I had knee surgery on my left knee

Asked by: Jozell Barnes

How long does it take to fully recover from 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.

Can your knee go back to normal after surgery?

How long will it be before I feel normal? You should be able to stop using your crutches or walking frame and resume normal leisure activities 6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to 3 months for pain and swelling to settle down. It can take up to a year for any leg swelling to disappear.

What happens to your knee after surgery?

Most people feel some numbness in the skin around your incision. You also may feel some stiffness, particularly with excessive bending activities. Most people also feel or hear some clicking of the metal and plastic with knee bending or walking. This is normal.

Is knee surgery a major surgery?

A knee replacement is major surgery, so is normally only recommended if other treatments, such as physiotherapy or steroid injections, have not reduced pain or improved mobility.

How long does it take to bend your knee after surgery?

One to three weeks after surgery



Typically, you’ll be able to bend your knees at a 90 degree angle, fully straighten your knee, and walk for at least 10 consecutive minutes during this stage of physical therapy.

What is the fastest way to recover from knee surgery?

5 Tips to Speed Up Recovery After Knee Surgery

1. Follow All Physician Recommendations. You should always heed all of your surgeon’s instructions and advice. …
2. Walk Frequently Once You’re Allowed. …
3. Eat Healthy Foods. …
4. Get Plenty of Sleep. …
5. Do Physical and Occupational Therapy Exercises.

What activities can you not do after knee replacement?

Baseball, basketball, football, hockey, soccer, gymnastics, jogging, rock climbing, hang gliding, parachuting and high-impact aerobics are activities that should be avoided.

How long should you sleep with your leg elevated after knee surgery?

To minimize the swelling in your leg, you need to elevate your operative leg above the level of your heart. This should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes each time. Place your leg on the top of several pillows while you lie on your back.

How can I strengthen my knee after surgery?

Standing Knee Bends

1. Standing erect with the aid of a walker or crutches, lift your thigh and bend your knee as much as you can. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds.
2. Straighten your knee, touching the floor with your heel first.
3. Repeat several times until fatigued.
4. This exercise should take 2 minutes.

How should I 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.

How many times a week should I do physical therapy after knee replacement?

Most people spend 1 to 3 nights in the hospital. After you’re discharged, you might check into a rehab facility. There, you’ll usually get physical therapy 6 days a week for a couple of weeks. One advantage of a rehab clinic is that you will have help and you’re sure to do your exercises every day.

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 get into a car after knee surgery?

Quote from video: We need to remember that we can go ahead and bend the at the hip go ahead and scoot forward christina. There you go scoot to the edge of the car we're going to let this leg. Down.

How do I start to bend my knee after surgery?

Quote from video: Okay stretch fit stretch. And then go back into these again right this is probably going to be a week or two weeks after surgery.

What position should I sleep in after knee replacement?

The best sleeping position just after your surgery is sleeping on your back. You should make sure that your operative leg stays as straight as possible to avoid hypertension of the knee and keep proper blood flow to the surgery site. If you are sleeping on your back, put the pillow under your calf and knee.

How long does pain and stiffness last after knee replacement?

Initial pain after a total knee replacement typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. You’ll continue to have milder pain in the soft tissues around your knees as you heal. You may experience inflammation for 2 to 3 months and stiffness and soreness for up to 6 months. Expect to be fully recovered in 12 to18 months.

What is the maximum bend after knee replacement?

Within 7 to 10 days after your knee replacement, you should be able to get your knee entirely straight/full extension (Fig. 1) (no space between the back of your knee and the table) and you should be able to bend/flex your knee to at least 90 degrees (Fig. 2). 90 degrees is the same thing as a right angle.

Why does my knee still hurt 6 months after knee replacement?

A: Recovery from surgery can take several months, so it’s not unusual to still have soreness in the knee that was replaced. As the intensity of rehabilitation exercises increases, more strain is put on the muscles and joints that have not been used in a period of time.

Can I kneel with a knee replacement?

According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, kneeling is not harmful to your knee after a total knee replacement, although it may be uncomfortable.

What you Cannot do after knee replacement?

Activities you Cannot do After Full Recovery



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.

Can you climb stairs after knee replacement?

Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.