Minimize swelling, maximize your recovery
At Orthopaedic Innovation, one of the most common questions we receive from patients after knee or hip surgery is:
“Why is my leg so swollen and bruised?”
Post-operative swelling and bruising are completely normal and are part of the body’s natural healing process. However, understanding why they happen — and how to reduce them — can make your recovery feel smoother and less stressful. For more general advice on post-operative care following a hip or knee replacement, you can refer to information from the Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust1.
Why Does Swelling Occur After Surgery?
Swelling after surgery is caused by a combination of factors, including:
- Local trauma from the procedure, which triggers the body’s inflammatory response.
- Temporary changes in blood and fluid circulation around the surgical area.
- Reduced mobility in the early days after surgery.
One of the biggest contributors to swelling is immobility. When you are lying down or sitting still, your calf muscles and feet are not moving enough to pump blood and lymphatic fluid back up your leg. This fluid builds up in the limb and causes swelling, which can extend as far as your foot and ankle, thanks to gravity.
Factors That Can Make Swelling Worse
Certain factors can make post-operative swelling more pronounced:
- Being overweight: reduced muscle efficiency makes circulation less effective.
- Venous insufficiency (leaky veins): if you have a history of skin discolouration or conditions such as lipodermatosclerosis, the valves in your veins may not work properly. This makes it harder for blood to return to the heart, causing chronic swelling and, in some cases, dark skin staining over time.
- Limited pre-operative mobility: if you were less active before surgery, recovery-related circulation is often slower.
Bruising: Why Does It Happen?
Bruising after surgery is also common and typically occurs due to:
- Surgical bleeding from the operation itself.
- Blood-thinning medications, which are given to most patients to prevent blood clots but can make bleeding under the skin more noticeable. For more tips on pain relief, the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS)2 offers useful advice.
This bruising often tracks down the leg, sometimes even to the toes, again due to gravity.
How We Help Minimise Swelling and Bruising
At Orthopaedic Innovation, our rapid recovery techniques are designed to keep patients moving early, which significantly reduces swelling and speeds up recovery. We offer a full range of comprehensive services for hip and knee conditions, from knee replacement and joint preservation to advanced regenerative therapies like orthobiological injections. You can explore our full range of Hip and Knee Treatment Options.
- Early Mobilisation
- Our pioneering approach to hip replacement, the Kley Rapid Hip technique, is designed for rapid recovery. After this procedure, 90% of our patients can walk without crutches just two hours after surgery.
- Many patients are walking good distances by the end of the second week.
- Movement is key to activating the muscle pump in your calves, which pushes fluid back toward your heart and reduces swelling.
- Personalised Physiotherapy and Hydrotherapy
- Tailored physiotherapy programmes help restore movement and build strength safely.
- Hydrotherapy (water-based rehabilitation) supports gentle, low-impact mobility early in the recovery phase.
- Advanced Technologies for Swelling Management
We also recommend supportive technologies to help manage swelling:- Physiolab S1 Portable3: an advanced cooling and compression device that reduces swelling and discomfort.
The GEKO device4: a small, wearable stimulator that activates the common peroneal nerve near your knee, causing your lower leg muscles to contract. This device can generate up to 60% of the blood flow achieved by walking, even while you’re lying down. A guide from Gold Coast Surgicenter5 can be a useful resource for more information on managing swelling with elevation, compression, and exercise.
What to Expect as You Recover
- Post-op swelling and bruising are usually worse in the first two weeks after surgery.
- As you become more active and start walking more, the swelling naturally subsides.
- In some patients — especially those with venous insufficiency or reduced mobility — swelling may take longer to resolve, but it almost always improves with time and activity.
Don’t be alarmed to see your leg a little puffed up. It is normal. Here’s an image a patient sent us recently:
Key Takeaways
- Swelling and bruising after surgery are normal and part of the healing process.
- Early mobilisation is the most effective way to reduce swelling and speed recovery.
- Supportive technologies such as Physiolab and the GEKO device can significantly enhance circulation and comfort during recovery.
- If swelling persists beyond the typical recovery window or worsens suddenly, always contact your surgical team for assessment.
Looking to Speak With an Expert?
If you are experiencing hip or knee pain, understanding your treatment options is the first step toward a successful recovery.
Our team of specialists at Orthopaedic Innovation is dedicated to using advanced techniques to minimise swelling, reduce recovery time, and get you back to an active life.
Book a consultation today to discuss your treatment options.
1https://www.hey.nhs.uk/patient-leaflet/discharge-advice-following-hip-and-knee-replacement/
2https://hipkneeinfo.org/general/how-to-relieve-pain-after-hip-or-knee-surgery/
