Knee Replacement Recovery Time: How Long Does It REALLY Take?

To get a copy of Will's new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can find it on Amazon below:

In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals the typical recovery time following a total knee replacement including exactly what to expect after surgery.

This episode is perfect for anyone considering or just having undergone a total knee replacement.

To get a copy of Will's new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can find it on Amazon below:
(Amazon Affiliate links)

[ak]

I had two total knee replacements, two years apart, at HSS New York. Fabulous outcome. Recovery? For the knee that caught me by surprise, it hurt a lot for two weeks, then abated over the next week or two. For the one I prepared for with a lot of quad strengthening, hut a lot for a week, then abated over the next week or two. Critical to do everything your therapist tells you. But it was a wonderfully successful experience that, after a month or so got better and better and within 4+ months and therafter, pain free, terrific result.

[chatterboxjan]

I had both knees replaced 5 months apart, the right knee is great the left less so but when I think of the pain I was in before and now I am gratefull everyday, any discomfort is nothing compared to before, back at the gym after 5 weeks, cycling with the dog the same, my best tip if you have carpet on the floor is get a wooden tray and put it under your foot and move it back and forth and within 2 weeks you will be bending your knee as if it was your own and it doesn't put any pressure on your physiotherapist will be

[tcs]

8 weeks out - 65 yrs. old. Pain was a challenge for the first few weeks and I spent lots of time just letting British sitcoms play in the background to distract me, but I'm now walking around the block twice a day, starting to swim, and amazed at how strong and stable my leg and knee are after decades of chronic pain from osteoarthritis, ACL repair, and meniscectomies. I was fit going into it, but I still wish I had taken pre-surgery strengthening sessions. Though I can ill-afford extra post-op physio treatments, I've decided these are a wise investment in my future and I'll continue, 1-2/month for the next 6 months. These sessions have been a game-changer! The surgery does seem daunting, but I spoke with lots of people who had at least one knee done, and the overwhelming majority were glad they did it and didn't give me horror stories about the pain or recovery. They also gave lots of practical and encouraging advice you don't get from the doctor. It's a journey for sure, but I'm glad I went through with it. You can do it! I also highly recommended an ice therapy machine over ice packs. Amazing!

[MaxMBJ]

Great video. Really clear and honest. I’m four weeks out from my second TKR and doing better than I did last time … by a lot. Walking 6, 000 steps a day, hit 130 on bend, still 6 away from straight. My previous replacement was much more difficult. Only goes to show you, no two surgeries are alike.

[chethammer]

Couple things i would add to this. (FYI I'm in week 6 post TKR)
1. If you've been told you need this surgery, you are most likely out of effective treatment options
2. You're in pain all the time. Going upstairs, you can't walk far, getting out of a chair, standing for more than a couple
3. Bluntly put, this surgery is far from trivial. I encourage you to watch animation videos of what will be done (don't do this if you aren't good at watching this kind of thing). I discourage watching real-life surgical videos.
4. After 6 weeks my flexion is about 130 and my extension is about 7.
5. I go to PT twice a week and it isn't enough.
6. I walk a mile and ride my bike 7 on most days and do my home PT 3 time a day.
7. I'm able to go up stairs almost pain free now, but down is a lot harder.

A few months of ever decreasing pain or years of ever increasing pain with ever increasing muscle weakness thrown in. It was an easy choice for me. The chance to be normal wins out every time.

[athers]

I had left TKR 6 days ago - the surgeon said the arthritis was far worse than the x-rays showed. In hospital for 2 days - pain no more than 5/10 - I was up and about on my crutches the 2nd day. 4 days at home - doing a range of exercises 5 times a day and now just on paracetemol and ibuprofen - knee is stiff but pain is hardly noticeable. I hope it stays that way! I delayed the operation for 5 years (I'm only 58) as I worried about the post op pain but feel very fortunate that is has been minimal. I don't think I could manage weeks of intense pain as some of you have experienced. Good luck to everyone on the TKR journey.

[MrVerno]

I am currently on week 5 of a Left Knee Replacement and you are spot on with your analysis. The Dr. really undersell the pain factor the first two weeks for sure. Also, for those going through this, what you said about losing strength and stamina is so true, I am currently able to walk with no assistance for about 10 minutes around in the my yard, but after that, I am soooo tired and need to go sit down and ice up the knee. It is a slow recovery process for sure. Thanks for your great video, it is one of the most accurate I found on YouTube.

