Learning you need a joint replacement raises a lot of questions.
When will I be able to walk again? How long will I be off work? Will I have limitations after surgery?
Good news. Joint replacement patients often are able to return to work in a matter of weeks and resume most of their normal activities within a few months of surgery.
“The reason most people have surgery is to be more active, and we encourage activity after joint replacement,” Marshfield Clinic orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Earll said.
Here’s what you can expect after surgery.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most patients stay in the hospital one to three nights after surgery.
Surgeons sometimes perform joint replacements in ambulatory surgery centers. There, patients can recover and receive medical care for 24 hours without being admitted to the hospital.
A physical therapist may send patients home with crutches or a walker to use until you can walk on your own.
Expect to get moving shortly after surgery. That means sitting up in bed, moving to a chair and performing range of motion exercises with the new joint the same day.
“The first few days after surgery involve keeping pain under control while starting to move,” Earll said.
Recovery at home
Joint replacement patients are encouraged to keep moving once they get home.
Some patients are able to walk in as little as a week. It can take up to six weeks for other patients to walk unassisted. Knee replacement patients typically undergo several weeks of physical therapy.
During recovery, patients can slowly begin to do more household chores. Avoid movements that require extreme bending and twisting.
“There’s a balance people have to find,” Earll said. “We want people to recover rapidly, but they can do too much too soon.”
When can I go back to work?
Patients may be off work two weeks to three months after joint replacement surgery.
People who work desk jobs tend to return in a few weeks. Returning to a job that involves standing or manual labor usually takes longer.
“If someone needs or wants to get back to work and can do their job safely and without excruciating pain, I let them go back to work,” Earll said.
Long-term recovery from joint replacement
Earll follows up with patients about six weeks after surgery.
“At that point, they’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but there can be issues for a few months,” he said.
Patients can ease their way back into a fitness program six to eight weeks after surgery, but for some, it can take longer. Start with low-impact activity, like riding a bike or walking on a treadmill.
Most patients won’t have long-term limitations and will only need to follow up with their surgeon for X-rays every few years.
Joint replacements last 10 to 20 years.
If I have my right knee replaced how long before I can drive
Hi Judy,
We recommend contacting your doctor regarding your question, as they are most aware of your medical history and the answer may vary on an individual basis. This link provides more information on the topic you reached out about: http://www.utahorthopediccenters.com/how-soon-can-you-drive-after-total-knee-replacement/, but we advise speaking to your doctor first.
Thanks and I hope that helps,
Jake
I had my first hip replacement 5 years ago. There have been so many improvements since then and now when I had my second hip replacement done. Marshfield Clinic has done a great job with the spinal anesthesia, the new procedures for nerve blocks and the new Comfort Care Recovery Suites. Keep up the good work, Marshfield Clinic. If the future new hospital is half as good as the improvements I have seen so far, it will be wonderful.
Thanks for sharing, Linda. We truly appreciate the feedback. -Kirstie
Previous bypass surgery. What are the prelims b/4 knee replacement.
Hi, Greg,
Thanks for the note. I apologize but can you clarify? Are you asking if someone who has undergone bypass surgery can have a knee replaced?
Thanks,
Jake
Sorry, I meant "compromised immune system".
Can a person who has gone through several rounds of chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant be eligible for a knee replacement? What problems might they encounter because of their comprised immune system?
Hi, Patricia,
Great question. I've reached out to Dr. Earll, quoted in the story, to gain a bit more insight. I'll post an answer for you as soon as I hear back from him.
Thanks,
Jake
Hi, Patricia,
Patients who have gone through chemotherapy and a bone marrow transplant are eligible for knee replacement, if their oncologist approves it. Dr. Earll said the problem that is encountered is an increased risk for infection.
Thanks,
Jake
What medications are typically prescribed before and after knee replacement, e.g., antibiotics, ahi-coagulants?
What about numbness and discomfort that continues for several years? I can do what I wish with my knee but still have some swelling and scrunching sounds when I get up and down.
Hi, Sandy,
Thanks for the question. Here is what Dr. Earll had to say about it:
"Before surgery, not much. After surgery, anticoagulation medication of some sort for about six weeks. Antibiotics in the hospital, then dental prophylaxis for at least two years. Pain meds for about 6-8 weeks, sometimes less or more, depending on the patient."
Hope this helps. Thanks for reading,
Jake