• Timeline for Returning to “Normal” Following Knee Replacement Surgery
• What Do I Need at Home After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Have you recently undergone knee replacement surgery, or are you considering this procedure?

Knee replacement surgery has become increasingly common, with over 600,000 procedures performed annually in the United States alone. With a growing number of individuals opting for this procedure, questions about what to expect afterward are common.

Understanding the recovery journey is important for a successful recovery. Here is a look at the timeline for recovery from knee replacement surgery and what you should expect. 

One Hour After Surgery

The type of anesthesia used significantly impacts the postoperative experience during the first hour following knee surgery.

After knee replacement surgery, patients can typically expect mild to moderate pain levels to be effectively controlled within the first hour post-surgery if the procedure is executed optimally under spinal anesthesia, complemented by a regional nerve block, and incorporates preemptive perioperative and intraoperative pain medication. 

During this period, patients may still find themselves in the recovery room. Here, a dedicated recovery room nurse will administer pain control medications, focusing on applying ice and elevating the knee to mitigate swelling.

One Week After Surgery

Most patients are discharged on the day of surgery, and you can anticipate being at home within a day post-surgery. Walking with a walker or cane is typically achievable the first few days for patients after knee replacement.

Pain expectations vary in different scenarios of knee replacement recovery:

• Moderate pain may be experienced during non-exercise periods.
• Severe pain may occur during knee range-of-motion exercises.

Cold therapy, using ice or a designated ice delivery device, is part of postoperative care for the knee. Gentle compression at the surgical site, facilitated by a bandage or compression-type stocking, is advised.

Surprisingly, negotiating stairs at home is feasible within one week after surgery.

Independence in getting in and out of bed, as well as walking outdoors, is expected.

Normal activities may take longer to resume, requiring increased patience for tasks like:

• Taking a Shower
• Getting Dressed
• Preparing Simple Meals
• Moving From a Seated or Lying Position to a Standing Position

Swelling

One week after surgery, patients may experience swelling in the leg and some bruising or redness around the incision area. Incisions might be mildly oozing but should resolve independently. 

Pain and Disrupted Sleep

At one week post-surgery, patients may experience disrupted sleep due to knee pain. This discomfort is part of the healing process and will resolve over time. Daytime pain is reasonably controlled without knee-stretching exercises. Fatigue and discomfort during exercises will gradually diminish as the knee heals.

One Month After Surgery

At the one-month mark, the disturbance in your sleep pattern may persist, but the incision should be scaring down, and you shouldn’t observe any drainage. While leg swelling might continue, engaging in community activities is important. However, patients can venture into the community with assistance, and some may even return to part-time work, depending on the nature of their job.

Desk-based roles may resume part-time work around one month post-op, while those with more physically demanding jobs need additional recovery time. Physical therapy is an integral part of recovery, typically continuing for six weeks. Successful patients view therapists as coaches and cheerleaders who push and encourage them to full range of motion and muscle strength. Transitioning from rehabilitation exercises to fitness-oriented exercises is a positive sign of progress.

Three Months After Surgery

At the three-month mark after knee replacement surgery, anticipate the following:

• Your recovering knee may feel warmer to the touch than the other knee, which is normal.
• Some minor stiffness in the knee might still be present.
• You could experience occasional aching or swelling, particularly after prolonged periods of sitting or upon waking.
• Walking without the aid of a cane or walker should be achievable.
• Your sleeping pattern is expected to have returned to normal.
• You can resume work regardless of the nature of your vocation (sitting vs. standing).

Exercise becomes part of your routine again, with patients transitioning to more fitness-oriented activities as they are no longer in physical therapy. As part of this recovery phase, patients can gradually incorporate outdoor bicycle riding or use a stationary bike to increase stamina and strength.

When it comes to climbing stairs, gaining confidence is key.  While still recovering, patients should start with a”two-step gait” when descending stairs: placing one foot down, followed by the next foot on the same step. While using a railing for support is advisable when descending, ascending stairs should be more accessible.

One Year After Surgery

As patients approach the one-year mark after knee replacement surgery, they eagerly anticipate the long-awaited phase of full recovery. Patients should recover from a functional range of motion and minimal pain standpoint by one year. It’s normal to experience some numbness in the skin outside the incision, resulting in tiny nerves being cut during the incision-making process. Although the numb area will diminish in size, it won’t always fully regain sensation.

New Sounds

Patients may notice sensations like clicking in the knee, which is typical after knee replacement surgery. With its metal and plastic surfaces, the replaced knee can produce painless clicking during normal movement and function.

Kneeling and Squatting

Certain positions or actions may cause discomfort in the knee at this stage. Patients might feel differences in:

• Deep Knee Bends or Squats
• Kneeling (Possible but Uncomfortable)
• Transitioning From a Kneeling or Squatting Position (May Require Arms for Support)
• Bending Down to the Level of Small Children

Additionally, the knee might still be slightly warm to the touch compared to the other knee, with studies indicating that this warmth may persist for up to one and a half years after surgery.

What Do I Need at Home After Knee Replacement?

After knee replacement surgery, preparing for what to expect includes ensuring you have the necessary supplies for icing your operative knee. Be proactive by having ample ice ready, whether by placing a bag in your freezer, purchasing over-the-counter cool gel packs, or confirming your refrigerator’s ice machine is in proper working order before the procedure. Important Items for Post-Knee Surgery:

• Adjustable Cane
• Walker
• Raised Toilet Seat (Preferably With Armrests)
• Shower Seat or Shower Chair
• Long-Handled Shoe Horn
• Sock Donner
• Long-Handled Graspers/Reachers

Recovery after knee replacement surgery involves various stages, each demanding patience and commitment. Are you still concerned or ready to start the process of “pain-free” steps? Schedule an appointment at Orlando Orthopaedic Center today. Your path to a pain-free, active lifestyle begins here.