04/26/2026
🚩 7 things after knee replacement that aren’t normal — and what they could mean.
Most post-op symptoms are part of healing. These seven aren’t.
🚩Drainage past week 1 → possible infection
🚩Can’t bend past 90° at 6 weeks → stiffness that may need manipulation under anesthesia (MUA)
🚩Joint swelling getting worse → possible hematoma or abscess
🚩Calf pain past 48 hours → blood clot until proven otherwise
🚩Foot or toes not moving right → nerve injury
🚩Loud clicking + knee giving way → instability
🚩Chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, dizziness → ER, no debate
I’d rather get 10 calls that turn out to be nothing than miss the one that wasn’t. Always call. That’s literally what we’re here for.
Save this. Send it to anyone heading into knee replacement.
—ArthroGuy 🦴
