How to tell if post-surgery pain is normal or a warning sign?

Pain after knee or hip replacement is expected, particularly during the first few days and during physiotherapy. Normal post-surgical pain should gradually become easier to manage as healing progresses.

Pain that is usually expected

• Pain around the surgical area
• Discomfort during exercises
• Muscle soreness
• Mild aching after walking or physiotherapy
• Temporary stiffness after sitting
• Mild night-time discomfort during early recovery

The intensity can vary between patients depending on the type of operation, previous pain levels, general health, and rehabilitation progress.

Pain that needs medical attention

Seek advice if you develop:

• Sudden severe pain after initial improvement
• Rapidly increasing pain
• Pain with increasing redness or wound discharge
• Severe calf pain or swelling
• Fever with worsening joint pain
• Chest pain or breathlessness
• Sudden inability to move or bear weight on the joint

ASIC Clinic advises urgent assessment for symptoms such as fever, spreading redness, wound discharge, calf swelling, chest pain, breathlessness, or sudden severe pain.

Dr. Atul Mishra evaluates post-operative pain together with wound appearance, swelling, movement, and overall recovery rather than judging the symptom in isolation.