What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery?

by | Jul 26, 2025 | Knee

what to expect after knee replacement surgery

Knee replacement surgery is one of the most effective ways to relieve chronic knee pain, restore mobility, and improve quality of life, especially for patients with advanced arthritis or joint damage.

While the idea of surgery can feel daunting, knowing what to expect at each stage of recovery can make the process much smoother and less overwhelming.

Thanks to advances in surgical techniques, many patients now go home the same day of their operation and begin walking with support within hours.

Recovery is gradual, but with the right support and rehabilitation, most people return to daily activities, work, and even low-impact sports over time.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect after knee replacement surgery, from day one through the months that follow, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.

1. Immediately After Surgery (Hospital or Day Surgery)

Knee replacement surgery typically takes 1 to 2 hours and is most often performed under general anaesthetic. With modern techniques, many patients are able to go home the same day, provided they’re stable and mobile enough to do so safely.

Here’s what to expect in the first few hours after your procedure:

  • Recovery Room: After surgery, you’ll be monitored in a recovery area until you’re fully awake and your vital signs are stable.
  • Pain Management: You’ll be given medications to control pain and reduce inflammation. Discomfort is expected but manageable with proper care.
  • Mobility Starts Early: A physiotherapist will help you begin gentle movement, often within hours of surgery. You may stand or take your first few steps using crutches or a walker.
  • Preventing Complications: Blood clot prevention is a key priority, you may be given compression stockings, blood thinners, or leg exercises to do in bed.
  • Discharge Criteria: If you’re medically stable, mobile with assistance, and can manage pain at home, you may be discharged the same day. Some patients may stay overnight if needed.

Although progress may feel slow, getting up and moving early helps reduce complications and sets the tone for a successful recovery.

2. The First Week at Home

The first week after surgery is all about rest, gentle movement, and setting up good habits for recovery. While you’ll likely still need help around the house, most patients make noticeable progress even within these early days.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Crutches or Walking Aids: You’ll be walking with crutches or a walker to support your balance and protect the new joint. Gradual weight-bearing is encouraged unless otherwise instructed.
  • Pain & Swelling Management: Swelling around the knee is normal and can be managed with ice packs, elevation, and medication. Pain should become more manageable each day.
  • Wound Care: Keep the surgical dressing clean and dry. Watch for signs of infection like redness, drainage, or fever.
  • Physiotherapy Begins: You’ll likely start basic exercises at home or with a physiotherapist to maintain motion and prevent stiffness. Bending and straightening the knee is especially important.
  • Everyday Tasks: You’ll need support for daily tasks like dressing, getting in and out of bed, or using the bathroom. Setting up a safe, clutter-free environment is essential.
  • Sleep & Fatigue: Sleep may be disrupted due to discomfort or limited positions. Napping and short rest periods throughout the day are common and helpful.

It’s a week of small victories, standing up more easily, walking a little farther, or regaining some flexibility. Patience and consistency are key.

3. Weeks 2–6: Mobility and Range of Motion

This phase marks a turning point in your recovery. While the knee may still feel stiff or swollen, your movement and strength will noticeably improve with daily exercises and physiotherapy.

Here’s what to expect during this stage:

  • Walking Becomes Easier: You’ll gradually transition from crutches or a walker to using a cane, or possibly walking unaided for short distances by the end of this period.
  • Physiotherapy Focus: Your therapist will help you focus on:
    • Knee flexion and extension (bending and straightening)
    • Muscle activation (especially quadriceps and hamstrings)
    • Balance and coordination
  • Daily Activity Returns: You may begin doing more around the house, including cooking, light cleaning, and walking outdoors on level surfaces.
  • Managing Swelling and Fatigue: Swelling and tightness may still occur after activity. Regular icing and elevation can help, along with pacing your day.
  • Driving: Many patients are cleared to drive during this period, typically around weeks 4 to 6, depending on the leg operated on and your reaction times.

The goal of this stage is to restore your range of motion and set a strong foundation for full function in the months ahead. Regular, guided exercises are essential.

4. Weeks 6–12: Building Strength & Independence

By this stage, you’ll likely feel more stable, confident, and capable in your day-to-day movements. The focus now shifts toward rebuilding strength and regaining independence.

Here’s what to expect:

  • Walking Without Aids: Most patients are walking without crutches or a cane by this point, though some may still use a stick for longer distances or uneven ground.
  • Improved Function: You’ll find it easier to climb stairs, stand for longer periods, and move more fluidly throughout the day.
  • Physiotherapy Progresses: Rehab becomes more dynamic, focusing on:
    • Strengthening leg muscles
    • Improving knee control during walking and stairs
    • Balance, endurance, and low-impact activity (e.g. stationary cycling, pool exercises)
  • Returning to Work: If your job is sedentary, you may return during this period. More physically demanding roles may require a bit more time.
  • More Independent Living: You may resume light household chores, shopping, and social outings, with awareness of your limits.

While it may not feel like a full recovery just yet, this stage often brings a noticeable boost in confidence, movement, and quality of life.

5. 3 Months and Beyond

At this stage, most patients feel a significant improvement in both pain and mobility. While healing continues behind the scenes, many people return to normal routines, and start enjoying a much more active life.

Here’s what typically happens:

  • Daily Life Feels Easier: Walking, standing, and going up and down stairs should feel more natural and less tiring.
  • Return to Activities: Many patients resume low-impact activities like walking, swimming, cycling, and gardening. These are great for maintaining joint health and overall fitness.
  • Full Recovery Timeline: While the majority of progress occurs in the first 3 to 6 months, complete healing and strengthening can continue for up to 12 months.
  • Improved Sleep & Energy: With reduced pain, patients often report better sleep quality and more energy during the day.
  • Ongoing Strength & Flexibility Work: Continuing light exercises or attending occasional physio sessions can help maintain joint function long-term.

Everyone recovers at a different pace, but by the 3-month mark and beyond, most patients are no longer thinking about their knee, they’re simply getting on with life.

6. Things to Watch Out For

While most knee replacement recoveries go smoothly, it’s important to monitor your progress and be aware of warning signs that may indicate a complication.

Here’s what to look out for:

Infection

  • Redness, swelling, or warmth around the incision
  • Unusual drainage or a foul smell
  • Fever or chills

Blood Clots (Deep Vein Thrombosis)

  • Swelling or pain in the calf or thigh
  • Skin that feels hot or looks red
  • Sudden shortness of breath (could indicate a pulmonary embolism)

Persistent or Worsening Pain:

  • Pain that increases instead of gradually improving
  • Sudden sharp pain when walking or standing

Knee Instability or Stiffness

  • A feeling that the knee might give way
  • Difficulty straightening or bending the knee past a certain point, even with physio

Clicking, Grinding, or Unusual Sensations

  • Occasional clicking is common early on, but unusual movement or instability should be assessed

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially signs of infection or clotting, contact your surgeon or GP promptly. Early treatment can prevent more serious problems and keep your recovery on track.

7. Long-Term Outlook

Knee replacement surgery offers long-term relief from chronic joint pain and stiffness, and for many patients, it restores the freedom to move, work, and enjoy life again.

Here’s what you can expect long term:

  • Implant Lifespan: Modern knee implants are designed to last 15 to 20 years or more, especially with proper care and activity choices.
  • Sustained Pain Relief: Most patients experience lasting pain reduction and improved joint function compared to pre-surgery.
  • Low-Impact Activities Encouraged: Walking, swimming, cycling, and even golf are safe and recommended. These help maintain strength without overstressing the joint.
  • High-Impact Sports Discouraged: Activities like running, jumping, or contact sports can wear out the implant faster and increase the risk of injury.
  • Ongoing Maintenance: While no special equipment is usually required, staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can help prolong the life of the implant.
  • Check-Ups: You may have periodic follow-up appointments or imaging (X-rays) to monitor the implant and surrounding bone.

With the right approach, your new knee can provide decades of mobility, stability, and comfort.

Conclusion

Recovering from knee replacement surgery takes time, consistency, and patience, but the results can be life-changing. With modern surgical techniques and a structured rehabilitation plan, most patients regain mobility, reduce pain, and return to a more active and independent lifestyle.

From same-day discharge and early movement with crutches to returning to sport or work within a few months, each stage of recovery plays an important role in your long-term outcome. While every journey is unique, the vast majority of patients find the effort well worth it.

If you’re considering knee replacement surgery or are already preparing for it, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mr Mark Webb’s team for personalised guidance and support.