When to call

You’re allowed
to ask for help.

You do not have to diagnose a symptom before contacting your care team. If something is new, worsening, or worrying, ask.

Get emergency help now

New chest pain or sudden trouble breathing.

These can be signs of a blood clot in the lungs. Call 911 in the U.S. or your local emergency number. Do not drive yourself or wait for the surgeon’s office to reply.

Contact your surgical team promptly

Don’t wait for your next appointment.

Call the office or after-hours number about these symptoms. If you cannot reach someone promptly, seek urgent medical care.

New calf pain, tenderness, or increasing swelling in one leg.
Increasing redness, drainage, or pain around the incision.
Fever or chills, using the threshold in your discharge plan.
Pain that is not controlled by your prescribed plan.
A foot or toes that become unusually cold or dark.
Bleeding that soaks the dressing or does not stop.

When you call

Have these details ready if you can.

Your surgery

Procedure, date, and which knee.

What changed

Symptoms, when they began, and whether they are worsening.

Your care so far

Medicines taken, wound changes, and temperature if measured.

Do not delay urgent care to collect these details. This list cannot cover every complication.