How long does it take to recover from a knee replacement?

By Dr Christopher M. Phoon MBBS BSc(Med) FRACS(Orth) FAOrthA Orthopaedic Surgeon, Queenstown Joint Clinic

Many patients want to know how long recovery after a knee replacement takes. It is answered in the article "A Randomized, Controlled Trial of Total Knee Replacement" in the New England journal of medicine.

  As part of their research the authors measured 'KOOS' knee function scores for a full 12 months after surgery. As many patients know that they make great gains in the first 3 months, however their research demonstrated that they continued to improved up to 12 months after surgery.

So how long?

The Short Answer

Recovery starts immediately — but it takes time to feel “normal.”Most patients walk on their new knee the day after surgery with physiotherapy support. You’ll usually stay in hospital for two or three days, using crutches at first, then a stick. By six weeks, most people can bend at least 90 degrees, walk independently, and safely drive again.

The Longer Answer

The real recovery, however, goes far beyond those first few weeks.Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine measured patient knee scores (KOOS) for a full year after surgery. It showed that most improvement happens in the first three to six months, when pain decreases and movement returns. But progress continues slowly up to twelve months — even though it feels more gradual.

Time from surgery: 0-3 months: steep recovery gains. 6-12 months : gradual improvement (curve flattens)

What to Expect

In the early months, your knee may feel warm, swollen, or slightly stiff you might notice subtle clicking or a “glide” as you bend — all normal as tissues heal. Strength and flexibility take time, and stiffness can persist for several months.

Most patients find that by one year, their knee feels strong, stable, and reliable — and the best sign of success is when they forget it’s even a replacement.

The Takeaway

• Walk early — recovery starts immediately.

• Major gains: first 3 months.

• Full recovery: around 12 months.

• Be patient — improvement is steady and long-lasting.

  
  

Knee replacement recovery takes effort and time, but for most people, the reward is a pain-free, confident return to everyday life.