Total Knee Replacement Surgery Recovery

According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, more than 90 percent of people who have total knee replacement surgery benefit from dramatically reduced knee pain and improved ability to do their normal activities. To achieve the desired results, follow the recovery recommendations of your doctor.

Early Movement

• Knee replacement surgery usually requires you stay in the hospital several days after surgery. The staff typically will have you moving your knee and walking as immediately after surgery as possible. A physical therapist may fit you with a continuous passive motion exercise machine to slowly extend and bend your knee.

Diet

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, you may experience some appetite loss for several weeks after surgery. However, it's important to maintain a balanced diet, often with an iron supplement, to promote recovery.

Exercise

• Exercise is essential for total knee replacement surgery recovery, especially in the first few weeks after surgery. Usually, you can return to most normal activities of daily living in three to six weeks after surgery, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

Considerations

• Your doctor will also give you suggestions about preventing infections and blood clots and about aides (walker, crutches) to prevent falling and when you can safely stop using them.

Expert Insight

• According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, your doctor may suggest that you avoid some types of activity, including jogging and high-impact sports, for the rest of your life.