Associated symptoms

Generally, bruising and swelling occur in the operating area shortly after the operation. In addition, the knee joint can usually not be fully bent or stretched. Depending on the complications, the pain after a knee operation can also be accompanied by various other complaints.

For example, an effusion of the knee joint is usually accompanied by severe swelling and limited movement of the joint. An infection of the joint, however, is accompanied by the classic signs of inflammation. These include painful swelling, redness and overheating of the joint.

Even in this case, the knee is not fully functional.Severe infections can also lead to a limited general condition and fever. If nerves have been injured during the operation, there may be loss of sensation and muscle strength may be reduced. The muscle reflexes are also reduced in this case.

If there is a sensory disturbance of the shin bone, it is probably a nerve lesion. The nerve does not necessarily have to be completely damaged, it can also be a temporary pressure lesion. This can, for example, narrow the nerve in its course in the context of a severe effusion or due to swelling.

The shin bone is supplied by two different nerves that are responsible for sensation. Therefore, if the deafness is due to a disturbance of the nerves, it tends to affect only either the right or left half of the shin bone. If there is pain in the calf after knee surgery, deep vein thrombosis of the leg should always be excluded.

Due to the limited mobility after the operation, many patients spend more time lying down than usual. Despite preventive blood thinning with heparin injections, this increases the risk of developing thrombosis. The signs of thrombosis are calf pain, bluish discoloration of the lower leg and paleness, as well as swelling of the affected leg. If these symptoms occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately to prevent the life-threatening complication of pulmonary embolism.