Published by Commons Clinic. [Web version](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/) Reviewer names are abbreviated. Patient reviews describe individual experiences. Review counts describe source records, not unique patients or clinical outcomes; the acquired snapshot may not include complete platform histories. Clinical education and patient accounts do not replace a consultation. Hip & joint replacement # 7 changes after joint replacement worth reporting promptly Some discomfort and swelling can occur after replacement, but a new or worsening pattern deserves attention. Follow your discharge instructions; emergency symptoms require immediate care rather than waiting for an office reply. Published by Commons Clinic · Updated October 21, 2026 · 4 min read [Questions to ask ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#consultation-questions) [Patient experiences ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#patient-experiences) In this guide 1. [Chest symptoms or sudden trouble breathing](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#guide-section-1) 2. [New one-sided calf or leg swelling](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#guide-section-2) 3. [A wound that is changing in the wrong direction](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#guide-section-3) 4. [Pain that abruptly worsens or changes character](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#guide-section-4) 5. [New numbness, weakness or circulation changes](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#guide-section-5) 6. [Medication effects that make recovery unsafe](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#guide-section-6) 7. [Stiffness or function that is falling behind the agreed plan](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#guide-section-7) [Go to your consultation questions ↓](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/#consultation-questions) ## 1. Chest symptoms or sudden trouble breathing Call 911 for sudden shortness of breath, chest pain, collapse or other symptoms suggesting an emergency. Do not wait to see whether the next pain dose helps, and do not rely on a portal message. A blood clot traveling to the lungs is one possible serious concern after surgery, although other causes also need urgent evaluation. Keep your operation details and medication list available for emergency clinicians. If someone is helping you at home, make sure they know the emergency plan before discharge. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 2. New one-sided calf or leg swelling Contact the treating team promptly for a new pattern of calf pain, tenderness or swelling, especially when it differs from the expected postoperative pattern described to you. The team may need to assess for a blood clot or another cause. Appearance alone cannot settle that question at home. If this occurs with breathlessness or chest pain, use emergency services. Continue prescribed prevention measures according to your instructions, but do not assume taking a preventive medicine makes a new symptom unimportant. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 3. A wound that is changing in the wrong direction Report increasing drainage, spreading redness, new opening or other concerning wound changes according to the surgical team's instructions. Fever or feeling systemically unwell adds urgency. Ask before surgery who can assess a wound outside office hours and whether photos are useful. A photo can help communication but cannot rule out infection. Avoid applying unapproved products or taking leftover antibiotics to hide the problem. Give the team the timeline, the change you noticed and any relevant temperature readings. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 4. Pain that abruptly worsens or changes character A sudden change after a fall, twist or ordinary movement needs assessment, particularly if you cannot bear weight or use the limb as instructed. Do not force the joint to test whether it is still working. New severe pain may have several explanations; the important step is to contact the appropriate clinical service. Describe the event, location and functional change, and follow urgent-care advice. For an obvious deformity, a cold or pale foot, or severe symptoms after injury, seek emergency assessment. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 5. New numbness, weakness or circulation changes Tell the team promptly about new or progressive loss of feeling or strength rather than assuming it is part of routine swelling. A cold, pale or unusually discolored limb or a sudden major movement problem needs urgent assessment. If a regional anesthetic was used, you should receive instructions about the expected course and what change warrants a call. Compare the symptom with those instructions, not with another patient's experience. Avoid walking unaided if sensation or control is unreliable. Sources: [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) ## 6. Medication effects that make recovery unsafe Seek help if the pain plan leaves you excessively sleepy, confused, unable to keep down fluids, or unable to move safely. Slow or difficult breathing, inability to wake normally, or severe allergic symptoms are emergencies. For less urgent unwanted effects, ask the team how to adjust the plan rather than combining medicines or stopping an essential prescription independently. Bring the actual medicine names and timing to the call. A useful pain plan supports necessary activity while minimizing problems that could make home recovery unsafe. Sources: [All Opioid Pain Medicines: FDA Updates Prescribing Information to Provide Additional Guidance for Safe Use](https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/all-opioid-pain-medicines-drug-safety-communication-fda-updates-prescribing-information-provide) · [Anaphylaxis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/) ## 7. Stiffness or function that is falling behind the agreed plan Report a plateau or decline at the review point your team sets, even if it does not feel like an emergency. A stiff knee replacement may need assessment for its cause before a change in rehabilitation or a procedure is considered. Keep a record of the tasks and motion your clinician asks you to follow, and say if pain, transport or another barrier prevents therapy. The goal is early, useful reassessment rather than comparison with someone else's recovery. Our related guides explain questions about persistent pain and stiffness in greater depth. Sources: [Manipulation Under Anesthesia After Total Knee Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/manipulation-under-anesthesia/) Make the most of your visit ## Questions to bring to your consultation Choose the questions that matter most to you. Bring them along, and ask us to explain anything that is unclear. - Which swelling and pain patterns do you expect in my case? - Which symptoms should prompt emergency services? - Whom do I call about wound changes after hours? - What change in calf swelling requires assessment? - What are the instructions for numbness after my anesthetic? - Which medicine effects should trigger a call? - When should a plateau in motion or function be reviewed? ## Sources & further reading - [Total Hip Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/treatment/total-hip-replacement/) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - [Manipulation Under Anesthesia After Total Knee Replacement](https://www.orthoinfo.org/en/treatment/manipulation-under-anesthesia/) American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons - [All Opioid Pain Medicines: FDA Updates Prescribing Information to Provide Additional Guidance for Safe Use](https://www.fda.gov/safety/medical-product-safety-information/all-opioid-pain-medicines-drug-safety-communication-fda-updates-prescribing-information-provide) U.S. Food and Drug Administration · Published April 13, 2023 - [Anaphylaxis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/anaphylaxis/) National Health Service We use these medical sources to help explain your options and prepare you for a conversation with our team. Our guides feature our own clinicians; patient reviews describe individual experiences. [Read as Markdown](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/joint-replacement-symptoms-when-to-call/index.md) Meet our team ## People behind your care. [**Andrew Wassef, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [More about Andrew Wassef ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [**Christopher Combs, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [More about Christopher Combs ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [**Eric S. Millstein, MD** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [More about Eric S. Millstein ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [**Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA** Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [More about Prem N. Ramkumar ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Explore our clinicians, then talk with us about your symptoms, goals, and the care you need. Patient experiences ## Meet the clinician. *Hear the experience.* Read how patients describe their care, then bring the questions that matter to your own visit. Each portrait stays with that clinician’s accounts. [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Excerpt > Highly recommend Dr Ramkumar and his staff. S. McDonough Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: July 2, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100175048716992390652/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > We are now scheduling the 2nd knee surgery this summer and confident of the same outcome due to his excellent expertise and his caring team. R. Valdez Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: February 12, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109957632369961879160/place/ChIJN5abTJkz3YARYFiCkifHPjw) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA A family member shares their experience of the care provided. [![Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/eric-millstein.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) ## [Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Excerpt > If you’re looking for a skilled, compassionate, and dedicated orthopedic surgeon, I highly recommend Dr. Millstein!! D. ganon Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 28, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/105709304930193643721/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Excerpt > He changed my perspective on my issue. Very grateful for his insights. S. Myers Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 26, 2026 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/102691263465818847803/place/ChIJt04grlG5woARykBaakD_dF8) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Eric S. Millstein, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) ## [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Excerpt > The Torrance office staff and PT were pleasant and professional too. I highly recommend him and his team R. Violence Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: April 29, 2022 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/109713138477197309654/place/ChIJqeNILuQy3YAR9WA5ym3pGLU) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Andrew Wassef, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) ## [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine [Biography & all reviews →](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [Commons Clinic profile ↗](https://commonsclinic.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Excerpt > Dr. Combs is great. He is knowledgeable and answers questions thoroughly. T. Howell Rating: 5/5 · Source: Google · Date: March 28, 2019 [Reviewer’s Google activity](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/108717713292371554327/place/ChIJH2XhMeQy3YARbezZye2vIhY) Source link type: reviewer place Attributed clinician: Christopher Combs, MD The reviewer shares their experience of care. Keep exploring ## Your next *good question.* More guidance to help you understand your options and plan your next step. Hip & joint replacement ### [8 things your hip replacement consultation should make clear](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-physician-questions/) Comparing hip replacement care is easier when the conversation starts with your symptoms, goals, and support needs. Ask about relevant experience, the proposed operation, realistic function, and who will help you through recovery. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/hip-replacement-physician-questions/) Knee ### [8 decisions before knee replacement, from goals to going home](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/) A useful knee replacement consultation explains the diagnosis, the options, and what the operation may change in your life. Compare the whole plan, including rehabilitation, support at home, and access to help after surgery. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/knee-replacement-decision/) Knee ### [7 questions before considering revision for a painful knee replacement](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/pain-after-joint-replacement-second-opinion/) A useful second opinion starts by identifying why the knee hurts before deciding whether another operation is likely to help. [Read the guide](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/articles/pain-after-joint-replacement-second-opinion/) Meet the clinicians ## Explore your *next conversation.* [![Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/andrew-wassef-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints ### [Andrew Wassef, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Andrew Wassef](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/andrew-wassef-md/) [![Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/christopher-combs-md.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Christopher Combs, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Christopher Combs](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/christopher-combs-md/) [![Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/eric-millstein.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Eric S. Millstein, MD](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) Santa Monica [Meet Eric S. Millstein](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/eric-millstein/) [![Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/assets/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba.jpg)](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Orthopedic Surgeon, Joints & Sports Medicine ### [Prem N. Ramkumar, MD, MBA](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) Lakewood · Long Beach – Douglas Park [Meet Prem N. Ramkumar](https://commonsclinicreviews.com/physicians/prem-n-ramkumar-md-mba/) ## Publisher & attribution Commons Clinic Reviews is operated by Commons Clinic. This website is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Google, Zocdoc, or Yelp. 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