Knee Replacement Surgery and Recovery Time: What to Expect Before and After Surgery

Knee pain can make walking, climbing stairs, or even standing a painful experience. For many people, especially older adults or those with joint problems, knee replacement surgery becomes the best solution. This medical procedure helps reduce pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life. 

In this guide, you’ll learn what knee replacement surgery is, who needs it, and what to expect from the process. Whether you’re planning the surgery or just exploring options, this article offers helpful and easy-to-understand information.

What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a procedure where a damaged or worn-out knee joint is replaced with an artificial joint made of metal and plastic. It is most commonly done to relieve severe pain caused by arthritis, injuries, or joint diseases that do not improve with other treatments.

During the surgery:

• The surgeon removes the damaged bone and cartilage from the thigh bone, shin bone, and kneecap.
• The removed parts are replaced with a smooth, artificial joint.
• This new joint allows the knee to move properly again and reduces pain significantly.
  

The surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours and is done under anesthesia. Most patients can go home within a few days, depending on their recovery speed.

Types of Knee Replacement (Partial vs. Total)

There are two main types of knee replacement surgery:

Total Knee Replacement (TKR)

This is the most common type. In total knee replacement:

• The surgeon replaces the entire knee joint.
• Both sides of the joint (femur and tibia) and sometimes the kneecap are replaced.
• It’s usually recommended for people with severe arthritis or joint damage throughout the knee.
  

Partial Knee Replacement (PKR)

In this type:

• Only the damaged part of the knee is replaced.
• The rest of the joint is kept intact.
• This option is for patients whose knee damage is limited to one area (usually the inside or outside part of the knee).
  

Partial knee replacement usually involves a shorter recovery time, less pain after surgery, and better knee movement. However, not everyone is a good candidate for PKR — your doctor will decide based on your knee’s condition.

Who Needs Knee Replacement?

Knee replacement is usually recommended when the knee joint is damaged badly and other treatments like medication, injections, or physiotherapy don’t work. The most common causes include:

• Osteoarthritis: The most frequent reason for knee surgery. This condition wears down the cartilage in the knee, causing pain and stiffness.
• Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints and damages the cartilage.
• Post-Traumatic Arthritis: This happens after a serious knee injury or fracture that damages the cartilage over time.
• Joint Deformity: Conditions like bowed legs or knock knees can lead to uneven pressure on the knee joint, causing damage.
  

If walking, bending, or climbing stairs becomes too painful, these conditions may require knee replacement surgery.

When to Consider Surgery

You may need knee replacement surgery if:

• You have chronic knee pain that doesn’t get better with rest or medication.
• Daily activities like walking, standing, or getting out of a chair are difficult.
• You feel stiffness or swelling in the knee that limits your movement.
• You’ve tried treatments like painkillers, physical therapy, or injections but saw no improvement.
• Your knee pain affects your sleep or mood regularly.
• X-rays or MRI scans show severe joint damage or bone-on-bone contact.
  

Your doctor will consider your pain level, knee function, age, and overall health before suggesting surgery. It’s always a good idea to discuss all treatment options before making a final decision.

How to Prepare for Knee Replacement Surgery

Pre-Surgery Medical Evaluation

Before surgery, your doctor will perform a complete medical checkup to make sure you are healthy enough for the procedure. This may include:

• Blood tests
• X-rays or an MRI of the knee
• Heart and lung function tests
  Reviewing your current medications
  

Your surgeon may also ask you to stop smoking, lose excess weight, or manage conditions like diabetes or high blood pressure. These steps help lower the risk of complications during and after surgery.

Home Preparation and Support

Getting your home ready before the surgery can make recovery much easier. Here are some tips:

• Arrange help from a family member or caregiver for the first few weeks.
• Set up your living space so that everything you need is on one floor (avoid stairs if possible).
• Install safety items like handrails in the bathroom, a raised toilet seat, or a shower chair.
• Prepare meals in advance and keep frequently used items within easy reach.
• Use a walker or crutches as advised by your doctor.
  

Making these preparations reduces stress and helps you stay safe while recovering.

Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline

First Week After Surgery

In the first few days:

• You may feel pain and swelling around the knee.
• The medical team will encourage gentle movement and physical therapy soon after surgery.
• You’ll begin walking with the help of a walker.
• Medications will help manage pain and prevent blood clots.
  

Most patients stay in the hospital for 1–3 days, depending on their health and progress.

2 to 6 Weeks Post-Surgery

This is a critical phase of recovery:

• You’ll continue physical therapy to improve knee movement and strength.
• Swelling and bruising will gradually decrease.
• Most patients can walk short distances without a walker by week 4–6.
• You may return to basic daily activities like bathing and dressing.
  

3 to 6 Months Recovery Milestones

During this period:

• Your knee should feel stronger and more stable.
• Pain will be much less or completely gone.
• You can resume many normal activities, such as walking without support, climbing stairs, or light household work.
• Continued exercise and physiotherapy are essential to regain full function.
  

Many people return to work around 8 to 12 weeks after surgery, depending on the type of job.

When You Can Resume Daily Activities

Most patients can:

• Drive a car by 6–8 weeks
• Walk independently by 3 months
• Return to low-impact sports or light exercise by 4–6 months
• Resume full normal activity (except high-impact sports) by 6–12 months

Recovery speed depends on your age, overall health, and how consistently you follow your rehab plan.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Physical Therapy & Exercise

One of the most important keys to a successful recovery is regular physical therapy. It helps:

• Increase flexibility and range of motion
• Strengthen muscles around the knee
• Improve walking and balance
  

You’ll likely receive a personalized exercise program. Following it daily will give you the best results.

Healthy Diet and Rest

Your body needs nutrients to heal. Eat a balanced diet with:

• Protein-rich foods (eggs, fish, lean meat)
• Fruits and vegetables
• Foods rich in calcium and vitamin D
  

Drink enough water and avoid processed junk food. Also, ensure you get plenty of rest to let your body recover naturally.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

To speed up recovery and avoid problems:

• Don’t skip physical therapy sessions
• Don’t push through pain—listen to your body
• Avoid high-impact activities too early
• Don’t sit or lie in bed all day—gentle movement helps healing
  Take medications as prescribed
  

Following your doctor’s instructions is the best way to avoid delays or complications.

Risks and Complications

Common Side Effects

Knee replacement surgery is generally safe, but like any major procedure, it comes with some risks. The most common side effects include:

• Pain and swelling around the knee
• Bruising at the incision site
• Stiffness or tightness during early recovery
• Fatigue or weakness from limited movement
  

Most of these issues go away within a few weeks as you heal and follow your rehab plan.

When to Call a Doctor

Sometimes, symptoms may signal a serious problem. Call your doctor if you experience:

• Fever or chills (sign of infection)
• Redness or warmth around the incision that gets worse
• Increased pain or swelling that doesn’t improve
  Bleeding or pus from the surgical wound
• Difficulty breathing or chest pain (may indicate a blood clot)
  

Early treatment helps prevent bigger problems, so don’t ignore these warning signs.

Final Thoughts on Knee Surgery Recovery

While most people feel much better within a few months, full recovery from knee replacement surgery can take 6 to 12 months. This timeline depends on your:

• Age and overall health
• Type of surgery (partial or total)
• Commitment to physical therapy
• Post-surgery care and lifestyle
  

Staying active, eating well, and following your doctor’s advice can help speed up your recovery. Once healed, an artificial knee can last 15 to 20 years or longer. Most people:

• Walk without pain
• Climb stairs easily
• Return to normal daily activities
• Enjoy a better quality of life

FAQ: Knee Replacement Surgery and Recovery