Bad Signs After ACL Surgery: When to Call Your Doctor

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery is one of the most common procedures to restore knee stability after a ligament tear. Whether you’re an athlete aiming to return to sports or someone recovering from a knee injury, proper post-surgical care is crucial.

While mild pain, swelling, and stiffness are normal in the early stages, some warning signs could indicate serious complications after ACL surgery. Recognizing these symptoms early helps prevent long-term issues and ensures smooth recovery.

Normal vs. Abnormal Recovery Symptoms

After ACL reconstruction, your knee will feel sore, swollen, and slightly stiff. These symptoms are a normal part of healing and should gradually improve over time.

However, if pain worsens or new symptoms appear, it could be a sign of infection, blood clots, or other complications. Knowing the difference between normal recovery signs and bad signs after ACL surgery is key to avoiding delays in treatment.

1. Excessive Swelling and Severe Pain

Some swelling is expected, but if it increases suddenly or comes with sharp, constant pain, it may indicate joint infection, internal bleeding, or fluid buildup.

You should be concerned if:

• Pain becomes unbearable even with rest or medication
• Swelling does not decrease with ice therapyor leg elevation
• The knee feels unusually tight or hard

If these symptoms persist, you should contact your orthopedic surgeon immediately to rule out serious problems.

2. Signs of Infection

An infection after ACL surgery is rare but serious. It can occur if bacteria enter the surgical wound. Early identification is essential to prevent deeper tissue damage.

Watch for these infection warning signs:

• Redness and warmth around the incision
• Feveror chills
• Pus or foul-smelling dischargefrom the wound
• Persistent pain that does not improve

Infections can spread quickly and may require antibiotics or, in severe cases, surgical cleaning. Never ignore signs of infection after surgery.

3. Difficulty Moving or Bending the Knee

Limited movement is normal for a few days after surgery. But if you’re unable to bend or straighten your knee despite regular physiotherapy, it could be a sign of arthrofibrosis—a condition where excess scar tissue forms around the joint.

Symptoms include:

• Joint stiffnessthat doesn’t improve
• Pain during stretching
• A “locked” or “tight” feeling in the knee

Prompt evaluation and targeted therapy can prevent permanent stiffness and help restore flexibility.

4. Numbness or Tingling Sensations

A little numbness around the incision is normal due to nerve irritation. However, persistent tingling, burning, or loss of sensation in your leg or foot could mean nerve damage or compression.

Seek medical attention if:

• Numbness spreads below the knee
• You feel weakness in your foot or ankle
• There’s a burning pain that increases with movement

Early diagnosis ensures quick recovery and prevents long-term nerve complications.

5. Bleeding or Fluid Leakage from the Wound

A small amount of pinkish fluid is normal after surgery. But if the wound shows heavy bleeding, yellow discharge, or a bad smell, it may indicate infection or poor wound healing.

Do not press or clean the wound yourself. Cover it lightly and reach out to your doctor for proper wound care advice.

6. Calf Pain and Swelling – Possible Blood Clot (DVT)

One of the most dangerous complications after ACL surgery is Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT), a blood clot that forms in your leg veins.

Be alert to:

• Calf painor tenderness
• Swellingthat’s more on one leg
• Warm or discolored skin

If the clot moves to your lungs, it can cause a Pulmonary Embolism (PE)—a life-threatening emergency. Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood require immediate medical help.

7. Instability or “Giving Way” Sensation

After ACL surgery, your knee should feel stronger over time. But if you experience instability or the feeling that your knee is “giving way,” it might indicate:

• Graft failure
• Re-injury
• Weak musclesdue to improper rehab

Avoid sports or heavy activities until your surgeon clears you. Ignoring this sign can damage your graft permanently.

8. Persistent Fever or Fatigue

A mild fever is normal within the first 48 hours. But if your temperature stays above 101°F (38.3°C) or you feel constant fatigue, it could point to an infection or inflammation.

Monitor your body temperature daily and report any unusual rise to your healthcare provider.

9. Popping, Clicking, or Locking Sounds

A soft clicking sound in the knee during recovery is usually harmless. But if you hear loud pops, grinding, or locking along with pain, it could mean:

• Graft issue
• Meniscus tear
• Mechanical problem inside the joint

Your surgeon may recommend an MRI scan to assess the cause and ensure your new ligament is healing properly.

When to Call Your Doctor Immediately

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following bad signs after ACL surgery:

• Sudden increase in pain or swelling
• Redness, warmth, or pusaround the wound
• Calf painor swelling
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness
• Feverabove 101°F
• Shortness of breathor chest discomfort

Never ignore these symptoms or attempt home remedies—they could worsen your condition.

Tips for a Safe and Fast Recovery

Proper post-surgery care helps prevent complications and speeds up healing. Follow these key ACL recovery tips:

• Follow your rehabilitation planstrictly
• Keep the surgical incision clean and dry
• Apply ice packsto control swelling
• Avoid putting full weight on the leg too soon
• Take prescribed medications on time
• Attend all follow-up appointmentsand physiotherapy sessions

With expert supervision from Dr. Arun Reddy Mallu at Continental Hospital, patients can recover safely and regain knee strength efficiently through personalized rehabilitation programs and advanced post-operative care.

Conclusion

Recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery takes time, patience, and consistency. While mild pain, swelling, and stiffness are part of the healing process, certain symptoms should never be ignored. Recognizing bad signs after ACL surgery—such as excessive pain, infection, or knee instability—can prevent serious complications and help you get back to your normal routine faster.

If you notice any of these warning signs or experience unusual discomfort, reach out to your doctor immediately. For expert orthopedic care and advanced recovery guidance, consult Dr. Arun Reddy Mallu at Continental Hospital, a trusted specialist in ACL reconstruction and knee injury treatment in Hyderabad.

If recovery after ACL surgery doesn’t feel right, contact Dr. Arun Reddy Mallu at Continental Hospitals today — call +91 9959135963 for expert guidance.