The short answer
Worsening wound redness or discharge, fever, increasing pain or new leg swelling after knee replacement needs medical advice. Chest pain or difficulty breathing is an emergency. Do not wait for a routine follow-up when urgent symptoms appear.
Understanding the problem
Possible complications include infection, blood clots and problems with movement or stability. Some discomfort is expected during recovery, but the pattern and direction of change matter. A remote article cannot distinguish normal healing from a complication.
Care and next steps
Follow the prescribed prevention and wound-care plan. Do not start leftover antibiotics or alter blood-thinning medicines without advice. The team may need an examination and tests to determine what is happening.
Prepare for your consultation
Keep the discharge summary, medication list and emergency contact route available to everyone helping you. Record when a concerning symptom began and whether it is progressing. When contacting the team, describe the symptom clearly rather than saying only that recovery is slow. If emergency symptoms occur, seek emergency care immediately and bring the operation details if available without delaying departure.
Common questions
Should I wait for my booked review if the wound starts draining?
No. Contact the treating team promptly for advice and assessment.
Medical sources & further reading
This patient education guide was approved for publication by Dr Shahrukh Khan on 11 September 2026. It cannot diagnose your symptoms or replace a personalised clinical assessment. Editorial policy · About the doctor.