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

In hospital and the first two weeks

You are usually helped to stand and walk on the day of surgery or the next morning. Many patients go home after one or two nights, once they can walk safely, manage stairs and control pain with tablets.

In the first two weeks the priorities are controlling swelling, getting the knee straight and bending it steadily. Expect to use crutches or a stick, take your blood-thinning medicine as prescribed, ice and elevate the leg, and do your exercises several times a day. The wound is checked and stitches or clips removed at around two weeks.

Weeks two to six

Walking becomes easier and many people put the crutches aside during this period. Physiotherapy focuses on bend, quadriceps strength and normal walking. Swelling around the knee, especially in the evening, is common and expected.

• Desk work: often around three to six weeks
• Driving: usually when you are off crutches and can brake hard safely, commonly around four to six weeks
• Short walks outdoors: in Qatar, early morning or evening, or indoors in a mall, during the hot months

Six weeks to three months, and beyond

Strength, balance and stamina build up. Cycling on a static bike, swimming once the wound is fully healed and longer walks are usually encouraged. Most patients feel the knee has settled by about three months, although warmth, mild swelling and some stiffness after a long day can continue for several more months. Final results are often judged at around one year.

Physically demanding jobs, such as site or industrial work, may need a longer break, and the timing should be agreed with your surgeon.

When to call your surgeon urgently

Contact the team at Aman Hospital or go to the emergency department if you have a fever, increasing redness or discharge from the wound, calf pain and swelling, sudden shortness of breath or chest pain, or a sudden increase in knee pain that rest does not ease. These can be signs of infection or a blood clot and need prompt assessment.