Knee replacement surgery is one of the most common surgeries for older Americans. Especially in Arizona, where seniors tend to be active, knee replacement is relatively routine. It is a major surgery, though, with necessary recovery time but offers major benefits to pain relief, mobility, and quality of life for seniors.
Officially called knee arthroplasty, the procedure replaces a bad or worn-out knee joint with an artificial implant, often made of titanium, plastic, or ceramic. The most common causes for needing a replacement are arthritis, an autoimmune disease, or osteoarthritis, a condition where the cartilage in the knee has worn down due to use over time.
Because the surgery is designed to replace one of the major joints in the body, those undergoing the procedure must set realistic expectations and goals for recovery. Recovery from knee replacement must be taken seriously but is completely manageable with a few tips and some help from healthcare staff.
So, how long does it take to recover from knee replacement? Read on for more.
General Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline for knee replacement surgery can vary from person to person depending on various factors, such as age, overall health, and the extent of the surgery. On average, it takes about six to 12 weeks to recover from a knee replacement surgery. However, it is important to note that this is just a general guideline, and each individual’s recovery may differ.
Particularly important to note about the recovery timeline is the type of replacement. Your recovery timeline varies with the type of surgery.
With a partial replacement, only one compartment of the knee is replaced. This kind of knee replacement surgery generally takes less time for recovery than a full knee replacement. In a full replacement, the entire knee joint is replaced. This surgery generally has a longer recovery time.
The first few weeks of recovery differ depending on what kind of surgery is necessary. In the case of a partial knee replacement, patients often leave the hospital the same day or with an overnight stay. Within a couple of weeks, patients can usually walk without assistance.
With a full knee replacement, hospital stays generally last between one and three days. It often takes six to 12 weeks before patients can walk unassisted, but walking with a walker or cane is generally possible beforehand.
For a partial knee replacement, there is generally less pain than with a full knee replacement. With a partial replacement, pain will generally dissipate within weeks of the surgery, and most people will be generally pain-free within three to six months.
The timeline is a bit longer for a full knee replacement. Pain becomes more manageable around a month after the surgery and will last with varying degrees until six months to a year.
Physical Therapy and Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline
After a knee replacement, whether full or partial, working with a physical therapist is crucial to strengthen the muscles around the knee and regain function. Of course, goals and milestones will differ between people based on age, fitness, type of procedure, etc., but some generalizations can be made:
- Week one: Manage pain, achieve 70 degrees of leg flexion, and ability to fully extend knee
- Week two: Increase flex to 90 degrees, and walk short distances with a cane
- Week three: Increasing flexion, increase distances walked with cane
- Week four and after: Transition from the cane to normal walking
Preventing Complications With Knee Replacement
Perhaps the most serious postoperative risk to a knee replacement are blood clots. These can form easier than normal due to decreased movement after surgery. They can be a life threatening complication, and preventing blood clots is essential after surgery.
Your doctor will inform you of how to reduce the instances of blood clots, but in general, you can:
- Increase your amount of movement by walking once you are able
- Wear compression garments, like compression stockings, which help move blood back up to the heart
- Take medication called anticoagulants, commonly known as blood thinners, as prescribed by your doctor
Factors That Influence Recovery From a Knee Replacement
Many factors can influence your or your loved one’s timeline for recovery from a knee replacement.
One of the most important factors is the type of knee replacement. Full knee replacements take longer to recover than partial knee replacements.
The second is age. Older people generally take longer to recover from injuries and surgeries, including knee replacement.
Third, overall health. Those with better overall health will generally be faster than others who have health challenges, such as a chronic disease, obesity, low physical fitness, etc.
If the surgery was done in an outpatient facility or a hospital, it can affect the timeline, too. If the surgery is done in an outpatient center, timelines can be better, but which facility in which these are done are determined by a number of factors, including those above.
Finally, commitment to recovery in therapy is a major factor in how quickly patients recover from surgery. Those who are committed to taking therapy seriously, doing all of their exercises, and showing up for all of their appointments will always have better outcomes.
For those who have had knee replacement surgery in Arizona, climate and lifestyle factors do play a part. Because the warm dry weather outcomes may be more favorable, and as Arizona residents are often more active generally, outcomes can be affected in a positive way.
Need Help With Recovery From a Knee Replacement?
Haven Health is always here to help you or your loved ones with recovery from whatever may ail you, including knee replacement surgery. We have a number of convenient locations to serve you and are always happy to answer questions.
Contact Haven Health today to learn how we can help your loved one to feel at home in assisted living.
Sources:
Knee replacement. (2024).
Knee Replacement. (2025).
Total or Partial Knee Replacement: What’s Best For Me? (2025).