Knee Swelling After TKR: Causes, Care, and What to Expect

When you have a total knee replacement, a surgical procedure where damaged knee joint parts are replaced with artificial components. Also known as TKR, it’s one of the most common orthopedic surgeries in India, helping millions walk without pain. But knee swelling after TKR is almost universal in the first few weeks—sometimes scary, usually normal.

Swelling happens because your body is healing. Surgery means tissue trauma, inflammation, and fluid buildup around the joint. It’s not an infection unless you have fever, redness that spreads, or pus. Most swelling peaks around day 3 to 5, then slowly goes down with movement, ice, and elevation. Compression stockings and ankle pumps help too—simple moves that boost blood flow and reduce fluid pooling. If you’re told to keep your leg elevated, don’t ignore it. Sitting with your knee at heart level or higher makes a real difference.

But swelling isn’t always just part of healing. If it comes back after fading, or gets worse after a week, it could mean a blood clot, fluid collection, or infection. That’s why you need to know the warning signs: sudden sharp pain, warmth spreading beyond the knee, or a fever over 100.4°F. These aren’t normal. In India, where access to follow-up care can be uneven, knowing when to act saves time and risk. Your physical therapist will guide you on when to start walking, how much to move, and how to tell the difference between healing pain and danger.

Some people think swelling means they’re doing too much. Not always. In fact, too little movement can make swelling worse. Walking short distances daily, even if it hurts a little, is better than staying still. Ice packs for 15 minutes, 3-4 times a day, help more than you’d think. And don’t skip your prescribed blood thinners—clots are silent but serious.

Recovery isn’t just about the surgery. It’s about managing expectations. Swelling can last 3 to 6 months. That’s not a failure. That’s biology. People in India often expect quick fixes, but joint replacement is a marathon, not a sprint. The posts below give you real stories, practical tips, and clear timelines—from when you can shower safely to which day hurts the most. You’ll find what works, what doesn’t, and how to avoid common mistakes that delay recovery.

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