Practical Tips to Reduce Swelling

Swelling is a frequent challenge for amputees, especially in the early stages after surgery. This swelling, or "edema," can interfere with prosthetic fitting, slow down healing, and cause discomfort. While it's a natural part of the healing process, it’s important to manage it effectively to prevent long-term complications.

Why Swelling Happens

Swelling occurs when excess fluid builds up in the tissue around your amputation site. This is common after surgeries, but for amputees, it can persist for weeks or even months. Causes of swelling can include:

- Post-surgical inflammation: Your body is working hard to heal after surgery, and this naturally causes inflammation.

- Circulation changes: Losing a limb means that blood flow has to adjust to a new normal.

- Prolonged sitting or standing: Remaining in the same position for extended periods can cause fluid to accumulate in the residual limb.

Swelling may also come and go throughout your lifetime, influenced by changes in activity, weather, or the prosthetic you’re wearing.

Practical Strategies to Manage Swelling

1. Compression Therapy

Compression socks or bandages are often recommended by doctors to reduce swelling. They are often called shrinkers or shrinker socks. They apply gentle pressure to your residual limb, encouraging fluid to move away from the area and improving blood circulation. Wearing these consistently, especially early in your recovery, can make a big difference in managing edema.
I’ve been an amputee for nearly 30 years and I still wear shrinkers at night sometimes! Especially on days that i’ve been extra active!

2. Elevating the Limb

Elevating your residual limb, especially when resting or sleeping, can help reduce swelling. Prop your limb up on pillows or a foam wedge to encourage fluid drainage. Elevation should be done regularly throughout the day, not just at night.

3. Lymphatic Massage

Manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) is a special type of massage that can help move excess fluid out of the swollen area. Many physical therapists or occupational therapists are trained in this technique. Learning how to do it yourself or having someone help you at home can aid in swelling reduction.

When my husband and I watch Netflix i massage his feet and he massages my “little leg”.

4. Regular Movement

Staying active promotes better circulation, which is key to preventing and reducing swelling. Even small movements, such as gentle stretching or walking, can encourage blood flow and keep fluid from building up. If you’re not able to walk yet, make sure to move your residual limb regularly to promote circulation.

5. Hydration and Diet

Staying hydrated may seem counterintuitive, but drinking plenty of water helps prevent fluid retention in the tissues. Additionally, a balanced diet low in sodium can reduce fluid buildup. Processed and salty foods tend to make swelling worse, so focusing on fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support your body’s healing process.

6. Prosthetic Fit

Sometimes swelling is triggered by an ill-fitting prosthesis. If you notice discomfort or increased swelling when wearing your prosthesis, it’s a good idea to get your fit checked by a prosthetist.

*this is going to be normal for the first couple years. But there is a limit to discomfort so always feel comfortable talking to your prosthetist about this!

7. Use of Ice

Cold therapy can help reduce swelling, but it should be used cautiously. Applying ice for 10-15 minutes at a time can reduce inflammation. Always place a cloth between your skin and the ice to prevent frostbite, and avoid using ice directly on the surgical site, especially if you have stitches or healing wounds.

When to Seek Help

While swelling is a normal part of recovery, it’s important to monitor it closely. If you notice increased pain, redness, warmth, or if the swelling doesn't seem to go down after trying these strategies, you should reach out to your healthcare provider. These could be signs of infection or other complications.

Staying Ahead of Swelling

Learning to manage swelling is an ongoing process for amputees, and what works may vary from person to person. Incorporating small, regular habits like wearing compression, staying hydrated, and keeping active will help keep edema under control, allowing you to focus on living your life to the fullest.