Recovery

How to recover from a knee replacement

It may take several months or longer to fully recover from a knee replacement. This can vary depending on your age and general health.

Recovery for a partial knee replacement should be shorter than a total knee replacement.

It's important to follow the advice the hospital gives you on looking after your knee to have a good recovery.

Recovering in hospital

After the operation, you'll spend some time in a recovery room where you may be given medicines to help with the pain.

You'll continue to have painkillers in the days after the operation as your knee will be sore.

You'll have help from nurses and physiotherapists to start walking soon after the operation so you can go home as soon as possible. You'll need crutches or a walking frame at first.

Recovering at home

You can usually go home if there are no signs of complications following your surgery and you are able to safely get around using crutches. If this is the case, then you'll usually leave the hospital 1 to 4 days after the operation.

Before you leave, you'll usually be given compression stockings to wear to prevent blood clots.

A physiotherapist or occupational therapist will talk to you about managing daily activities and home exercise programmes. Following the exercises early on in your recovery will help with the long-term strength and movement in your knee.

A nurse will take out your stitches or clips after about 10 days. You'll also have a follow-up appointment about 6 weeks after the operation to check you're recovering well.

Do

use crutches or walking sticks at first - go down to one crutch then a walking stick when you feel confident
try walking without an aid after about 6 weeks if you feel ready
make sure you wear your compression stockings at all times and only take them off to wash them - most people have to wear them for at least 6 weeks
wait at least 6 weeks to drive again if you've had a total knee replacement or 3 weeks if you've had a partial knee replacement - check with your doctor that you're fit to drive
avoid twisting your knee, bending down and reaching up as much as possible
follow the exercises your physiotherapist has recommended as these will help your recovery and prevent complications
keep your leg raised as much as possible to reduce swelling
return to work when you feel ready - this is usually after about 6 to 12 weeks but will depend on the type of work you do

Don't

do not sit with your legs crossed for the first 6 weeks
do not sleep with a pillow under your knee (you do not need to sleep in a special position after the operation)
do not kneel on your new knee until your doctor says you can
do not stand for long periods of time as this could cause swelling in your ankles
do not do household tasks that involve lifting or moving anything heavy for the first 3 months, like vacuuming or carrying shopping

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