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An Essential Guide to Recovering from Knee Replacement Surgery

Recovering from knee replacement surgery is no small feat, but it’s a journey many Americans undertake each year. 

With over 600,000 procedures performed in the U.S. each year, knee replacements are among the most common surgeries. 

While most people recover well, the rehab process following the surgery can be painful and demanding.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the knee replacement surgery recovery process, including what to expect from the surgery, in-hospital care, home care, and physical therapy.

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How Long Does it Take to Recover from Knee Replacement Surgery?

What to expect from knee replacement surgery

A standard knee replacement surgery typically takes around two hours. In many cases, physical therapy begins before the operation to prepare the muscles and body for recovery and to strengthen them in advance. 

After the surgery, you’ll start working with a physical therapist as early as the next day. However, specific movement protocols can vary depending on your surgeon's preferences. 

If any complications arise during the procedure, your surgeon will provide detailed post-operative guidelines tailored to your situation.

After your knee replacement, while you’re still in the hospital, your physical therapy will focus on basic strengthening exercises. 

During these sessions, you will be taught how to use an appropriate walking aid, such as crutches, a walking frame, a cane, or sometimes no aid at all. 

This helps reduce weight-bearing on the knee, allowing you to increase pressure as your leg gradually becomes stronger. 

One to two weeks after you’ve been discharged, you'll need to follow up with your physical therapist to begin the full rehabilitation process for your new knee.

Rehabilitation and recovery

Short-term recovery from knee replacement surgery typically lasts eight to 12 weeks, with full recovery extending up to a year. 

This doesn’t mean you’ll have pain and limited function for the whole eight to 12 weeks. 

It refers to the full rehab process, which involves strengthening muscles, improving joint movement, and working on balance. 

Most moderate to severe pain should ease in four to six weeks and can be managed with medication.

What Factors Affect Your Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery?

Certain factors can impact how quickly you recover from knee replacement surgery. 

If you have any questions or concerns about the knee replacement surgery or the recovery process that follows, be sure to consult your doctor or physical therapist beforehand.

Type of knee replacement surgery

Total knee replacement surgery replaces the entire knee joint with artificial components, covering the surfaces of both the tibia and femur.

Recovery from this procedure typically takes six to 12 weeks, during which patients work on physical therapy to regain strength, mobility, and balance with their new artificial knee joint. 

Although the full rehabilitation process can extend up to a year, most patients can resume daily activities after a few months.

In contrast, partial knee replacement surgery replaces only one part of the knee joint, such as the inner knee, outer knee, or kneecap. 

Because this procedure is less invasive, recovery is generally quicker compared to a total knee replacement. You’ll often experience less post-surgery pain and can return to your normal routine sooner if you’ve had a partial knee replacement surgery.

Age and physical condition

Age plays a significant role in the recovery process. Older individuals generally need more time for their bodies to heal, while younger people tend to recover more quickly and easily — although they’re less likely to require total or partial knee replacement. 

Additionally, people with comorbidities or preexisting medical conditions will face longer recovery times, regardless of their age.

How Do You Prepare Your Home for Knee Surgery Recovery?

Before you have your knee surgery done, consider making changes to your home to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery process. 

Your doctor or physical therapist will advise you on the modifications you’ll likely require.

• Bathroom modifications: Install grab rails in the shower and next to the toilet for added stability. Consider using a raised toilet seat to make sitting and standing easier. A shower chair is also useful when your leg gets tired during bathing.

• Seating modifications: Choose chairs with firm, high seats, and armrests to save your knees from unnecessary strain while sitting or standing.

• Mobility aids: Use any prescribed walking aids, such as crutches or a walker, as advised by your physical therapist to assist with moving around the house and engaging in everyday activities.

• Stairs: Before leaving the hospital, you will be taught how to safely climb stairs to manage multi-level living areas. If you live in a house with a staircase, consider moving your bedroom to the ground floor during your recovery to avoid climbing stairs altogether. This will greatly reduce knee strain.

• Fall prevention: Remain under supervision during the first week after surgery, rest regularly, and gradually ease into everyday activities. Remove loose rugs and avoid holding onto furniture for support, as it could shift and increase your risk of falling.

