Knee Replacement Recovery Guide
Recovery from knee replacement surgery follows a predictable timeline. This guide covers what to expect week by week, plus tips for the best possible outcome.
Recovery Timeline
| Phase | Timeline | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Hospital Stay | Days 1-5 | Pain management, first PT sessions, walking with walker |
| Early Home Recovery | Weeks 1-3 | Walker/cane use, daily PT exercises, swelling management |
| Intermediate Recovery | Weeks 4-12 | Walking without aid, increasing strength, return to driving |
| Advanced Recovery | Months 3-6 | Full range of motion, normal walking, light recreational activity |
| Full Recovery | 6-12 months | Full strength, return to all activities, final outcome achieved |
Essential Recovery Tips
- Ice and elevate — Reduce swelling with ice 3-4x daily for 20 minutes
- Do your exercises — Compliance with PT is the #1 predictor of good outcomes
- Watch for infection signs — Redness, warmth, fever, or increased pain — contact your surgeon immediately
- Avoid high-impact activities — Running and jumping are typically not recommended after knee replacement
Level 4 detail page: /recovery-guide/orthopedic/knee-replacement/
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