Eight Facts: All About the Recovery Time for Total Knee Replacement

The knee is the largest joint of the body and it is responsible for many of the common functions that we rely on to get through daily life. Have you ever considered what life would be like without your knees? We often don’t even realize just how much work these important joints do for us on a daily basis. From supporting the body’s weight, to squatting, pivoting and more, the knees are essential parts of a healthy, active body.

That’s why patients who are preparing for knee surgery are often most concerned with the length of recovery time for total knee replacement procedures. If you’ve injured your knee or have been suffering from severe arthritis, you know that every movement is more difficult when you’re working with a knee that doesn’t function normally.

When healthy, all of the components of the knee, including the bones, cartilage, ligaments, and meniscus work together to keep the knee joint strong and stable. When the joint sustains injury, the following can result:

Severe, chronic pain
Surrounding muscle weakness
Reduced function and limited range of motion

When a patient’s case calls for it and after nonsurgical methods of pain relief have been attempted, an orthopedic specialist may recommend joint replacement. Especially in situations when arthritis is so severe and cartilage is extremely worn, the patient will need an effective solution for relieving the pain of bone-on-bone contact within the knee.

Knee replacement surgery is a safe, effective option to relieve that pain. This procedure allows for the correction of deformity and the restoration of normal knee function. By utilizing prosthetic pieces, including metal implants and a spacer to cushion them, this surgery provides the knee once again with the capacity for seamless, painless movement. And one of the biggest selling points of this surgery is that the recovery time for total knee replacement is (for the most part, depending on the case and patient) relatively short.

Where to Have Surgery

Like any joint replacement procedure, the success of a knee replacement surgery heavily depends on the skill of the physician. When you see board certified, orthopedic specialists who practice extensively in the knee subspecialty, you can rest assured that you’re in good hands.

Take, for example, the doctors at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, who are constantly pioneering new techniques and approaches for treating joint conditions. In addition to the skill of the physician, the procedure’s success and the recovery time for total knee replacement also depend on the patient’s health and willingness to follow recommendations on how long to rest and what kind of physical therapy to perform.

Facts About the Recovery Time for Total Knee Replacement

Most patients can stand and begin basic movement the day right after surgery!
You can expect to be walking with support before you even leave the hospitality.
Some physicians recommend using a cane for extra support during weeks 2 through 6.
1st post-op visit is 4-6 weeks from date of surgery.
Swelling is normal (for as long as 6 months), but can be reduced by regularly applying ice.
If you’re wondering when you’ll be able to drive, the answer is: after you’re off your pain medicine!
Don’t be surprised if blood accumulation after your surgery results in a bruised area around your knee. That is totally normal and will disappear with time.
If you’re a golfer, you’ll be glad to hear that you can get back to your chipping and putting game as soon as your physician feels you’re ready...and then back onto a full course not long afterward!

And the best part about this amazing joint replacement procedure is the long-term outlook. Did you know that...

After ten years, a well-performed knee replacement surgery has a 98% chance of success!

If you’ve been suffering from the debilitating pain of severe knee arthritis, its time to call Rothman Orthopaedic Institute. Your pain can be a thing of the past! Let our world-renowned team of knee specialists help restore your joints and allow you to return to the active lifestyle you’ve been missing.

For more information, please visit us here or contact us at 1-800-321-9999.