[dianehernandez]

I am 1 week out and if i had known the pain would be so bad i wouldnt have done it. They treat a TKR as outpatient. Went home same day as surgery. I cant believe how stiff my knee is and how much it hurts to do these exercises. Never will i have the other knee done. 😢

[halfabee]

Had my right knee replaced 14th august 2023. Day 1 I was out of bed in hospital and bent through 120 degrees. It did help there was too much anesthetic in the bloc. And my leg was numb from hip to toes. I was discharged in week 5 by the Orthopedic Surgeon as I was walking unaided. 5 days later I was discharged by physiotherapy.
First 3 days are the very worst. Day 14 I was off strong painkillers.

[kathyw]

I wish I had found your video before my TKR in October. It's the most realistic explanation I've heard of the realities of rehab. I am being brow beaten by the hospital consultant and physio that I have 'only' reached 80° flexion at the six week mark, yet here you are telling me that's normal. I also live with fibromyalgia and that has made my rehab pain management so difficult which impacts on my ability to do my exercises; a factor that others ignore. If I lived closer I would gladly come and see you.

[patriciawond]

So nice to have s British honest explanation. Thank you

[robertburwood]

I’m 6 weeks after my TKR. Certainly the initial pain was far worse than I anticipated but once the swelling started going down mobility increased quickly. Walking is still a bit uncomfortable but I have the prospect of that steadily improving unlike before the op. Good luck to all.

[diniemadsen]

My husband is 69 had 10 years ago a knee replacement and it was never stable, he always had pain so 5 days ago he got another replacement and today he start to drive his car, yes he has pain but way less than 10 years ago, he keeps exercising and walking, he goes to physical therapy and he said it hurt so less than the one before, they also put two metal rods to stabilize the knee, so proud for this champ.

[kathleenmathews-lawrence]

This video spot on from what I’ve been experiencing. Glad to hear an explanation of why my knees feel this way even at 12 weeks & it may take a year. I was thinking maybe I’m not doing enough but after listening to this it all makes sense. Thank you

[richardlevy]

I had total knee replacement. I had very little pain, I took asprin. After two weeks I could drive, today I started to play pickle ball again. I have bee going to PT since the surgery. I'm still sore but very happy with the results.

[oneofthem]

Thank you. This is a great video. I’m only one week out. Very painful but I’m walking three times a day. Wears me out.

[theondebray]

This is the most truthful vid I've found, more accurate in all sorts of ways, esp describing the PAIN. I've six weeks after TKR, still get badly broken sleep at night due to pain, and I only get back to sleep with the help of painkillers. In turn, the painkillers leave my brain fogged, esp. in the morning. It has not been in any way enjoyable so far.

[genem]

I’m 74. My left knee was replaced three days ago. Hurts like hell . Swollen and stiff. Be ready for being exhausted.

[Lord_Pistachio_Nut]

Im on week 3 and this is really comforting honestly. Im beating myself up, wednesday i had 98 degrees of bend and friday i was down to 94 degrees. I was crushed! I felt like I was doing something wrong or whatever. Long slow marathon, not a quick race! 💪

[michaelcollins]

I’m 7 weeks post op for a part knee replacement. What I would say is that (1) everyone’s recovery and post op story is different, so don’t necessarily judge yourself on these very rare magical cases where someone says they’re fine and dandy after 2-3 weeks. Perhaps that’s true. But for most mere mortals, it’s a very long road to recovery. So be prepared (2) the surgeon never explained how arduous, painful and harrowing it would be. I could barely walk for a week and was on crutches for 2-3 weeks. At the same time I was being told to bend and stretch the knee and work it a minimum 5-6x times a day. I could barely stand let alone bend it to 90 degrees. The physio was getting annoyed with me and I was getting annoyed at him. It was just so painful and difficult to move. However, you do have bend and stretch it. There’s both physical and mental challenges with that, as you feel pretty down and feel in pain. Seems like there’s no light at the end of the tunnel. However please persevere. Stretch as often as you can. I ice the knee, take paracetamol then stretch, focusing on my breathing to manage the pain. Trust me, it does work. But the recovery is desperately slow. I barely notice any daily difference and that can sink your mood and motivation. But when you look back 2, 4, 6 weeks you realise how far you have come. So, hang on in there. You’ve got this. But just know that the recovery takes many months, not a few weeks.