The staff at the hospital will help you to get up and walk about as quickly as possible. If you’ve had minimally invasive surgery or are on an enhanced recovery programme, you may be able to walk on the same day as your operation. Generally, you’ll be helped to stand within hours after your operation.

During your stay in hospital, you will see a physiotherapist. Blood tests will be taken and x-rays of your new knee. Your leg will be examined and the wound will be monitored. Medications you were previously on will be restarted when it is safe to do so and you will be started on other new medications such as laxatives and blood thinning medications as well as stronger pain killers.

Part of the recovery from surgery is regaining your mobility. It is normal to experience discomfort when you first start walking and exercising after surgery, as your legs and feet may be swollen.

Initially you may start with a frame to aid balance and weight bearing through your knee. Once able, you will be progressed onto elbow crutches or sticks. A stair assessment will be completed by the inpatient therapist if required prior to your discharge.

Most patients are discharged from hospital after a knee replacement between day 1 and day 3, depending on the progress with physiotherapy and medical fitness.

During your stay in hospital, a physiotherapist will teach you exercises to help strengthen your knee. You can usually begin these the day after your operation and are encouraged to do these at least three times a day. It is important to follow the physiotherapist’s advice to avoid complications of your new joint.

You are encouraged to mobilise regularly to prevent stiffness in the new knee joint

You should be able to stop using your crutches or walking frame and get back to 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 1 year for any leg swelling to disappear.

Your new knee will continue to recover up to 2 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, NHS. Accessed 22 May 2020 - Click here

Knee Replacement: Versus Arthritis. Accessed 22 May 2020 - Click here