13. Normal Course of Events Once You Return Home

Both hip and knee replacement patients should elevate the operative leg above the level of the heart for one to two hours during the day to decrease swelling.

• Bruising on the thigh and knee is normal after surgery and this may increase once
you return home.
• Swelling may occur throughout your entire leg down to your ankle. To reduce
swelling, elevate your leg on two pillows while lying down face up. Swelling may
wax and wane for several months.
• Numbness on the outside of the knee can occur.
• Your knee/hip may feel warm to touch. This is part of your body’s natural
inflammatory response to surgery which, may last for several months.
• Hearing/feeling a clicking sensation in the joint is normal.

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This post was written by drm