What Causes Swelling In Calf And Ankle After A Knee Replacement Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 4 Jul 2016

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 4 Jul 2016 Answered on

Mon, 25 Jul 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : My husband had knee replacement surgery a week ago & his angle & calf are still quite swollen & he is experiencing pain in the shin area with bruising around the ankle. We are quite worried about blood clots. His doctor said if he experienced pain around ankle and/or calf to go to ER for ultra-sound. Is this normal for knee replacement surgery?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ivan Romich (52 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
In certain degree

Detailed Answer:
Hi and welcome.
Swelling is expected in certain degree after knee replacement,but swelling should be maximal at 2-3 days postoperatively and then it should subside in next 1-2 weeks. If there is unusual course of swelling then it would be better to do Doppler ultrasound especially if you are not on anticoagulant therapy. Wish you good health. Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T