Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Call emergency services for:
Sudden shortness of breath
Chest pain, coughing blood, or fainting
A foot that suddenly becomes cold, pale, very numb, or difficult to move
Do not drive yourself for emergency care.
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice if you have increasing wound redness, drainage, opening of the incision, fever, pain that is not controlled as expected, or rapidly increasing swelling.
New calf pain or one-sided leg swelling also needs urgent assessment.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
For routine questions about dressings, exercises, medication refills, or planned follow-up, contact the team during normal office hours.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Partial knee replacement. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.