Injections and Blood Clots after Total Joint Replacement
By Matt Paulus, MS, ATC, Site Coordinator
Infections & Blood Clots After Total Joint Replacement
Most patients recover from total joint replacement without issue. However, in very isolated cases an issue with infection or blood clots may develop and it is important to know the signs of each as they are serious conditions.
Image of a Knee after Total Joint Replacement
Infection Warning Signs
- Persistent fever (greater than 100°)
- Shaking chills
- Increasing redness
- tenderness
- swelling around the wound
- Increasing pain with both activity and rest
Blood Clot Warning Signs
- Pain in your leg or calf unrelated to your incision
- Tenderness or redness above or below your knee
- Severe swelling of your thigh, calf, ankle, or foot
- Pain in your calf when you stretch your toes upward
- Area around knee feels very hot to touch
If you are in physical therapy and you have calf pain. It is very important to tell your therapist about this pain. They can evaluate you and contact your surgeon as needed.
Blood Clot Tests
With a physical exam, your therapist or physician would perform a Homan’s Test. Your physician would determine if you needed further testing with a Doppler Study/Ultrasound.
By: Matt Paulus, MS, ATC, Site Coordinator
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