Recovery time can vary depending on the individual and type of surgery that’s been done. It’s important to follow the advice the hospital gives you on looking after your knee.

After surgery

In the surgical ward, you may be given a switch that enables you to self-administer painkillers at a safe rate. You may also be given oxygen through a mask or tubes. If necessary, you’ll be given a blood transfusion.

You’ll have a large dressing on your knee to protect your wound. A tube may be put in place after the surgery to drain blood from the operation site and prevent it collecting inside the wound.

Your wound dressing will be changed regularly until it’s healed.

Best shoulder & Knee replacement in Jabalpur – Dr Brajesh Dadarya – ArthroMed Arthroscopy & Sports Injury Centre

How soon will I be up and about?

The staff will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If you’ve had keyhole surgery or are on an enhanced recovery program, you may be able to walk on the same day as your operation. Generally, you’ll be helped to stand within 12 to 24 hours after your operation.

Walking with a frame or crutches is encouraged. Most people are able to walk independently with sticks after about a week.

During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation. It’s important to follow the physiotherapist’s advice to avoid complications or dislocation of your new joint.

It’s normal to have initial discomfort while walking and exercising, and your legs and feet may be swollen.

You may be put on a passive motion machine to restore movement in your knee and leg. This support will slowly move your knee while you are in bed. It helps to decrease swelling by keeping your leg raised and helps improve your circulation.

Going home

You’ll usually be in hospital for around 2 to 3 days, depending on what progress you make and what type of knee replacement you have. Patients who have a partial knee replacement usually have a shorter hospital stay.

In some hospitals you may be able to go home on the same day.

Best shoulder & Knee replacement in Jabalpur – Dr Brajesh Dadarya – ArthroMed Arthroscopy & Sports Injury Centre

Recovering at home

You may feel extremely tired at first and the muscles and tissues surrounding your new knee will take time to heal. Follow the advice of the surgical team and call your GP if you have any particular worries or queries.

After you’re discharged from hospital, you may be eligible for up to 6 weeks of home help and there may be aids that can help you. You may also want to arrange for someone to help you for a week or so.

The exercises your physiotherapist gives you are an important part of your recovery. It’s essential you continue with them once you’re at home. Your rehabilitation will be monitored by a physiotherapist.

How long will it be before I feel normal?

You should be able to stop using your crutches or walking frame and resume normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to 3 months for pain and swelling to settle down. It can take up to a year for any leg swelling to disappear.

Your new knee will continue to recover for up to 2 years after your operation. During this time, scar tissue will heal, and muscles can be restored by exercise.

Even after you have recovered, it’s best to avoid extreme movements or sports where there’s a risk of falling, such as skiing or mountain biking. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can advise you.