppose to wear a brace or an ACE bandage use it. Call your MD,if by tomorrow you're still having problems. Take care. SW FNP

Answer 6

Is it red? If it is go to the doc immediately. If not, elevate it and ice it--elevated means higher that your heart--if you don't do it that high it doesn't work as well.( Lay on bed or floor and prop pillows up) 20 minutes of ice and then 20 minutes off. Ask your doc if you can take anti-inflamatories, also. That should make it feel better.

Answer 7

a friend of mine just had knee surgery about a week ago, and she is on this machine that elevates and kind of makes your knee move up and down.... and she regularly has ice or icy cold water applied on it.... she said her knee is better.. so i hope that works for you!

Answer 8

Keep it elevated and call the doctor.

Answer 9

Keep you leg elevated (your leg above your heart), ice it, and take ibprofen.

Answer 10

Eat oatmeal.