Knee replacement recovery: week by week

In hospital: the first 1 to 2 days

• The physiotherapists will help you stand and walk with a frame or crutches, usually on the day of surgery or the next morning.
• They will teach you exercises to bend and straighten the knee, and how to manage stairs.
• Most people go home after 1 to 2 nights, once they are comfortable and walking safely.

Weeks 1 to 2

• Do your exercises several times a day. Getting the knee fully straight, and bending it a little more each day, is the most important part of recovery.
• Take your painkillers regularly, especially before exercises, so that you can do them properly.
• Swelling and bruising are normal. Rest with your leg raised and use a cold pack wrapped in a towel for 15 to 20 minutes at a time.
• Walk short distances around the house, and a little further each day.
• At about 2 weeks, your wound will be checked and your clips removed, usually by a nurse at the hospital.

Weeks 2 to 6

• Most people walk further and more confidently, and may move from crutches to one stick.
• Night-time aching and poor sleep are common in these weeks. They usually improve.
• Keep working on bending the knee. Your physiotherapist will check your progress.
• At about 6 weeks, I will see you for a follow-up appointment.

Weeks 6 to 12

• Many people walk without crutches or sticks.
• Most people can drive after about 6 weeks, once they can safely make an emergency stop. Tell your insurer that you have had surgery.
• Office work is often possible from about 6 weeks. Heavier or physical work may take around 3 months.
• Gentle swimming, an exercise bike and walking are good ways to build strength.

3 to 12 months

• Most people are back to most daily activities and many hobbies by about 3 months, such as golf, cycling, bowls and dancing.
• Some swelling, warmth and stiffness can last for several months. This is normal.
• The knee keeps improving for up to a year. Kneeling will not damage your new knee, but many people find it uncomfortable at first.

Tips for a good recovery

• Exercises: little and often is better than a long session once a day.
• Stairs: go up with your good leg first and down with your operated leg first.
• Pain: some discomfort during exercises is expected, but tell us if pain is getting worse rather than better.
• Before surgery: getting fitter, strengthening your thigh muscles and preparing your home all help. See your operation.

Written and reviewed by Mr Krishna Boddu FRCS (Tr & Orth), consultant orthopaedic surgeon, GMC 5206961. Last reviewed: 3 November 2026.

Sources

• NICE guideline NG157: Joint replacement (primary): hip, knee and shoulder (2020)
• NHS: Knee replacement recovery