Knee Replacement Recovery Week by Week: What to Expect (0–12 Weeks)

Last reviewed: October 2025

General guidance—always follow your surgeon’s specific advice.

Knee replacement recovery week by week: here’s what to expect from Day 0 through 12 weeks, including range-of-motion (ROM) goals, pain control, safe walking and stairs, when you might drive and return to work, plus red-flag symptoms to watch for.

Knee Replacement Recovery Week by Week: Milestones at a Glance

ROM = range of motion. Targets vary; your surgeon/physio will personalize goals.

Hospital Day 0–1

• Mobility: Stand and walk with a walker; begin physio as advised (often Day 0 or Day 1).
• Pain & swelling: Ice 15–20 min several times/day; elevate ankle above heart; use prescribed pain meds.
• Circulation: Ankle pumps, foot circles; compression stockings; blood thinners if prescribed.
• Wound care: Keep dressing clean/dry; many allow showering after 24–48 hours with a waterproof dressing—follow your surgeon’s instructions.

Week 1

• Walking: Short, frequent walks every 1–2 hours while awake.
• Exercises: Quad/hamstring sets, heel slides, straight‑leg raises (if safe), knee extension hangs.
• ROM target: ~0–70°–80°; prioritize full extension (straight knee).
• Pain plan: Take medicines on schedule; ice/elevate after exercises; hydrate and consider a stool softener if using opioids.

Week 2

• Walking: Increase distance; progress to cane as balance improves.
• Exercises: Continue Week‑1 routine; add gentle sit‑to‑stands/mini squats as guided.
• ROM target: ~0–90°; swelling should trend down.
• Driving: Often okay for left knee (automatic transmission) once off strong pain meds and safe to brake/steer. Right knee usually needs longer—get surgeon clearance.

Weeks 3–4

• Walking: 10–20 min walks, 2–3×/day; aim for a smooth, symmetrical gait.
• Stairs: Practice with rail: “up with the good, down with the operated” until strength improves.
• ROM target: ~0–100° to 110° (varies). By Weeks 3–4 in your knee replacement recovery week by week, many patients reach 100–110° flexion.
• Activities: Stationary bike (low resistance) if flexion allows; gentle household tasks.

Weeks 5–6

• Strength: Add resistance bands/leg presses per physio; balance drills.
• Endurance: 20–30 min continuous walking; light cycling.
• ROM target: ~0–110°–115°; extension at 0°.
• Driving/work: Desk work may resume around 3–6 weeks; right‑knee drivers are often cleared around 4–6+ weeks—confirm with your surgeon.

Weeks 7–12

• Function: 30–45 min walks; gradually increase bike resistance; pool walking once wound is fully healed.
• ROM target: Up to ~120° (some achieve more/less and still function excellently).
• Sports: Low‑impact (walking, cycling, swimming). Avoid running/jumping/contact sports unless advised.

3–6 Months

• Most daily activities feel natural; continue strengthening for best long‑term results.
• Heavier or standing jobs may need 8–12+ weeks before full duty—individualize with your surgeon.

What Affects Your Knee Replacement Recovery Week by Week?

Your knee replacement recovery week by week can vary with surgical technique (robotic vs conventional), whether the surgery is total or partial, your pre‑op strength and flexibility, medical conditions (e.g., diabetes), body weight, sleep, nutrition, and adherence to physiotherapy. Left‑knee patients with automatic cars may drive sooner than right‑knee patients once off strong pain medicines and able to brake safely. Desk jobs often resume in 3–6 weeks; heavier roles may need 8–12+ weeks. Consistency beats intensity—short, frequent walks and a progressive exercise plan usually yield the best results. Always confirm milestones with your surgical team.

Knee Replacement Recovery Week by Week: Red‑Flag Symptoms

• Fever >38.5°C, chills, increasing redness or spreading warmth around the incision, discharge, or foul odor
• Severe calf pain/swelling, sudden shortness of breath, or chest pain
• New or rapidly worsening numbness/weakness
• Pain that remains uncontrolled despite medication and rest

Home Setup & Practical Checklist

• Clear pathways; remove loose rugs/cables; ensure good lighting
• Firm chair with arms; raised toilet seat/shower chair if needed; grab bars and non‑slip bathroom mats
• Cold packs, extra pillows for heel elevation (avoid placing pillows under the knee)
• Compression stockings as advised; medication planner; stool softener if using opioids; water bottle
• Support person for errands/transport; emergency contacts and follow‑up schedule handy

What to Avoid Early On

• Twisting/pivoting on the operated leg
• Kneeling on the incision until cleared
• Deep squats, running, jumping, or contact sports
• Floor sitting or cross‑legged positions early on (ask your surgeon when and if it’s appropriate for you)
• Driving or alcohol while on sedating pain medicines

FAQs

Can I sit cross‑legged or on the floor after knee replacement?
Not early on. Some patients can kneel or sit lower with guidance over time. Your surgeon will tailor advice to your implant, flexibility, and progress.

When can I travel by car or flight?
Short car trips are often fine in the first few weeks. For longer car rides or flights, discuss blood clot prevention (breaks to walk, hydration, stockings) with your surgeon.

Will my implant set off airport scanners?
It can. Security staff are familiar with joint implants; carrying a brief note from your surgeon can help.

When can I climb stairs normally (one step per leg)?
Many patients transition to reciprocal stairs around Weeks 4–6 as strength and control improve—your physio will guide you.

For additional general guidance, see
AAOS and the
NHS.

Disclaimer: Educational information only; not a substitute for medical advice. Your timeline and activity progression will be personalized by your surgical team.