What is the overall recovery like after a hip or knee replacement?
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The recovery time can be described as three stages. The first stage includes the
first six weeks after surgery. The hospital stay averages three days and includes
physical and occupational therapy. Walking begins the same or next day after
surgery. Occasionally, someone needs longer treatment in a rehabilitation facility. A
walker or cane is needed during this stage. Frequently certain hip precautions need
to be followed during this stage. During this time the level of pain caused by the
surgery decreases on a regular basis but frequent and routine pain medications are
needed to control the discomfort. Swelling and pain can be worsened if someone
works too hard with the rehabilitation exercises, so be careful not to “over do it”.
The second stage is 6 weeks to three months after surgery. During this time a
significant return of strength in the operated leg is noticed and usually fewer pain
medicines are needed to stay comfortable. A walker or cane is sometimes needed
for outdoor activities. Swelling and pain of the affected extremity are still related to
activity so exercising still needs to be balanced with relative rest and elevation of legs.
The third stage of recovery is the three to six month time frame. By now,
endurance continues to increase and usual activities can be continued the entire day
without needing a rest. Pain medications are sometimes needed at night only.
Sometimes after a knee replacement, knee pain continues usually worse first thing in
the morning or after prolonged sitting. Also knee swelling can still occur related to
increased activity. Fortunately, this swelling and pain commonly dissipate with time.
Please keep in mind these time frames are averages and a patient’s rehabilitation is
individual and dependent on many factors including physical conditioning, medical
illnesses, and active patient participation. These traditional time frames may be
significantly shortened by appropriate patient preparation, patient motivation, “less
invasive” surgery and regional anesthesia. An experienced surgeon and the
appropriate techniques are key components that can allow for less pain and a shorter
recovery time.
first six weeks after surgery. The hospital stay averages three days and includes
physical and occupational therapy. Walking begins the same or next day after
surgery. Occasionally, someone needs longer treatment in a rehabilitation facility. A
walker or cane is needed during this stage. Frequently certain hip precautions need
to be followed during this stage. During this time the level of pain caused by the
surgery decreases on a regular basis but frequent and routine pain medications are
needed to control the discomfort. Swelling and pain can be worsened if someone
works too hard with the rehabilitation exercises, so be careful not to “over do it”.
The second stage is 6 weeks to three months after surgery. During this time a
significant return of strength in the operated leg is noticed and usually fewer pain
medicines are needed to stay comfortable. A walker or cane is sometimes needed
for outdoor activities. Swelling and pain of the affected extremity are still related to
activity so exercising still needs to be balanced with relative rest and elevation of legs.
The third stage of recovery is the three to six month time frame. By now,
endurance continues to increase and usual activities can be continued the entire day
without needing a rest. Pain medications are sometimes needed at night only.
Sometimes after a knee replacement, knee pain continues usually worse first thing in
the morning or after prolonged sitting. Also knee swelling can still occur related to
increased activity. Fortunately, this swelling and pain commonly dissipate with time.
Please keep in mind these time frames are averages and a patient’s rehabilitation is
individual and dependent on many factors including physical conditioning, medical
illnesses, and active patient participation. These traditional time frames may be
significantly shortened by appropriate patient preparation, patient motivation, “less
invasive” surgery and regional anesthesia. An experienced surgeon and the
appropriate techniques are key components that can allow for less pain and a shorter
recovery time.
| Juan C. Frisancho, M.D. Orthopedic Surgery Joint Replacement |
