An ice pack can also help. Put ice in a plastic bag, cover it with a towel, and place it over the area for 15 to 20 minutes out of every hour as long as necessary. Do not sleep on the ice pack. After the first 24 to 48 hours, switch to heat for pain or swelling. Do not sleep on the heating pad or hot water bottle.
Heat brings blood to the area or the surgery and helps it heal faster.
You may need to rest in bed for a while. But even if you are confined to bed, it's important exercise your legs in order to stop blood clots from forming. Lift one leg off the bed and draw big circles with your toes, then repeat with the other leg. You can also try lying on your side and pretending to pedal a bike. When you're told it's OK to get out of bed, make sure someone is with you the first time you try.