The swelling of the limb is not a result of a poorly performed surgery, but is related to the surgery, the fracture itself, including the anesthesia. Why does this happen? Because after the trauma the patient is not on the ground without weight bearing, which often causes the limb to sag in the lowest position. For example, in the case of ankle fracture, when we stand up, the foot is in the lowest position of the body, and the venous pressure in this area is the highest. After the trauma and anesthesia, the local blood circulation, especially the sympathetic nervous system, which governs the blood vessels, is disturbed, and with the highest gravity, it causes poor local venous return and local stasis, which in turn leads to increased venous pressure and leakage of fluid from the vessels into the surrounding tissues, resulting in local swelling. It can occur frequently in severe patients, even six months to a year after surgery. With normal exercise, including walking and activity, this swelling can slowly subside after a period of time. How to solve the problem of swelling? The easiest way is to use an elastic bandage. For fractures like those in the lower extremities, you can start at the distal end of the limb, at the toe, and wrap it across the knee to effectively reduce the swelling of the limb. This is somewhat like vascular surgery for patients with varicose veins, where the use of an elastic stocking can be helpful. If the elastic bandage is too tight, the pressure on the limb that exceeds the pressure of the artery is dangerous at this point and leads to necrosis of the distal limb instead. How much pressure is appropriate? In fact, a certain amount of pressure is sufficient, but not more than the arterial pressure, usually around 5 kg. If a patient has an uncomfortable swollen limb, elevating the limb is definitely beneficial to the swelling. If the limb is placed in a drooping state, the pressure in this area is the highest. If the limb is elevated, the local venous pressure is reduced, which is conducive to the venous return of the swollen limb, and the fluid in the tissue returns to the blood vessels, and the swelling will be reduced. Many patients who have fractures, such as ankle fractures, have to work in the unit, so they elevate their legs a little bit to help the swelling go down and make them more comfortable. Local massage is definitely beneficial to the reduction of swelling. However, hot compresses should be noted that if the distal ankle joint is fractured, soaking in hot water will cause more local swelling. It is generally recommended to alternate warm and cold water, warm water is about 41-42 degrees, cold water is 20-25 degrees, warm water soak for five minutes cold water soak for five minutes. What are the benefits of doing this? Cold water alternates with warm water, cold water stimulates capillary constriction, hot water stimulates capillary diastole, repeated contraction and diastole is conducive to the reduction of limb swelling, this way is better than soaking hot water.