The knee is one of the most critical joints needed for mobility. A knee replacement can provide relief from the painful symptoms of knee arthritis and improves the mobility of patients over 90 percent of the time.
If you are considering a knee replacement, you must have a lot of questions on your mind, one of which is how long does it take to recover from knee replacement. Since the recovery period varies from patient to patient, consulting an orthopedic surgeon can give you an approximation based on several factors.
Let’s talk about how long does it take to recover from a knee replacement surgery and where you can go in Hartford County, CT & Springfield, MA, for world-class orthopedic care.
Knee Replacement Recovery Period
Ask your surgeon about minimally invasive knee replacement surgery, which can shorten your recovery period. Minimally invasive knee replacement can be performed in an outpatient setting, which means you would not need an overnight stay, and you can return home on the same day as the surgery. However, check with your doctor since not every patient is eligible for outpatient surgery.
The moment you wake up after a knee replacement, you should be able to walk using assistive devices, such as crutches or a walker. Walking is a vital part of recovery, and patients are encouraged to walk and begin their physical therapy exercises the day after the surgery to regain the strength in their knee and manage pain slowly.
Before you leave the hospital, you will need to achieve the followings to be deemed safe to return home:
- Getting in and out of bed on your own
- Be able to use the bathroom on your own
- Learn light exercises to do at home
- Learn how to use your assistive devices
You would also need to fully understand accident prevention and what you need to do and avoid during your recovery. A successful outcome from a knee replacement also depends on how well you prepare for your recovery at home – and this is something you should discuss with your doctor. Barring any complications, most patients are able to return to most normal activities and walk without the need of assistive devices between three to six weeks after surgery.
Overall, it usually takes two to three months to make a complete recovery from a minimally invasive knee replacement.
Top Knee Replacement Surgeon in Hartford County, CT & Springfield, MA
A knee replacement can dramatically reduce your knee pain so that you can return to normal activities again. If you are looking for a highly experienced orthopedic surgeon for a knee replacement, we have six highly qualified physicians at Advanced Orthopedics New England who regularly perform the procedure.
Our knee replacements are inpatient procedures, which allows us to ensure the health, safety, and comfort of our patients. To schedule a knee replacement consultation with one of our knee replacement surgeons, call our office today at (860) 728-6740.
