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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Swelling In Legs And Skin Flakes After Surgery?

My mother recently had a total hip replacement about 5 weeks ago. She had typical swelling at first, but now that she is home (outpatient rehab) her legs (especially feet) are very swollen, especially at night - more than during short-term rehab. We wore TED hose earlier and just started wearing them again about 3 days ago. So far, we cannot tell a difference. Tonight we noticed flaking skins on her thighs. I am concerned that there may be another problem other than normal swelling. She typically has some swelling due to a melanoma removed about 7 yrs ago from her ankle. Any thoughts?
Mon, 11 Apr 2022
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Orthopaedic Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi,

Some swelling of the feet in older patients after joint replacement surgery is to be expected. The TED stockinet does not reduce the swelling that has already set in. It merely prevents further swelling from developing. I would suggest that she lay down for 48 hours keeping her legs elevated on a couple of pillows and ankle joint movements (up and down) and getting up and walking for absolute essentials like bathroom and food only.

If the swelling has reduced substantially by then use the TED stockinet and get her walking making sure that always uses the stockinet before getting out of bed with the legs dependent. But deep vein thrombosis (DVT) s a dreaded complication that we are always on the lookout for.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. John Chacko, Orthopedic Surgeon
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What Causes Swelling In Legs And Skin Flakes After Surgery?

Hi, Some swelling of the feet in older patients after joint replacement surgery is to be expected. The TED stockinet does not reduce the swelling that has already set in. It merely prevents further swelling from developing. I would suggest that she lay down for 48 hours keeping her legs elevated on a couple of pillows and ankle joint movements (up and down) and getting up and walking for absolute essentials like bathroom and food only. If the swelling has reduced substantially by then use the TED stockinet and get her walking making sure that always uses the stockinet before getting out of bed with the legs dependent. But deep vein thrombosis (DVT) s a dreaded complication that we are always on the lookout for. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. John Chacko, Orthopedic Surgeon