Why is My Knee Larger After Knee Replacement?
Why is My Knee Larger After Knee Replacement? When you get a knee replacement your body goes through a big change. It’s common to see some swelling in the knee after the surgery. This can make your knee look bigger than it was before. Most of the time this is part of healing and does not last very long.
The surgery involves taking out damaged parts of your knee and putting new ones in their place. These new parts need time to fit well with your body. As they do fluid may build up around them causing swelling which leads to an increase in size.
Seeing changes in the size of your knee post-surgery might give you pause but this is often a normal part of recovery. Your medical team will check on you and tell you ways to care for your swollen knee at home too. With rest, ice packs, and gentle moves, most people find that their knees go back to a more normal size over time.
Causes of Knee Swelling
After a knee replacement swelling is your body’s way of healing. It’s how the body reacts to any surgery. This swelling can make your knee look bigger and feel tight. The main cause is fluid buildup around the new joint. Your body does this to protect and help the area heal.
This kind of swelling happens because of inflammation too. Inflammation is normal after such procedures. It shows that your immune system is reacting to the surgery and starting to mend tissues in your knee. But if it goes on for a long time or gets worse you should tell your doctor.
There are also other things that can add to swelling post-surgery. If you move too much too soon or use bad form during recovery exercises it might get worse. Resting, icing, compressing with bandages, and keeping your leg up helps reduce these effects.
Swelling after knee surgery usually lessens as weeks go by during recovery. Every person heals at their own pace though so give yourself time and take care as told by health pros.
Understanding Increased Knee Size
Knee size can change after surgery for many reasons. First the materials used to make new knee parts are not like your old knee. These parts could be larger and that makes the whole knee seem bigger. Your body also forms scar tissue as it heals which adds to the size.
The swelling is not just on top of your skin but deeper too. Inside, where doctors worked, tissues swell when hurt or moved around a lot during surgery. This deep swelling changes how big your knee looks from outside. It’s part of healing inside.
Your way of walking might change after getting a new knee joint. You may put more weight on one side than before without knowing it. This uneven pressure can cause more swelling and thus a larger looking knee as well.
Bandages and tools used in post-surgery care can add bulk around your leg too making it look even bigger for a while until they’re no longer needed.
Remember increased knee size is often short-term during recovery time from surgery.
Managing Post-Surgery Swelling
To manage swelling after a knee replacement icing is key. Place ice on your knee for short times throughout the day. This helps to slow down blood flow to the area which can ease swelling and pain. Make sure you wrap the ice in cloth so it’s not too cold on your skin.
Keeping your knee raised above heart level also helps control swelling. When you sit or lie down use pillows under your leg to lift it up high. This lets gravity help reduce fluid buildup around your new joint and speed up healing.
Lastly bandages or special stockings may be used to press gently on the swollen areas; this is called compression. It supports your knee and keeps fluid from gathering too much in one spot. Your doctor will tell you how tight they should be and when to wear them during recovery time.
Recovery Timeline and Expectations
The recovery timeline after a knee replacement has key stages. Right after surgery focus is on healing the wound and reducing swelling. In the first few weeks you will work on getting your leg to move again with gentle exercises.
As time goes by physical therapy becomes a big part of the day. This usually starts within days after surgery. The goal here is to build strength back in your knee and help it bend more easily. Therapists give you special moves to do that target muscles around your new joint.
A gradual return to everyday activities marks progress in recovery. By six weeks post-surgery many can walk with little or no help. But heavy tasks might still be too much for your knee at this point so take care not to push too hard.
After three months most people see great improvement in how they feel and move. Some may still have mild pain or stiffness especially after being active but these often get better over time.
It’s important to know every person’s body heals differently; some heal faster while others need more time before they feel ‘back to normal.’ Keep up with appointments and follow health advice closely for best results during recovery from knee replacement surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does knee swelling last after surgery?
Swelling often peaks a few days post-surgery and then gradually decreases over the next several weeks to months.
Can I reduce swelling on my own at home?
Yes, you can use ice packs, elevate your leg, and wear compression garments as advised by your doctor to help manage swelling.
When should I be concerned about my knee size increasing after surgery?
If swelling significantly increases or is accompanied by severe pain or signs of infection like redness or warmth contact your doctor immediately.
Please note that these answers are for informational purposes only and do not constitute medical advice.
