After knee replacement surgery, recovery times can vary from person to person. It is important to follow the advice the team gives you for your recovery. It is important to stay active on discharge and try to not do too much too soon. Expect small gradual improvements over time .

Your recovery may take longer than you want or expect. Stick with it! Keep following all the advice you’ve been given. You won’t be recovering forever. You will start to feel better soon.

It is normal to feel some pain while moving your knee. Your knee probably feels swollen and stiff. However, moving around a bit each day, and sticking with your physiotherapy exercises, will help with your recovery.

Do you need help around the house cleaning or cooking? Do you need some support from friends to keep you motivated? Do you need a partner to go for slow walks with you as you recover and begin to bear weight? Take a moment to think about what you need and then ask for help!

You can resume driving when you can bend your knee enough to get in and out of a car and control the car properly. You must be free from the distracting effect of pain or any strong pain medication and be able to perform an emergency stop. This is usually around 4 to 6 weeks after your surgery but you need to check with doctor first.

This depends on your job, but you can usually return to work approximately 6 weeks after your operation. Set realistic expectations and speak to your employer about the possibility of phasing your return over a number of weeks.

For the first 3 months, you should be able to manage light chores, such as dusting and washing up. Avoid heavy household tasks such as vacuuming and changing the beds. Do not stand for long periods as this may cause ankle swelling and avoid stretching up or bending down for the first 6 weeks.

During a flight, legs can swell up due to pressure changes and immobility. This increases your risks of developing blood clots. This risk is high within the first 3 months of surgery particularly with long haul flights. Also bear in mind that metal components in your knee may set off very sensitive alarms at some airports so allow enough time to go through security.

Domestic flights can be resumed after 4-6 weeks provided you do not have excessive swelling of your[CJS1] leg and you have not had any complications after surgery.

You may find that having the operation gives your sex life a boost. While there are no restrictions, you may find certain positions uncomfortable such as those involving kneeling or bending your knee. As long as you are careful, it should be fine to take a more active role after 6 to 8 weeks.

Depending on your baseline, most patients are able to stop using crutches or walking frame (walker) and resume normal leisure activities between 2 and 6 weeks after surgery. However, it may take up to 3 months for pain and swelling to settle down. It can take up to 1 year for any leg swelling to disappear. Your new knee will continue to recover up to two years after your operation. During this time, scar tissue will heal and muscles will be restored by exercise. Even after you have recovered, it's best to avoid extreme movements or sports where there's a risk of falling, such as skiing or mountain biking. Your doctor or a physiotherapist can advise you.

“Knee Replacement – Recovery.” NHS Choices, National Health Service, 25 July 2016. Accessed 22 May 2020 - Click here

Knee Replacement Surgery. Accessed 22 May 2020 - Click here