What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery?

By Medical Expert Team

Jan 24 , 2019 | 5 min read

Knee replacement surgery, also known as knee arthroplasty, is a highly effective procedure to relieve chronic knee pain and improve mobility. A healthy and strong knee is vital for mobility and performing many other tasks. But like other parts and joints of the body, the knees too will experience issues like pains, injuries, etc. These can severely impact the knee and make it difficult for the person to perform even mundane tasks like walking, climbing stairs, sitting in a chair, or getting out of it.

In many cases, the pain can be overcome through medication and therapy. But if the pain is severe and medication is having no effect, the patient will be advised to undergo a knee replacement surgery. Knee replacement is very beneficial. There are several types of knee surgery, including:

Total knee replacement (TKR)
Partial knee replacement (PKR)
Kneecap replacement (patellofemoral arthroplasty)
Complex or revision knee replacement

Besides mitigating the pain, it will also help the patient lead a normal life. But it is important to undergo surgery from reputed hospitals like BLK-Max that have highly capable doctors and state-of-the-art medical infrastructure.

This guide will walk you through what to expect after knee replacement surgery, covering recovery phases, pain management strategies, physical therapy, and tips to get back to normal life faster.

When should Knee Replacement Surgery be Done?

To relieve knee pain, doctors will suggest treatments like physical therapy, reducing weight, acupuncture, and medications.

When other forms of treatment are ineffective, the surgeon will suggest a knee replacement operation. Through X-rays, the doctor will determine the damage to the knee and the type of surgery that is required.
Knee replacement is usually undertaken when the knee joint is damaged and is beyond repair.
People suffering from knee pains find it difficult to walk and suffer from pains even when they are sleeping or resting.
Some conditions that can cause knee pains include:

Gout
Hemophilia
Knee injury
Knee deformity
Rheumatoid arthritis
Osteoarthritis

What to Expect After Knee Replacement Surgery?

1. Immediate Post-Surgery: The First 24 Hours

Hospital Stay: The patient will be advised to stay in the hospital for 1-3 days so that their condition can be monitored.
Pain Management: Expect some pain and swelling. Doctors will provide medications, including opioids, NSAIDs, or local anesthetics.
Early Mobilization: You may be encouraged to stand or walk (with assistance) a few hours post-surgery to prevent blood clots.

2. The First Week After Surgery: Home Care and Recovery

Wound Care: Keep the surgical area clean and dry. Change dressings as instructed.
Pain and Swelling: Continue with prescribed pain medications and use ice packs to reduce inflammation.
Movement & Activity: Use a walker or crutches to move safely. Avoid overexerting the joint.
Warning Signs: Watch for infection symptoms like fever, redness, or unusual swelling.

3. Weeks 2–6: Rehabilitation & Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Begins: Regular therapy is crucial to regain strength and flexibility. Exercises will focus on improving knee movement and muscle support.
Pain Reduction: Pain levels will gradually decrease, though mild discomfort may persist.
Milestones: You’ll likely transition from a walker to a cane as mobility improves.

4. Long-Term Recovery: 3–6 Months Post-Surgery

Increased Activity: By this time, you should experience improved mobility and reduced pain. Activities like walking, swimming, and cycling are encouraged.
Therapy Progress: Exercises will focus on regaining full range of motion and building endurance.
Resuming Normal Life: Most individuals can return to work (depending on the type) and normal daily activities within 6–12 weeks.

Pain after the Surgery

It is normal to experience pain after knee or joint replacement. Some people experience stiffness in the knee. But there are ways to reduce stiffness and pain.

Regularly taking prescribed medication
Applying an ice pack over the affected area will relieve you of the pain.
Exercise is also necessary to not skip. Since it is a new knee, it will initially be difficult for you to kneel, jump, run, etc. However, exercise will enhance flexibility, increase endurance, and build bone mass. Exercising for around 30 minutes every day will strengthen your bones and help you return to your regular life.

Tips for a Smooth Recovery After Knee Replacement Surgery

Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Adhere to medications, physiotherapy, and activity restrictions.
Stay Active but Don’t Overdo It: Gradually increase movement while avoiding strain.
Maintain a Balanced Diet: Foods rich in protein, vitamins, and calcium help healing.
Manage Swelling: Use ice therapy and elevate your leg when resting.
Be Patient: Recovery is gradual, and progress varies among individuals.
Ensure Home Safety:

Install handrails and safety bars in bathrooms.
Remove rugs or carpets to avoid slipping.
Use crutches or a cane for added support.

Things to Consider After Knee Surgery

Post-surgery, it is necessary to take precautions to avoid damage to the knee.

You should walk every day.
In case of swelling, raise your leg for some time twice a day.
Get proper training and support from a physiotherapist (physical therapist) so that you do not damage your knee while walking.
Do not put heavy objects on your knee and never sit cross-legged. The more you care for your knee, the faster it will heal.

Risks Associated with Surgery

Knee replacement is very beneficial as it can help the patient lead a normal life. But there are certain risks involved.

Since the old and worn-out knee will be removed and an artificial joint put in its place, the patient might experience blood clots, especially in the lungs or veins.
Stroke, heart attack, nerve damage, and infections are some other risks.
Caregivers should be very cautious and need to keep a watch for certain signs like high fever, chills, increasing redness, or swelling in the knee. Immediately bring these issues to the notice of the doctor so that proper treatment can be given to the patient.

When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider

Reach out to your doctor if you experience:

Severe pain or swelling that worsens over time
Signs of infection (fever, warmth, or oozing)
Difficulty moving the knee after several weeks

The bottom line

Knee pain can be discomforting. There are numerous alternatives to knee surgery. Keep moving your joints to lessen stiffness, lose weight, therapy, injections, medications, etc. But if these alternatives do not work, the best way to get rid of pain is by undergoing knee replacement.

Remember that it will be an artificial knee and may not be as effective as a natural knee. Nevertheless, it will provide you with a comfortable life and help you perform numerous everyday tasks. With proper care, a replacement knee can last more than 15 years. So, if you are suffering from knee pains and looking for an effective solution, you should undergo a knee transplant from a reputed hospital like BLK-Max.