Total Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline (Week by Week)

A total knee replacement is one of the most successful surgeries in orthopaedics, and with modern techniques (like minimally invasive and robotic-assisted methods), recovery has become faster and smoother than ever.

But what exactly does recovery look like? When can you walk normally? When can you climb stairs? When does the pain reduce?

Here’s a clear, realistic Week-by-Week Indian patient recovery timeline, based on clinical experience, physiotherapy protocols, and outcomes commonly observed at HKS Clinic.

What Happens After Knee Replacement Surgery?

Your old damaged cartilage is removed and replaced with smooth, durable implants. Modern techniques used by surgeons like Dr. Hitesh Kubadia ensure:

• Minimal muscle cutting

• Less blood loss

• Faster mobilisation

• Early strengthening

The first 12 weeks are the most important: this is when you regain mobility, confidence, and strength.

WEEK-BY-WEEK RECOVERY TIMELINE

Week 1: Pain Control, Mobility & First Steps

What to expect:

• Pain is present but well-controlled with medication

• You’ll stand and walk with support within 24 hours

• Knee bending begins immediately (usually 70–90°)

• Swelling around knee and ankle

• Physiotherapist helps with exercises twice daily

Your goals for Week 1:

• Bend knee to 90°

• Walk with a walker

• Sit and stand independently

• Do ankle pumps & quadriceps tightening

Tips:

Use an ice pack every 2–3 hours to reduce swelling. Elevation is essential.

Weeks 2–3: Strengthening & Daily Activities

What you’ll notice:

• Less pain

• More confidence walking

• Swelling begins to reduce

• Knee bend improves to 100–110°

• Can use the washroom independently

• Can walk longer distances with a walker or cane

• Sleep becomes easier

Goals for Week 2–3:

• Walk inside home comfortably

• Move from walker → cane

• Bend knee >110°

• Improve balance and thigh strength

Weeks 4–6: Major Mobility Gains

This is when patients feel the biggest improvement.

What you can do now:

• Walk without a cane at home

• Climb stairs with support

• Bend knee to 120°

• Stand for long periods

• Go for short outdoor walks

• Drive an automatic car (if safe and cleared by doctor)

Pain level:

Mostly mild discomfort after long walks or physiotherapy.

Focus for Weeks 4–6:

• Build muscle strength

• Improve gait (walking style)

• Increase flexibility

Weeks 7–12: Regaining Full Function

By this time, your knee feels more “normal.”

What improves:

• Swelling significantly reduces

• Can walk 1–2 km comfortably

• Can climb stairs better

• Daily activities feel easier

• Can start light gym exercises

Your target milestones:

• Bend knee to 120–130°

• Walk independently and confidently

• Start gentle strengthening (leg press, cycling, resistance bands)

By 12 weeks:

Most patients return to office, basic travel, and home chores without pain.

When Can You Resume Normal Activities?

Walking

• With support: next day

• Without support: 3–6 weeks

• Long walks: 8–12 weeks

Driving

• Automatic cars: 4–6 weeks

• Manual cars: 6–8 weeks

Climbing Stairs

• With support: Week 2

• Normally: Week 6–8

Work / Office

• Desk job: 3–4 weeks

• Field job: 6–10 weeks

Gym / Exercise

• Cycling: Week 4

• Light gym: Week 6

• Jogging / running: NOT recommended after replacement

• Swimming: Week 8

  
  

🔍 What Affects Your Recovery Speed?

• Age

• Weight

• Pre-surgery fitness

• Quality of physiotherapy

• Robotic vs traditional surgery

• Whether muscles and ligaments were preserved

• Pain tolerance and consistency

At HKS Clinic, minimally invasive, muscle-sparing techniques accelerate recovery by reducing trauma to surrounding tissue.

How to Speed Up Your Knee Replacement Recovery

• Do physiotherapy every day

• Take your medications on time

• Ice + elevate your leg

• Avoid sitting cross-legged

• Sleep on your back with a pillow under the calf (not knee)

• Stay active: movement prevents stiffness

• Maintain a protein-rich diet

  
  

⚠ Common Issues Patients Face

• Swelling (normal for 6–12 weeks)

• Night pain

• Sleep difficulty

• Knee clicking (normal)

• Constipation due to pain medicines

• Limited flexibility initially

These are extremely common and improve with time.

🚨 When Should You Call Your Doctor?

• Fever

• Sudden increase in pain

• Redness spreading from incision

• Calf swelling or severe tightness

• Knee suddenly locks or buckles

Immediate contact ensures timely intervention.

🏥 Why Choose Dr. Hitesh Kubadia for Knee Replacement in Mumbai?

• MAKO robotic-certified surgeon

• Super minimally invasive techniques

• Muscle-sparing approach

• Faster recovery compared to traditional methods

• 22+ years of orthopaedic experience

• Thousands of successful knee surgeries

• Personalised rehab guidance

At HKS Clinic, your recovery is supported from Day 1 to full function.

📞 Book Your Consultation

👉 WhatsApp: +91 98212 57676

👉 Visit: https://www.hksclinic.com/contact-dr-hitesh-kubadia

Let us help you return to a pain-free, active life.

🧩 FAQs

1. How painful is recovery after total knee replacement?

Pain reduces significantly within the first 2–3 weeks and continues to improve as muscles strengthen.

2. How long does it take to walk normally?

Most patients walk normally without support around 4–6 weeks after surgery.

3. When can I climb stairs?

With support in week 2, and independently around weeks 6–8.

4. How long until I can return to work?

Desk jobs: 3–4 weeks.Field jobs: 6–10 weeks.