Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline What to Actually Expect

Comments · 82

• ST

  @SteadyAgainBySvago · 2 weeks ago · pinned

  If you've had knee surgery, which recovery milestone was the hardest to reach? Tell us below.

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• LI

  @lindadailing6009 · 6 days ago

  Thank you. I am ready to get started.

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• MS

  @MSPA2006 · 13 days ago

  I had total knee replacement in January. I no longer have pain, regaining strength, however still walking stiff legged. Physical therapists say my brain is protecting me from falling which I did twice about two or three months post surgery. &nbsp;I no longer have physical therapy (stopped in August) and see my surgeon every 3-4 months. I go to the gym three times a week. My biggest concern is that walking stiff legged will become permanent. I’m 75 years old.<br>I enjoyed this video. It definitely gives me hope and promise.

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• JA

  @janet6872 · 9 days ago (edited)

  I had Patellofemoral Joint Replacement surgery on my Left Knee on 08/03/26. Everything went well. I did PT 2x weekly. &nbsp;After the second therapy session, I was off the walker and started using cane. After the 3rd PT session, I was walking without cane. The main thing is to ensure you walk every 30-45 min and do leg extensions and bending of the knee!! &nbsp;Keep it iced and elevated as much as possible. Also small gentle massages around the incision was a plus. &nbsp;I am now scheduled for my Right Knee for PFJ surgery on 09/28/26. I pray this knee does just as well!! <br><br>(Edited to add...) Also, communication with your therapist/doctor is very important. &nbsp;They can help you, but only if you share with them your goals, intentions or problems you&apos;re having!! Lastly, take pain meds prior to therapy! It helps you endure the session and excel without pain! You need to be able to put your knee to action which helps w a speedy recovery!! My doctor said I was his super patient!! But, I had goals to meet!!

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• JG

  @jgheart3018 · 12 days ago

  so helpful - my surgery is in 9 hours! Yes, I&apos;m nervous and excited. Thanks for your thorough explanation of what my progress &amp; expectations should look like.

• DI

  @dixiebrantnerdereus3416 · 9 days ago

  My second knee replacement (left) was on July 9, 2026. I had six weeks of as I completed what I needed to do. However, my left hip has weakened so I still use my cane. I have exercises that I hope will strengthen the hip &amp; gluts!

• WY

  @WyoPrairie2583 · 8 days ago (edited)

  Three weeks post op tomorrow. Use a wedge and slept atop covers which would have been far too restrictive to bother with. Opted for subvastus approach which has been an excellent decision. Never have had post op pain. Have, of course, had stiffness, swelling, etc but none of the shooting pains prior to surgery. Very consistent with exercise, ice, seated elliptical at home.

• DL

  @Dlp1776 · 13 days ago

  My TKR was May 6 this year. I’m recovering very well, and even raced the bicycle portion of a biathalon last weekend. Although recovery is good, the popping and stiffness are the worst for me. Thanks

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• RD

  @rdaugherty52 · 9 days ago

  I had partial knee replacement on my left knee first week the bandages felt like they were going to squeeze my leg off then came the itching like a bad case of poison ivy and I couldn’t scratch it finally got over that then weeks of physical therapy all went good after a year I still could not go down stairs leading with the replacement knee my wife said keep trying so kept it up and then like magic I could do it no problem. It’s been five years and I don’t even notice it was ever done the scar is hardly noticeable now it time for the right knee and now I know all to well what I will go through but got to do it. It’s causing all kinds of problems in my hips my left foot has plantar fasciitis so bad and I’ve tried everything but won’t go away.

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• DI

  @dianehafner4350 · 3 days ago

  Please, anybody reading this do not have the surgery. This is the most pain I’ve ever been in my life and it’s almost been one month. I’m in 10 times more pain than I was in before the surgery!!!! I am having to take so many pain pills. This is aged me by two years already.

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• MI

  @milleott · 7 days ago

  I had bilateral total knee replacement 51/2 months ago I still have stiffness, sleeping issues, weak muscles so hard to sit to stand etc. I can’t wait to feel fully normal. But I must say the &nbsp;pain before surgery was worst

• DA

  @davidsilberman6673 · 11 days ago

  The narrative is based on a scenario in which the replacement surgery was done properly. &nbsp;In my case, the bone cuts were done improperly. &nbsp;The ligaments were not balanced. &nbsp;I was sent hope, still in pain. &nbsp;I returned the ER 4 times the following week. &nbsp;I am in the ER, they Doctor calls the surgeon who operated on me. &nbsp;It is 11;45 pm.<br>The doctor asks what to do, and the surgeon tells him to send me home and return the following day. &nbsp;I could not walk. &nbsp;The ambulance crew had to carry me down the steps, load me in the ambulance, and do the same thing when bringing me home. &nbsp; &nbsp;This fiasco led to revision within 2 years followed by another revision. &nbsp;It has been 13 years since the surgery, and I am still in constant pain. &nbsp;What really helps is the quote from the surgeon who performed the last revision--&quot;SOMETIMES YOU HAVE A BAD OUTCOME&quot;.

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