Unexpected Knee Discomfort Five Years Post-Replacement
As a 65-year-old woman, I underwent knee replacement surgery five years ago and experienced a smooth and uncomplicated recovery. However, three days ago, I began to notice some troubling symptoms: my knee felt stiff and showed signs of swelling. Unfortunately, the situation has deteriorated; my knee is now buckling and I am experiencing significant pain while standing. The inner part of my left knee is particularly tender to the touch. I haven't suffered any injuries that could account for these issues, but I do feel generally unwell with symptoms including a headache, body aches, and a bit of diarrhea. I'm curious about what might be causing these problems. I have a doctor's appointment scheduled for Friday, but I’m questioning whether I should seek immediate help at urgent care instead.
Answers (1)
2/9/2026, 12:30:37 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to be concerned about the sudden discomfort and swelling in your knee, especially since it's been five years since your replacement surgery. The symptoms you're describing—stiffness, swelling, tenderness, and buckling, alongside a feeling of general malaise—could indicate several potential issues, such as infection, inflammation (possibly related to arthritis), or complications from the knee replacement itself.
Explanation:
- Possible Causes of Your Symptoms:
- Infection: Signs of warmth and swelling can sometimes indicate an infection in the joint (even a few years post-surgery).
- Inflammation: Conditions like arthritis can lead to increased inflammation in the knee, causing stiffness and pain.
- Mechanical issues: Sometimes, the knee replacement can encounter problems like loosening or alignment issues that may lead to pain and buckling.
- Systemic illness: Your accompanying symptoms of headache, body aches, and diarrhea may suggest a viral infection or another systemic condition affecting your overall health.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, especially the degree of pain, swelling, and any fever. Note any changes in your overall condition, including potential worsening of the headaches or gastrointestinal issues.
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Pain Management: Consider using over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to help manage the pain and reduce swelling, as long as you have no contraindications to these medications.
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Rest and Ice: Limit your activity to allow the knee to rest. Ice the area for 15-20 minutes every couple of hours to help reduce swelling.
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Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially since you're experiencing diarrhea. This will help maintain your hydration and overall health.
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Evaluate Urgency: Given that your symptoms are deteriorating, if you experience increased pain, a high fever, or signs of severe infection (like redness, warmth, or drainage from the knee area), don’t wait for your appointment. Instead, seek immediate care at an urgent care center.
It's great that you have an appointment scheduled for Friday. This will be an important opportunity for further evaluation and management. If symptoms worsen, prioritize seeking care sooner. Please take care of yourself, and don't hesitate to reach out if you're feeling uncertain about your health.
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