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

My mum had hers done at 67. The first 2 weeks were the hardest — she needed help with everything. Make sure the house is set up before surgery: raised toilet seat, grab rails, ice packs ready, and a comfortable chair with armrests. The physiotherapy exercises are boring but absolutely critical. She was back to gardening after 4 months.

Recovery from a total knee replacement takes time. You will usually be in hospital for 1 to 3 days. Most people can stop using walking aids about 6 weeks after surgery and return to normal activities after about 3 months. Full recovery can take up to 2 years. Physiotherapy exercises are essential for recovery and should be started as soon as possible after surgery.

This is an important surgery question. We recommend speaking with your GP for personalised advice. You can also contact NHS 111 (free, 24/7) for urgent guidance, or visit nhs.uk for trusted health information. Please note: this is general health information, not a substitute for professional medical advice.