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Wash your incision with soap and water and pat dry.
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Staples or stitches will be taken out at your follow up visit. Steri-
strips will begin to fall off in 7-10 days. If they have not fallen off
after 2 weeks, you can gently pull them off.
Swelling
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Swelling in the foot, ankle, knee and thigh are common after total
joint replacement.
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To prevent swelling, elevate your feet higher than the level of your
heart for 45 to 60 minutes. Do this 2 times each day.
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If the swelling does not decrease after sleeping all night and elevating
your legs during the day, call your doctor.
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Your doctor may want you to wear the elastic stockings to reduce
swelling. If so, wear the stockings during the day and remove them at
night. Wash the stockings with soap and water and hang them to dry.
Have someone help you put the stockings on and off.
Blood Thinning Medicines
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Your doctor may order blood thinning medicine for 1 to 3 weeks to
reduce your risk of blood clots. This medicine is most often given as
an injection into the abdomen. You will be taught how to give this
medicine.
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Aspirin and other arthritis medicines are also blood thinners so do
not take aspirin or products with aspirin while you are on these
injections.
Sitting
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Do not sit for longer than 30 minutes at a time. Get up, walk and
change your position.
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During long car trips, stop every 30 minutes. Get out of the car and
move around. This will prevent blood clots, decrease swelling and
help decrease joint stiffness.