Recovery times for any type of medical procedure, including , vary from person to person depending on the individual's health. However, as the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center details, knee replacement surgery recovery must be looked at as a gradual process (see Resources).
Hospitalization
Most people who have had knee replacement surgery begin their road to recovery with a 3- to 4-day hospital stay. Medical care providers will keep an eye on your vital signs and give you medication for pain relief.
Physical Therapy
As soon as the day after you have had a knee replacement, you'll begin to work with a physical therapist. Gentle stretching almost immediately will help you regain your normal range of motion.
The First Month
The first month after you've had surgery is a time of rest and gradual easing back into your normal routines. Keep your stitches clean and dry to avoid the risk of infection. Use mobility devices as prescribed by your doctor.
The First Year
You'll have several follow-up appointments so your doctor can assess your recover in the first year after your knee replacement. Usually these visits occur every 3 months, at which point you'll get the go-ahead to return to running, sports and other strenuous physical activities.
Considerations
If at any point your knee is giving you pain, ease up on your activities and try again in a few days. Call your doctor to discuss your situation rather than pushing yourself too hard and injuring yourself even more.
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