How to Manage Swelling after a Hip Replacement

Executive Summary

• Moderate swelling after hip replacement is standard and should be expected during recovery, but there are ways to manage this post-surgery symptom.
• Post-hip replacement swelling is normally due to the body’s natural inflammatory response to surgical trauma to tissues or gravity-spurred fluid accumulation.
• Implementing practical strategies, from elevating your lower body and implementing cold therapy to prioritizing hydration and practicing gentle movement, can alleviate swelling and promote healing.​
• If you notice signs of abnormal swelling or infection, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible—early detection can help you address issues before they worsen.

Dealing with Swelling After Hip Replacement Surgery

In most cases, experiencing swelling after hip replacement is a normal part of the healing journey. Post-hip replacement swelling is usually due to a combination of the body’s natural inflammatory response while healing from surgical trauma caused to the tissues and gravity-induced fluid accumulation.

Thankfully, there are numerous strategies you can try to minimize swelling after hip surgery, from elevation and cold therapy to compression garments and tailored exercise regimens. Over-the-counter and prescribed medication can also help you keep post-hip surgery swelling in check.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to manage swelling after hip surgery. It can also help you determine if your swelling is normal or requires medical intervention. Still, consulting your healthcare provider is the best way to get personalized advice and answers to specific questions you may have about your recovery process.

Why Swelling Occurs Post-Surgery

In many instances, swelling after hip replacement surgery can be traced back to a combination of the following causes.

The Body’s Inflammatory Response

The surgical procedure required to replace a hip joint involves incisions and manipulation of muscles, ligaments, and bones. In response to the surgical trauma, the body initiates an inflammatory response shortly after the procedure, marking the early stages of the healing process. To facilitate tissue repair, the body increases blood flow and immune activity at the surgical site, resulting in an accumulation of fluids near the hip and surrounding areas.

Stagnation and Gravity

In addition to the natural healing process mentioned above, swelling can occur due to stagnation. Patients are expected to limit their movement after surgery, meaning many spend substantial time sitting or standing in one spot. When your leg muscles are inactive, gravity can encourage fluids to pool in the lower extremities, such as the legs and feet.

How to Know Whether Swelling is Normal

Understanding the typical progression of swelling can help you differentiate between ordinary healing side effects and situations that warrant medical attention. Reflect on the following considerations to help gauge the severity of your swelling.

Typical Swelling Scenario

It’s common to notice mild to moderate swelling in lower areas of the body after hip replacement surgery, including:

• Hip
• Thighs
• Knees
• Feet

Swelling in the abovementioned areas often peaks within the first 7 to 10 days and gradually subsides over the following weeks. Still, some patients report residual swelling persisting for several months as their body continues to heal.

When to Be Concerned

Some examples of swelling-related signs that may indicate complications are:​

• Sudden onset of swelling​
• Severe, disproportionate swelling
• Substantial increase in redness, warmth, or pain in the affected area​
• Having a fever​ in addition to the swelling

If you notice any of the symptoms above, contact a qualified medical provider as soon as possible, because these symptoms could signal an infection or deep vein thrombosis (DVT). 

Although the information above can serve as helpful guidelines for comparing and contrasting swelling severity, getting a medical evaluation is the best way to get accurate insight into your specific situation.

Practical Strategies to Manage Swelling After Hip Surgery

Although some forms of swelling demand tailored medical attention as suggested above, patients can manage mild to moderate swelling at home in many ways. Try implementing the following strategies to reduce fluid accumulation and encourage a smoother recovery.

Elevation

Some patients are able to significantly reduce post-hip surgery swelling by elevating their lower body above heart level several times a day. This position is known to leverage the power of gravity to facilitate fluid drainage. In fact, some of the best sleeping positions following hip replacement surgery incorporate elevation—just ensure the leg is supported comfortably, and avoid placing pillows directly under the knee to mitigate the risk of developing joint stiffness.

Cold Therapy

Many medical providers recommend cold therapy during the initial postoperative period. Applying ice packs to the hip area may effectively constrict blood vessels and reduce swelling after hip replacement. Most people experience the best results when using ice therapy for 15 to 20 minute increments, several times throughout the day. 

Compression Garments

Wearing compression stockings or wraps can also help control post-hip replacement swelling in the lower region of your body. Gentle compression can combat the fluid accumulation spurred by gravity and promote adequate circulation. Before attempting this strategy, you should double-check to ensure that your compression garments fit properly and coincide with your healthcare provider’s post-operative instructions.

Movement and Exercise

With permission from a qualified medical professional, you should try engaging in gentle activities like walking or performing ankle pumps. Movements like these can stimulate circulation and reduce swelling. 

If a patient strictly adheres to the exercise regimen prescribed by their physical therapist, they can support healing and prevent complications. Everyone heals differently, so some movements, even those involved in everyday actions, should be avoided until later in the healing process. Therefore, it is important to ask your medical provider for clarity on things like how soon you can drive after hip replacement.

Hydration and Diet

What you put into your body is incredibly important. You should maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Doing so can help flush excess bodily fluids. Additionally, try reducing your sodium intake to minimize fluid retention and aid in managing swelling.​

Taking Medications for Swelling

On top of the actionable strategies above, safe and deliberate use of medications can be an excellent way to manage swelling after hip surgery.

Anti-Inflammatory Medications

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, or aspirin, can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation caused by hip replacement surgery. Although NSAIDs are sold over the counter, you should always use them as directed by your healthcare provider to minimize the risk of undesirable side effects.

Prescribed Medications

Occasionally, your surgeons may prescribe stronger anti-inflammatory drugs or blood thinners to help their patients manage swelling and prevent more significant complications like blood clots. Following the prescribed dosage and duration is crucial to guarantee safety and effectiveness.​

When to Reach Out to a Medical Professional

You should be in contact with your medical professional throughout the entire hip replacement process, from planning and second opinions to recovery. Still, you should know when to contact them about swelling-related issues

Some examples of scenarios that may warrant contacting your healthcare provider are:

• Sudden or worsening swelling​
• Swelling that is significantly greater in one leg compared to the other​
• Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth, or discharge at the surgical site​
• Fever or chills​ accompanying the swelling

The symptoms above may indicate complications that require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of them, contact your medical provider to prevent further issues.

Keep Swelling in Check for a Smoother Recovery

Managing swelling after hip replacement surgery is a vital aspect of the recovery process. While moderate swelling after hip surgery is usually a normal response, implementing strategies to control post-hip replacement swelling can enhance comfort and expedite healing. Many patients can minimize post-hip surgery swelling by elevating their lower body, using cold therapy, and staying active within recommended guidelines.

For personalized care and guidance on managing swelling and other aspects of hip replacement recovery, consider reaching out to the Joint Replacement Center of Scottsdale. Our experienced team is dedicated to supporting your journey toward restored mobility and a better quality of life. We can help answer recovery-related questions, such as “how soon can I fly after hip replacement?” to help you approach each activity as safely as possible and avoid swelling.

Schedule an initial consultation with the experienced hip specialists at our joint replacement center to get help with your recovery.