What you may feel
- Persistent or returning pain around a replaced joint.
- Walking, stairs or loading the joint may be painful.
- Stiffness, restricted movement or recurrent swelling may occur.
- Report instability or new mechanical symptoms to the surgical team.
- A hot joint with fever or wound discharge needs prompt assessment.
How it is assessed
Surgical assessment checks for infection, implant loosening and other mechanical causes.
Bring the operation or injury date, discharge information and recovery history. Explain whether pain is new, worsening or gradually improving.
Approaches to care
Rehabilitation loading is adjusted after complications have been assessed.
Coordinate the next steps with your surgeon’s restrictions. Record activities you can now manage and symptoms that still limit recovery.
When to seek urgent help
Wound redness or discharge, fever, rapidly worsening pain or new weakness need prompt assessment. Sudden breathlessness or chest pain requires emergency care.
Further reading: Cleveland Clinic
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.