What Are the Signs of a Blood Clot After Knee Surgery?
Knee surgery is often necessary to restore mobility and relieve chronic pain—but it’s not without risks. One of the most serious complications after procedures like total knee replacement or arthroscopic knee surgery is the development of a blood clot, most commonly deep vein thrombosis (DVT). These clots usually form in the deep veins of the legs and can have life-threatening consequences if left untreated.
At Fairbanks Ultrasound, we help patients quickly and painlessly diagnose or rule out blood clots using advanced ultrasound imaging—often the same day you call.
Why Do Blood Clots Happen After Knee Surgery?
Knee surgery, while beneficial, increases your risk of developing a blood clot for several reasons:
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Reduced movement during recovery can slow blood flow in the veins.
Trauma from surgery may damage blood vessels and increase clotting.
Inflammation and tissue repair can contribute to clot formation.
Use of anesthesia and certain medications may increase coagulation.
Knowing this, it’s important to be aware of the early warning signs of a clot so you can get help immediately.
Key Signs and Symptoms of a Blood Clot After Knee Surgery
So, what are the signs of a blood clot after knee surgery? Watch closely for the following symptoms—especially in the affected leg:
1. Swelling
Noticeable swelling in the calf, knee, or thigh is often one of the first signs. While some swelling is expected after surgery, persistent or increasing swelling may point to a clot.
2. Pain or Tenderness
If you experience sharp, cramping pain or tenderness that feels different from surgical pain—especially when standing or flexing your foot upward—it could be a sign of DVT.
3. Skin Color Changes
A blood clot can cause the skin over the affected area to turn red, bluish, or pale. These changes are often accompanied by a feeling of warmth or burning.
4. Warmth in the Leg
A clot may cause a warm sensation in one part of the leg, even when the rest of your body feels normal.
5. Firmness or Tightness
If your calf feels tight, firm, or unusually hard to the touch, this may be due to a buildup of blood from a blocked vein.
When Should You Get Checked?
You should seek immediate medical attention if you:
- Experience any of the symptoms above after surgery
- Feel chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness (this may indicate a pulmonary embolism, a clot that has traveled to the lungs)
- Are unable to bear weight due to pain or swelling in your leg
Ultrasound: The Fastest, Easiest Way to Detect Blood Clots
The gold standard for diagnosing deep vein thrombosis is a Doppler ultrasound—a quick, safe, and non-invasive test that uses sound waves to create images of your veins and blood flow.
At Fairbanks Ultrasound, we offer:
Same-Day Appointments – Get evaluated quickly, often within hours
Fast Results – We prioritize urgent cases and communicate results promptly
Comfortable, Outpatient Experience – No hospital visit or downtime required
Experienced Sonographers – Our team specializes in vascular imaging
Affordable Pricing – Transparent and competitive rates for self-pay patients
Whether your symptoms just started or you’ve been noticing changes for several days, don’t delay. A quick ultrasound scan could provide peace of mind—or catch a potentially dangerous condition early.
Don’t Wait—Get Answers Today at Fairbanks Ultrasound
If you’re wondering, “what are the signs of a blood clot after knee surgery?”—it means you’re already taking the first step toward protecting your health. But recognizing symptoms is only the beginning. The next step is to get checked with an ultrasound, the fastest and most reliable way to confirm whether a clot is present.
Call Fairbanks Ultrasound today to schedule your same-day vascular ultrasound appointment. We’re here to help you get answers—fast, comfortably, and confidently.
Same-Day Walk-Ins Available
At Fairbanks Ultrasound, we proudly welcome same-day walk-ins with a valid referral or imaging order from your provider. This flexibility allows us to accommodate time-sensitive exams and patients who need faster access than traditional hospital scheduling often permits. Whether you’re facing an urgent need or simply prefer quicker service, our team is here to provide prompt, high-quality imaging when you need it most.
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Fairbanks Ultrasound is a local center in Fairbanks, Alaska that offers various ultrasound services for pregnancy, gynecology, thyroid, vascular, and general purposes.