How long will I be off after knee surgery?

The average recovery time from knee replacement surgery is approximately six months, but it can take roughly 12 months to fully return to physically demanding activities. Though the recovery process can be long, there are steps you can take to heal well and enhance your recovery speed.

How long should I take off work for knee surgery?

For light-duty jobs that require more standing and walking, patients may return when they can walk without a limp, generally between 6 to 12 weeks. For heavy demand jobs, patients may be able to return to work between 10 to 12 weeks, when they are capable of safely performing their job requirements.

How long after knee surgery Can you walk?

In most cases, patients can walk without help from assistive devices like crutches or a walker within six weeks after knee replacement surgery. That said, physical therapy continues after this time to help your knee and the surrounding muscles grow stronger and more flexible.

How long is the bed rest for knee surgery?

TKA patients begin rehabilitation during the seven-day bedrest period, with the goals of decreasing swelling, increasing ROM, promoting normal leg control and promoting normal gait with an assistive device.

How long after knee surgery can I drive?

Generally, most patients may be able to get back to driving between 2–6 weeks after surgery, and your surgeon would be in the best position to give you a more specific time based on an assessment of how well you are recovering.

Post-Op Expectations after Knee Replacement

Can I drive 2 weeks after knee surgery?

Regaining the ability to drive is an important step to resuming your normal life, getting out of the house, and making future appointments for your knee. Most people can return to driving a car by 4 weeks following knee replacement, and scientific studies looking at reflexes and response times have confirmed this.

Should I stay with me after knee surgery?

That criteria includes having someone at home with you for five to seven days after surgery. "That doesn't mean someone just dropping in to check on you, but someone who can be there all the time to make sure you're safe," says Dr.

Can you be alone after knee surgery?

Most patients, even if they live alone, can safely go directly home from the hospital after hip or knee replacement surgery, according to a recent study.

Can I go to the bathroom after knee surgery?

Bathroom Setup After Hip or Knee Surgery

Raising the toilet seat height will keep you from flexing your knee too much. You can do this by adding a seat cover or elevated toilet seat or a toilet safety frame. You can also use a commode chair instead of a toilet. You may need to have safety bars in your bathroom.

Can I live alone after knee surgery?

Patient wishes and the judgement of care planners should always be heeded, but, beyond that, research shows that seniors who live alone can manage safely at home after total knee replacements.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

How often should you walk after knee surgery?

Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for 20 to 30 minutes daily, or even 2 to 3 times daily; and walk for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily during your early recovery.

What happens at 3 weeks after knee surgery?

By week 3. By the time you're back home or in a rehab facility, you should be able to move around more freely while experiencing reduced pain. You'll require fewer and less powerful pain medications. Your daily routine will include exercise your PT has given you.

What is the best thing to do after knee surgery?

Keep the Knee Straight

While it may not be incredibly comfortable, it's important that you keep your knee joint completely straight immediately after your surgery. You should minimize the amount of time you're on your feet, and be sure to use crutches or a wheelchair if you must move about.

How long do you need crutches after knee surgery?

The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery with a brace. The patient is expected to walk with crutches for 4-6 weeks after surgery.

How do you shower after knee surgery?

You may go home with a waterproof dressing covering your incision. You can shower with this dressing on if the edges are not peeling back. If you do not have a waterproof dressing and you still have sutures, staples or stitches, you can cover your incision with plastic to keep it dry while taking a shower.

How do you sleep after knee surgery?

The best way to sleep after knee surgery is on your back. This position makes it easy to keep your leg straight while sleeping, allowing proper blood flow to the surgery site. You can also prop your leg up using pillows while sleeping on your back.

What can you not do after knee surgery?

You shouldn't downhill ski or play contact sports such as football and soccer. In general, avoid sports that require jerking, twisting, pulling, or running. You should be able to do lower-impact activities, such as hiking, gardening, swimming, playing tennis, and golfing.

Are you awake during knee surgery?

We will make sure that you are comfortable, safe, and sleepy. You will not be awake during surgery. Spinal anesthesia provides surgical anesthesia and you will be given sedatives to help you relax and put you in a light sleep. The level of your sleepiness can be adjusted and you can be easily awakened, if needed.

Is knee surgery high risk?

The good news is that knee replacement surgery is generally considered a safe procedure. Complications are very rare. In fact, various studies show that over 95% of patients recover from knee replacement surgery without complications.

What is the best age to have knee surgery?

There is no such right or wrong age for knee replacement surgery. If you find it challenging to sit, walk, or work without feeling tremendous pain in your knees, you may be considered as a candidate for a knee replacement. The age bracket of 50 to 70 years is the most common age group for knee replacement patients.

What is the average age for knee surgery?

In the United States, currently, the average age to undergo knee arthroplasty is around 65 years old. Mostly knee replacement surgery is performed in elders with severe arthritis, while those under the age of 50 are considered young and are asked to wait until the age of 65.

What is life like after knee surgery?

Generally, people are pretty far along by six weeks and mostly recovered by three months after surgery. Minor aches and pains may last for a while longer. Your recovery time will vary depending on whether you have a partial or full knee replacement. You will need to walk with a cane for at least a couple of weeks.

How long do you stay in hospital after knee op?

Going home. You'll usually be in hospital for around 2 to 3 days , depending on what progress you make and what type of knee replacement you have. Patients who have a partial knee replacement usually have a shorter hospital stay. In some hospitals you may be able to go home on the same day.