Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline: What to Expect Week by Week

01Hospital

In hospital: days 1–3

• You will usually stand and take your first steps on the day of surgery or the next day.
• A physical therapist teaches exercises to bend and straighten the knee and to activate the thigh muscles.
• Pain is controlled with a combination of medicines; tell staff if it is not manageable.
• You will learn to use a frame, crutches or sticks and to climb stairs safely.
• Blood clot prevention may include injections, tablets and stockings.
• Most people go home within one to three days.

02Weeks 1-2

Weeks 1 to 2

• Focus on exercises several times a day, walking short distances often and managing swelling.
• Use ice packs (wrapped) and elevate the leg to reduce swelling.
• Aim to straighten the knee fully and bend it to about 90 degrees.
• Stitches or clips are usually removed around 10–14 days.
• Expect bruising, warmth and swelling; these are normal.
• Sleep can be disturbed; taking pain relief before bed helps.

03Weeks 3-6

Weeks 3 to 6

• Walking becomes easier and many people move from two crutches to one or none.
• Bending usually improves toward 100–110 degrees.
• Outpatient physical therapy builds strength, balance and walking.
• Many people return to driving around six weeks, once they can bend the knee enough and perform an emergency stop; check with your surgeon and insurer.
• Desk-based work is often possible from four to six weeks.
• Swelling may increase after activity and settle overnight.

04Months 2-3

Months 2 to 3

• Most daily activities become comfortable.
• You can usually walk longer distances, swim (once the wound is fully healed) and cycle on an exercise bike.
• Strength and balance exercises progress; stairs become more normal.
• More physical jobs may need three months or longer before returning.
• Some stiffness and swelling, especially at the end of the day, are still common.

05Year

Months 3 to 12

Recovery continues for up to a year. Swelling gradually settles, strength improves and the knee feels more natural. Many people return to golf, doubles tennis, hiking and dancing. High-impact activities such as running and jumping sports are usually discouraged to protect the implant, although advice varies. Some clicking sounds from the implant are normal. About 8 in 10 people are satisfied with their result, with better outcomes in those who keep up their exercises.

06Exercises

Key exercises after knee replacement

• Ankle pumps: move the feet up and down to help circulation, 20 times every hour.
• Quad sets: tighten the thigh to push the back of the knee down, hold 5 seconds, 10 times.
• Straight leg raises: lift the straight leg a few centimetres, 10 times.
• Heel slides: bend the knee by sliding the heel toward you, 10 times.
• Seated knee bends: slide the foot under the chair, 10 times.
• Knee straightening: rest the heel on a rolled towel to let the knee straighten, 5–10 minutes.
• Walking several times a day, gradually increasing distance.
• Your physical therapist will progress these to step-ups, mini squats and balance work.

07Pain

Pain, swelling and stiffness

Pain is highest in the first weeks and usually improves steadily. Take pain relief regularly at first so that you can do your exercises. Swelling can persist for months; ice, elevation and compression help. Stiffness is the most common problem after knee replacement: if you are not reaching about 90 degrees of bend by six weeks, tell your team, as early intervention helps. Some people have pain behind or around the knee from muscles adapting to new movement; our guide to a pulled muscle behind the knee explains related problems.

08Home

Preparing your home

• Remove trip hazards such as loose rugs and cables.
• Arrange a firm, high chair with armrests.
• Put frequently used items within easy reach.
• Consider a raised toilet seat and a shower chair.
• Prepare meals in advance and arrange help for the first weeks.
• Have ice packs ready in the freezer.

09Cases

Three common situations

• Three weeks after surgery and the knee is very swollen in the evening: normal; elevate, ice and pace activity, but report heat, redness or calf pain.
• Six weeks and the knee only bends to 80 degrees: contact your physical therapist or surgeon; extra therapy may be needed.
• Four months and wanting to play golf: many people return to golf around three to six months; ask your surgeon.

10Summary

Key points to remember

• Walking starts within a day; most go home in one to three days.
• Most daily activities return by six to twelve weeks.
• Swelling and stiffness can last months; full recovery takes up to a year.
• Regular exercises are the most important part of recovery.