What Happens After Knee Replacement Surgery

In-hospital care

After surgery, you'll be taken to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), where you'll feel drowsy but awake. The nursing staff will monitor you closely for any complications.

• Pain management: Nurses will administer pain medication as prescribed.

• Physical therapy: A therapist will begin gentle exercises and help you stand, encouraging early movement with an assistive device.

• Bowel and bladder care: You'll use a bedpan until you can safely move to the bathroom.

Discharge is usually possible within a couple of days if you're stable, with some therapists requiring a 90-degree knee bend before you go home.

At-home care

Medication  

• Prophylactic antibiotics: Usually cephalosporins like cefazolin are administered to prevent infections.

• OTC and prescription pain medication: Intravenous (IV) painkillers are used post-surgery, but oral meds are preferred once you’re stable. Common options include acetaminophen, opioids (morphine, tramadol), and anti-inflammatories (Celebrex, Diclofenac).

• Blood clot prevention: Enoxaparin (Clexane, Lovenox) helps prevent deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

What you can do  

• Ice therapy: This will decrease swelling, pain, and inflammation.  

• Elevation: Keeping your leg raised will assist with circulation, prevent clots, and decrease pain and swelling.

Physical therapy 

After a knee replacement, your new knee will only benefit you if you can use it properly. 

Physical therapy is essential to prevent joint stiffness, manage pain, and strengthen the surrounding muscles. 

Ideally, you'll visit your physical therapist at their gym, where they have the best equipment for your recovery. If that's not possible, they can come to your home and bring some equipment for the session.

Your therapy sessions will focus on functional activities, like walking to the bathroom, climbing stairs, moving in bed, and getting in and out of bed safely. 

These goals will be achieved by strengthening your knee muscles, improving your range of motion, and managing pain.

Wound care

Whenever a part of your body is opened, whether through surgery or injury, there’s always a risk of infection. It’s crucial to monitor your wound and report any signs of infection to your healthcare provider, such as increased pain, swelling, redness, or discharge of blood or pus.

Keep track of the following:

• The appearance of the dressing and the wound once the bandage is removed

• The wound’s size, shape, and borders (neat or irregular)

• Any oozing (color, consistency, and amount of discharge) or if the wound is dry

• Redness, swelling, or warmth around the wound

Tip: Take photos each time your bandage is changed to monitor your healing progress.

Prioritizing sleep and rest

Rest is just as vital as exercise in your recovery. Listen to your body — it will signal when to push yourself and when to take a break. Your physical therapist will guide you based on your strength and overall progress, helping you find the right balance.

What Should You Avoid Doing When Recovering from Knee Surgery?

Your doctor and physical therapist may recommend additional guidelines, but here are some basic rules to follow to ensure a smooth recovery from your knee replacement surgery:

DO:

• Continue your physical therapy once you’ve been discharged.

• Take your prescribed pain medication.

• Follow your physical therapist's advice.

• Consult your doctor if your pain is severe.

• Monitor your incision for signs of infection and report anything unusual.

DON’T:

• Stop using your assistive device until you’re cleared.

• Avoid everyday activities and gradually increase your strength to prevent stiffness.

When Should You See Your Doctor After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Before you are discharged, your surgeon will schedule a follow-up, usually two weeks after surgery. At this appointment, you'll get knee X-rays, and the surgeon will review them, examine your knee, and advise on movement, rest, and range of motion.

You’ll also want to contact your doctor if you notice the following:

• Infection or inflammation: If your wound is more painful than usual or begins oozing pus, notify your doctor.

• Excessive bleeding: Some blood on the bandage is normal, but active, ongoing bleeding should be reported.

• Too much pain: Consult your doctor if you cannot find any pain relief with the prescribed pain medication you’re using.

Where Can I Learn More About Knee Surgery and Recovery?

If you need guidance on how to prepare for knee surgery, or if you’re struggling with the rehabilitation journey after your surgery, LifeMD can help.

A team of healthcare professionals can advise you on the best way to care for your knee and they can prescribe the medication you need to relieve pain during your recovery.

Make your appointment today to take control of your health — all from the comfort of your own home.

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