Recovery After Knee or Hip Replacement: A Phase-by-Phase Guide

Joint replacement surgery is one of the most successful operations in modern medicine. But the recovery follows a predictable path, and knowing what's normal makes the journey much less worrying.

Timelines vary with age, general health, the type of surgery and your surgeon's protocol. Always follow your own surgeon's instructions.

Phase 1: In hospital (days 1 to 3)

• Getting out of bed, usually within a day of surgery
• Walking with a frame, often within the first day or two
• Simple exercises: ankle pumps, buttock squeezes, thigh tightening
• Learning to get in and out of bed, on and off the toilet and up a few stairs

After hip replacement: you may be given hip precautions, for example avoiding bending the hip too far or crossing your legs. These depend on the surgical approach, so follow your surgeon's advice.

Phase 2: Early recovery at home (weeks 1 to 6)

Main goals:

• Walking: progress from frame to crutches or a stick as advised
• Movement: for knees, work on full straightening and steady gains in bending. For hips, gentle movement within your precautions.
• Swelling and pain: ice packs (wrapped), elevation, regular short walks, and medication as prescribed
• Wound care: keep it clean and dry until your team says otherwise
• Daily exercises: typically 2 to 3 times a day

It's normal to feel tired, have disturbed sleep and experience swelling and bruising during this phase.

Phase 3: Building strength (weeks 6 to 12)

• Reduce or stop using walking aids
• Progress strengthening: step-ups, mini squats, bridges, balance training
• Exercise bike once movement allows
• Many people return to driving and lighter activities, with their surgeon's clearance

Phase 4: Return to normal life (3 months onwards)

• Strength and stamina continue improving for 6 to 12 months
• Low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, cycling and golf are generally encouraged
• Swelling can come and go for several months, especially after a knee replacement

Signs to report straight away

• Increasing redness, warmth or discharge from the wound, or fever
• Calf pain or swelling, or sudden breathlessness or chest pain
• A sudden increase in pain, a new inability to bear weight, or the leg looking shorter or turned out (after hip surgery)

Your part in the result

Patients who keep up their exercises consistently, especially in the first three months, generally get the best results.