Ankle swelling after knee surgery

Ankle swelling can occur after knee surgery as fluid and bruising move down the leg, but new or worsening swelling needs attention. Gravity can make the ankle and foot look puffier after sitting or standing. The pattern should be considered alongside pain, skin colour, warmth, calf symptoms and breathing changes.

Surgery triggers inflammation around the knee, and nearby tissues can temporarily hold extra fluid. Reduced walking and less calf-muscle pumping may slow the return of fluid from the lower leg. Bruising may also track downward before fading. Swelling that eases with elevation and follows the postoperative plan can fit this recovery pattern. A clinician should assess a marked change because a wound problem, infection or blood clot can also produce leg swelling.

Follow the surgeon's instructions on walking, prescribed exercises, compression and wound care. When resting, support the whole lower leg so the ankle is above heart level without placing pressure behind the knee. Perform ankle pumps if they are included in your recovery plan, and break up long periods of sitting. Do not massage a newly swollen or painful calf. Contact the surgical team if swelling keeps increasing, your shoe suddenly feels much tighter, or the wound starts leaking.

Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden one-sided swelling with calf pain, tenderness, warmth or skin colour change. Call emergency services for chest pain, sudden breathlessness, coughing blood, fainting or severe weakness. Promptly contact the surgical team for fever, spreading redness, worsening wound drainage, severe pain, a cold or pale foot, new numbness, or difficulty moving the toes. These signs matter because they can accompany a clot, infection, bleeding or impaired circulation.

Ask what amount and distribution of swelling fits your operation, whether your compression garment is positioned correctly, and which movements are currently allowed. Confirm whom to contact after hours and whether any new swelling changes your medication or activity instructions. Mention when the swelling began, whether elevation changes it, and any calf, wound or breathing symptoms.