Ongoing Pain After Joint Replacement

Know when to see your GP

Why pain can persist after joint replacement

Joint replacement surgery aims to reduce pain and improve function, but recovery does not end when the wound heals. Tissues around the joint—muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bone—need time to adapt. It is common to notice discomfort, stiffness, or swelling for weeks to months as your body adjusts to the new joint and as activity levels increase.

What recovery pain often feels like

Early recovery pain usually improves gradually and relates to movement, exercise, or longer periods on your feet. Stiffness after rest, aching at the end of the day, or soreness during physiotherapy sessions can be part of normal healing. Progress is rarely linear. Many people have good days and slower days, especially as rehabilitation intensifies.

When pain patterns raise questions

Pain that plateaus or worsens after an initial improvement deserves review. Persistent pain at rest, increasing night pain, new sharp or catching pain, or pain that limits weight-bearing more than expected are not typical recovery features. Pain that spreads beyond the joint, or that feels burning, tingling, or electric, may suggest nerve irritation rather than joint mechanics alone.

Other symptoms that matter

Ongoing swelling, redness, warmth, or wound changes can signal inflammation or infection and should not be ignored. New instability, clicking with pain, or a sense that the joint is “giving way” also warrant assessment. Fever, unexplained fatigue, or sudden pain in the calf or chest need urgent review, as they may reflect complications outside the joint itself.

Why causes are not always surgical

Not all post-replacement pain comes from the prosthesis. Back problems, tendon overload, altered walking patterns, and flare-ups of arthritis in nearby joints can all refer pain to the replaced joint. Medication side effects, sleep disruption, and mood changes also influence how pain is experienced and managed during recovery.

How your GP helps clarify the picture

Your GP reviews the timing of symptoms, your rehabilitation plan, medicines, and overall health. This may include examining the joint, checking wounds, reviewing imaging or blood tests when appropriate, and coordinating with your surgeon or physiotherapist. Sometimes reassurance and targeted adjustments are all that is needed; other times, early investigation prevents longer-term problems.

When to book a GP review

Arrange a GP appointment if pain persists beyond expected recovery milestones, interferes with sleep or daily activities, or causes concern. Early review supports safer recovery, clearer guidance, and timely referral if needed—without waiting for symptoms to become severe.

This article provides general health information only and does not replace medical advice. Please speak with your GP for personalised care.