Reducing Ankle Swelling After Knee Surgery: Tips & Recovery Advice

Swelling after surgery is completely normal and part of the healing process. It happens because your body sends extra blood and fluids to protect and repair the surgical area. Research shows that swelling often peaks around 5–7 days after surgery and then gradually decreases over the next few weeks. While it’s a natural response, managing it properly can help reduce pain, speed up recovery, and prevent potential issues like infections or blood clots.

Whether it’s your feet, ankles, or another part of your body, knowing how to handle swelling can make your recovery smoother and more comfortable.

Targeted Remedies for Swollen Feet, Ankles, and Other Areas

After surgery, swelling might not just stay at the surgical site. For example, you might notice swollen ankles after knee surgery or swollen feet even after something like shoulder surgery. Here are the easiest ways to handle it:

1. Elevate and Compress the Swollen Area

Keep the swollen area raised above your heart. This helps the fluid flow back into your system and reduces swelling. Use pillows or a recliner to keep your feet, ankles, or other affected areas elevated. Compression socks or stockings, which gently squeeze the area, can also help improve circulation. Always talk to your doctor before using compression garments to ensure they’re safe for you.

2. Use Ice Packs

Ice can reduce swelling and inflammation. Wrap an ice pack in a towel and place it over the swollen area for 15–20 minutes at a time, a few times a day. Be sure not to apply ice directly to the skin, as it can cause damage.

3. Move Gently

Even though rest is important, staying completely still can increase swelling. Gentle exercises like ankle pumps (moving your foot back and forth) or slow, short walks can encourage blood flow and reduce fluid buildup. Just be sure to follow your doctor’s advice about when you’re ready for light movement.

4. Wear Comfortable Clothes

Tight clothing can block blood flow and make swelling worse. Loose, breathable clothes, especially around the feet, legs, or where the surgery was done, are a much better choice. If your doctor recommends compression socks, though, those should be the exception.

Natural and Lifestyle Remedies to Reduce Swelling

Along with the above tips, some changes in your habits can also speed up healing:

1. Eat for Recovery

What you eat can make a big difference. Try to cut back on salty foods; too much salt makes your body hold onto extra fluids, which can increase swelling. Instead, include foods with anti-inflammatory benefits, like fish, nuts, and leafy greens. Fruits like pineapple, which contains bromelain, can also help reduce swelling naturally.

2. Stay Hydrated

Drink lots of water to help your body flush out excess fluids. Staying hydrated also prevents fluid retention, making it easier for your body to heal and reduce swelling.

3. Try Epsom Salt Baths

Once your incision has healed and your doctor gives the go-ahead, soaking in a warm Epsom salt bath can be relaxing and reduce swelling. Make sure the surgical site isn’t exposed to water too soon to avoid infections.

When Swelling Persists or Worsens

It’s crucial to know when swelling is normal and when it might signal a problem. Contact your doctor if you experience any of these warning signs:

• The swelling doesn’t improve or starts getting worse after two weeks.
• The area around the surgical site becomes red, warm, or starts draining fluids.
• Your toes or fingers tingle, feel numb, or turn blue.
• You feel sharp pain or tenderness in your calf, which could suggest a blood clot.
• You experience symptoms like fever or chills.

These could point to problems like an infection or complications that need quick medical attention.

Keeping Swelling Down After Surgery

Swelling after surgery is a normal part of the healing process, but there are many ways to manage it. However, if the swelling doesn’t go down or gets worse, it’s important to act. Persistent swelling could be a sign of complications like an infection, a blood clot, or other medical concerns. Warning signs include redness or warmth at the surgical site, fever, increased pain, or swelling that feels unusually hard. If you notice these symptoms, contacting your doctor is essential to rule out serious issues and adjust your recovery plan if needed.

Your recovery is unique to you, and keeping track of how your body responds is key. With the right care and attention, you’ll help your body heal safely and get back to feeling like yourself again.