At a Glance
- The two jobs of early recovery: regain full knee extension and keep swelling down
- You will stand and often walk the same day — movement is medicine
- Ice and elevation are not optional in the first weeks; they control swelling
- Strength and stamina take months — expect a marathon, not a sprint
The First Weeks
Day 0–2 (hospital):
- Stand and walk with a walker as directed
- Do ankle pumps every hour while awake
- Press the back of the knee down to work on straightening
- Elevate and ice the knee
Week 1–2:
- Walk several times a day with a walker
- Do quad sets and straightening exercises several times a day
- Bend the knee gently with heel slides
- Ice after activity and keep swelling in check
Week 2–6:
- Progress from walker to cane as strength improves
- Work on straight-leg raises once the knee locks straight
- Start supported sit-to-stand and step-downs
- Expect discomfort, but back off on sharp pain or climbing swelling
Months 2–6
- Walk without aids when cleared; drive when your surgeon allows
- Build strength with sit-to-stand, step-downs and terminal knee extension
- Progress walking distance, then pace
- Return to cycling, swimming and low-impact activity as cleared
- Report any sudden pain, wound redness, fever or severe calf swelling
Do This
- Prioritize full knee extension — it predicts the best long-term result
- Move regularly, even a little, rather than sitting still for hours
- Elevate and ice to control swelling
- Follow the knee replacement rehabilitation guide phases
Avoid This
- Skipping extension work because it feels tight
- Doing too much too soon and driving up swelling
- Twisting or pivoting on the knee
- Pushing through sharp pain or ignoring new symptoms
When to See Someone
Contact your care team urgently for fever, a red or leaking wound, severe calf pain or swelling, sudden shortness of breath, or a knee that suddenly becomes very painful, hot or unstable.
References
- AAOS OrthoInfo. "Total Knee Replacement Exercise Guide." https://www.orthoinfo.org/recovery/total-knee-replacement-exercise-guide/
- AAOS OrthoInfo. "Total Knee Replacement." https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/total-knee-replacement/
This information is for education only and is not a medical diagnosis. InjuryAtlas does not replace an assessment by a qualified health professional. Always follow your surgeon's specific protocol after surgery.