Knee replacement surgery can seem like a scary proposition. You will have several weeks of recovery ahead of you after this type of surgery, and you may not be able to do some things for yourself at first. In reality, recovery from knee replacement surgery is not as scary as it sounds. Here is what you can expect right after knee replacement surgery.

Short Hospital Stay

You will not be in the hospital for very long after a knee replacement surgery. Some patients are able to leave the hospital after just one day, while others are in the hospital up to five days. The average hospital stay is two to three days. During this time, the focus will be on pain management and practicing with a walker or crutches so you will be able to move around when you leave the hospital. Usually, you will be discharged from the hospital when you are able to move short distances with a walker or crutches, pain is managed, and you can bend the joint to a 90-degree angle.

Physical Therapy

Very soon after your knee replacement surgery, usually within the first 24 hours, you will be encouraged to get out of bed and put minimal weight on the joint while using a walker. Studies have proven that the sooner you begin walking around with assistance, the shorter your recovery time will be. Physical therapy will continue while you are in the hospital and after you go home. Physical therapy is important for the healing process, and you will be given exercises to do at home as well to increase mobility in the joint.

Recovery Time

Most patients are up to 90 percent recovered within six weeks of surgery. Patients who do muscle strengthening exercises around the knee before surgery will usually have shorter recovery times. It may take up to six months for you to reach 100 percent recovery after the surgery. Until that time, you may need to use a cane to help support your weight as you get around.

If you have been suffering from knee pain and believe surgery may be an option, contact our office today for an appointment. We will be happy to discuss your options and give you more information. Surgery should always be a last resort, and we may have treatment options available that you have not yet tried.