Patient question

It's been three months since my knee replacement and it's still swollen and warm. Is that normal?

Dr. Pablo GelberOrthopaedic Knee Surgeon

Quick answer

Yes, in most cases. Swelling and warmth around a new knee commonly last three to six months and can come and go for up to a year, especially after busy days. Rising pain, redness, wound drainage or fever are different and need prompt review, advises Dr. Pablo Gelber, knee surgeon at Aman Hospital in Doha.

Why a new knee stays swollen and warm

A knee replacement involves reshaping bone and working through the soft tissues, and the body's healing response continues long after the wound has closed. Increased blood flow makes the knee feel warmer than the other side, and fluid collects in the tissues, particularly in the evening and after walking, physiotherapy or a long day out. Many people also notice numbness on the outer side of the scar, which is normal and often improves slowly.

What helps

Keep up your exercises, but balance them with rest; a big day is often followed by more swelling
Ice or a cold pack for 15 to 20 minutes after exercise
Raise the leg above heart level for periods during the day, with the knee straight
Avoid long periods sitting with the knee bent, including long car journeys without breaks
Take regular pain relief as advised so that you can keep moving

Warning signs that need urgent review

Increasing pain after it had been improving
Redness spreading around the knee, or the wound leaking or opening
Fever, chills or feeling generally unwell
A sudden large increase in swelling without a clear reason
Calf pain and swelling, or breathlessness or chest pain, which can signal a blood clot

Infection of a knee replacement is uncommon but serious, and early treatment matters. Contact your surgeon the same day, or go to an emergency department, if these appear. Do not start antibiotics on your own before a diagnosis, as this can make an infection harder to identify.

When stiffness, not swelling, is the problem

If the knee will not bend or straighten as far as expected at three months, it is worth an early review. Stiffness after knee replacement is often improved with focused physiotherapy, and in some cases a procedure under anaesthetic is considered. At Aman Hospital, Dr. Gelber reviews progress at follow-up appointments, examines the knee, and arranges blood tests or X-rays when something does not look right.

Frequently asked questions

My knee replacement feels warmer than my other knee at one year. Is that a problem?

Mild warmth can persist for a year or more and is often normal. Warmth with new pain, redness or swelling should be checked.

Should I wear compression stockings for the swelling?

They are sometimes used after surgery for clot prevention and can help swelling for some people. Follow the advice you were given at discharge.