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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Reduce Itching In Calf And Ankle Post Total Knee Replacement?

I had TKR 10 days ago. I m having lots of swelling around my knee on dow to my ankle. Lately I am having periodical itching in my calf and ankle area which comes and goes but is driving me crazy. My physical therapist hasn t thought it serious, but kept my awake part of the night. I there some kind of lotion that I can use safely on my leg for itching? I have Graves Disease and hyperthyroidism which has been controlled with medication.
Mon, 19 Dec 2022
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Anesthesiologist,  's  Response
Hello,

For 3 to 6 months after knee replacement surgery, it’s normal to have mild swelling in your knee or ankle and some redness and warmth around the incision. It’s also normal for the incision to itch. As recommendations take tab. Benadryl daily twice for 3 days. You may apply moisturizers over the area. If the itch is intense you can have hot compressors over the area.

You need to consult your surgeon, if you see increased intense redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, or pain around the knee, a fever higher than 100°F (37.8°C), chills, drainage from the incision after the first few days, which may be grayish and have a bad smell. The above signs indicate infection and are to be treated.

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

Regards,
Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist
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How To Reduce Itching In Calf And Ankle Post Total Knee Replacement?

Hello, For 3 to 6 months after knee replacement surgery, it’s normal to have mild swelling in your knee or ankle and some redness and warmth around the incision. It’s also normal for the incision to itch. As recommendations take tab. Benadryl daily twice for 3 days. You may apply moisturizers over the area. If the itch is intense you can have hot compressors over the area. You need to consult your surgeon, if you see increased intense redness, warmth, tenderness, swelling, or pain around the knee, a fever higher than 100°F (37.8°C), chills, drainage from the incision after the first few days, which may be grayish and have a bad smell. The above signs indicate infection and are to be treated. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Pallavi M., Anesthesiologist