What you may feel
- Pain in or near the operated area lasting longer than expected.
- Pain may ache, pull, burn or feel electric.
- Scar sensitivity, numbness or pain from touch may occur.
- Movement, sleep or return to usual activity may become difficult.
- Newly worsening pain, fever or wound changes need reassessment.
How it is assessed
The operation and recovery are reviewed. Infection, structural complications and persistence of the original problem must first be considered.
Bring the operation or injury date, discharge information and recovery history. Explain whether pain is new, worsening or gradually improving.
Approaches to care
Care is adapted to the identified cause in collaboration with the surgical and rehabilitation teams.
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: Cambridge University Hospitals (NHS) · UChicago Medicine
This is educational information and does not replace an individual medical assessment. Similar symptoms alone do not establish a diagnosis.