Knee replacement surgery is a complex surgery and is a lengthy procedure as well. Along with staying at the hospital and in rehabilitation, a person needs to be sure about a lot of outcomes. Most people consider the amount of time they will need to recover from a knee operation. If you are confused about knee operation recovery time, just have a look at the aspects we are discussing below for a better understanding.
Recovery Time After a Knee Operation in 2022
After a knee operation, the standard time required by a patient to get healed completely is about 16 weeks. The timing is between 8 and 24 weeks, and it depends on multiple factors like the severity of the problem, the age of the individual, precautions they are taking, and so on.
After the surgery, a person needs to be sure about what they are doing and what they are not. If they are irresponsive, then recovery will be interfered with.
Meanwhile, after knee replacement surgery, rehabilitation begins just after the surgery. One cannot wait for a longer duration to pay attention to what they need and what they don’t.
Recovery Schedule After a Knee Operation
To begin with the first week:
In the first week, a person will encounter some problems. They will face difficulty in moving, difficulty in sleeping, and sometimes difficulty in adjusting their position as well. They will start to move within 2-3 days, but for the first seven days, they need to be sure about each and every move they are making.
In the initial days, doctors suggest patients have support available like crutches and human support so that they will not fall on the ground and the artificial implant may not get disturbed.
In 2nd week:
The second week will be a bit of a relief for patients. They will be able to stand with little or no help and can walk as well. They can go to the toilet on their own and dress up easily. But in the second week as well, climbing upstairs very much is not suggested.
In 3rd week:
The third week is full of relief for them. Chances are the patient will be able to get rid of pain, and chances are the doctor will suggest going for physiotherapy sessions to regain mobility.
Physiotherapy and care after knee replacement surgery are important because it helps in strengthening and rebuilding the muscles.
In 4 to 6 weeks:
The last 4 to 6 weeks are the most relaxing weeks for patients. They can simply engage in their regular activities, but extensive exercise is still not for them. They will be able to move here and there without any support but cannot put very high pressure over the artificial implant.
In 7 to 11 weeks:
In 7 to 11 weeks, they are completely recovered and can resume their activities. They can go walking, swimming and bicycling. But make sure you are not doing it forcefully. If you are facing any pain, stop immediately and wait for a while. If a person is not waiting or not paying attention to recovery, chances are there they will have constant pain, and the artificial implant may get disturbed.
In week 12 and beyond:
In week 12, you are ready to engage in all the activities you love to do, like dancing, roaming here and there, and so on. You can simply drive the car and live your life peacefully. But make sure until and unless your doctor has suggested you engage in activities, don’t go for it.
When to Approach a Doctor?
When you notice some conditions like swelling over the knee joint, stiffness in the knee joint, or loss of strength in the joint, you need to approach the doctor immediately. You cannot ignore these signs because they are most likely the result of an injury that is occurring. For Rajasthan people, there is good news that Dr. Lalit Modi is right there in Jaipur for you.
Approach him as he is the best orthopedic doctor in Jaipur, having years of experience in treating such conditions. If there is no requirement for surgery, he will let you know that only medication will be enough. But if surgery is required, you will let me know for the same reason.
Most Asked Questions:
1. What is the average knee operation recovery time?
In the majority of cases, a knee operation will have a patient spend an average of three to five days in the hospital. Once discharged from the hospital, patients should expect to spend one day at home and then return to work about four weeks after surgery.
2. How long does it take for a knee operation to heal?
The standard for a successful knee operation is to have the patient fully healed in about 16 weeks. This can be anywhere from 8 to 24 weeks, depending on the person’s age, the severity of the problem, and other factors.
Typically, a person will need to wear a brace or cast for a few days after surgery. There will be an adjustment period as well as a time where the patient should not put any weight on their knee. After that time period has passed, they will have regained most of their strength and mobility.
It’s important for patients to take care of themselves by following up with their doctors and taking prescribed medication.
3. What is the average length of a knee operation?
The length of an average knee operation can be different depending on what surgery is being done. For example, if the surgery requires cutting open the knee to fix a torn meniscus, it will take longer than just repairing a ligament.
4. How long does it take to recover from a knee operation?
Recovering from a knee operation will depend on the severity of the injury. If you have a meniscus tear, it may take six to 12 weeks to recover. If you have a full tear or ruptured ligament, recovery times are usually between 3–6 months.
5. What are the signs of a knee injury?
The knee is one of the most important joints in the body. It connects the lower parts of the leg to the pelvis and is used for movement.
The signs of a knee injury can differ depending on how severe it is. Some common symptoms are swelling, pain, limited range of motion, instability, stiffness, soreness, and loss of strength in the quadriceps muscles.
If you suspect that you have suffered a knee injury, seek medical attention as soon as possible.