What Causes Swollen Leg Post Hip Surgery?

Posted on Mon, 17 Nov 2014

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

Mon, 17 Nov 2014 Answered on

Mon, 15 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I had total right hip surgery 2 weeks ago. When I sit on the special high chair for a couple of hours my right leg from the knee to try feet get swollen and hurts a bit. When I lay down on my bed the swelling starts to go away. Is that normal? I take my injection everyday for blood clot prevention.

Answered by Dr. Vaibhav Gandhi (7 days later)

Brief Answer:
possibility of dependent edema due to lack of exercise.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I have studied your case.

There is possibility of dependent edema due to lack of exercise.
Another possibility of deep vein thrombosis.
I will advise you to do colour Doppler leg.

Physiotherapist will help you better to learn more exercises in proper protocol.
You may need active and against resistance exercises.

If required blood investigation will help.
Usually swelling may last for couple of weeks after surgery.
I will advise to consult your doctor.

Diet rich in calcium and protein will help for recovery.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us. I will be happy to answer your queries.

Wishing you good health.

Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju