Knee replacement surgery is the most successful orthopedic procedure with nearly 700,000 surgeries performed every year in the US.1 It can bring tremendous relief from chronic pain and help you regain mobility. Knowing what to expect during recovery can help you better prepare for the journey ahead. Here’s a guide to what you can anticipate, including when you may resume activities like driving, returning to work, and more.
First Days: Managing Pain and Swelling
Immediately after surgery, you’ll likely experience some pain, swelling, and stiffness in the knee. This is normal and manageable with prescribed pain medications, ice, and elevation. You should start your exercises and physical therapy on the day of surgery as these will help with circulation and prevent stiffness.
First Weeks: Starting Physical Therapy and Basic Movement
Physical therapy starts soon after surgery to help you regain knee motion and strengthen muscles. During these weeks, you’ll be guided through exercises you can also do at home to improve mobility and flexibility. All patients should walk with support, like a walker or cane, within the first week or two.
Resuming Driving and Desk Jobs
Most patients can begin driving again in about two weeks after a left knee replacement and four weeks after a right knee replacement. However, in addition to the time frame, you should also be off narcotics and “feel” safe to drive.
Returning to Desk Jobs
If you work at a desk job, you may be able to return within four to six weeks, depending on your pain levels and ability to sit comfortably, and how quickly you heal.
Returning to Desk Jobs Manual Labor or Active Jobs
For more physically demanding jobs, such as those involving lifting or prolonged standing, it may take two to three months or more to safely return to work. I do not recommend high-impact activities or heavy labor work after a joint replacement because it increases the chance that the implant will wear out or loosen over time.
Full Recovery: Three to Six Months and Beyond
By four months after surgery, most people can resume low-impact activities and hobbies with significantly less pain and are 95% recovered. Full recovery can take up to one year.. Commitment to physical therapy and proper self-care, especially weight control, will help ensure a lasting, successful outcome from your knee replacement surgery.
According to research, over 90% of knee replacements remain in good working condition after 15 years, and nearly 82% of total knee replacements are still effective even 25 years after surgery.2 If knee pain is negatively impacting your life, book an appointment with us to find out if you are a candidate for this life-changing procedure.
AUTHOR: Dr. Eddie El-Yussif is a Board-Certified Fellowship-Trained Orthopedic Surgeon and Fellow of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons specializing in Knee Surgery, serving the greater Detroit area.
Reference:
1.https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement
2.https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(18)32531-5/fulltext