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Advances in hip and knee replacement surgery techniques have significantly shortened recovery times.

Although specific recovery timelines vary depending on the individual and the surgery performed, most people can return to everyday activities within two weeks. Full recovery can take longer, from a few months to a year.

Following the recovery timetable your care team gives you can help you avoid setbacks after surgery. Physical therapy also plays a key role in restoring strength and flexibility.

Here’s what to know about knee and hip replacement surgery recovery.

What Are Hip and Knee Replacements?

In hip or knee replacement, orthopaedic surgeons replace the damaged joint with an implant. Acute injuries and medical conditions or chronic wear and tear can damage joints enough to need replacing.

Hip and knee replacement surgery options include:

• Partial knee replacement — Replacing part of the knee with an implant.
• Total hip replacement — Replacing the ball and socket of the hip with implants.
• Total knee replacement — Replacing damaged bone and cartilage from the knee and leg with an implant.

Knee and hip replacements can make walking and performing other functions without pain and other symptoms easier. Surgery advances in recent years, such as minimally invasive and robotic-assisted techniques, have improved recovery times.

How Long Will I Stay in the Hospital After a Hip Replacement or Knee Replacement?

Many hip and knee replacement surgeries are outpatient procedures, meaning you can go home the same day. If you have an inpatient procedure, you may have a short hospital stay — typically one to three days.

Before the hospital discharges you, your care team will ensure your pain is under control. They’ll also make sure you can perform routine functions like getting out of bed and using the restroom. You can also get up and walk soon after your surgery.

Some patients might need to stay in a rehabilitation or skilled nursing facility before going home. This may happen if you’re struggling with routine activities and don’t have a caregiver at home to help you. When you can perform routine everyday functions, you can return home.

When Can I Walk After a Knee or Hip Replacement?

In many cases, you can get out of bed and walk on the same day of your surgery or the day after. It’s important to move to keep your blood flowing and to begin the early steps of your recovery.

You may need to walk with an assistive device like a cane, crutches, or a walker at first.

How Much Pain Will I Feel After a Hip or Knee Replacement?

You may feel some pain after a hip or knee replacement, but not much overall. Your doctor may prescribe medication to help you manage pain and other symptoms after surgery.

Your anesthesiologist may also discuss the possibility of a nerve block for any postoperative pain you may have. These can last 12 to 18 hours and provide pain control. They happen immediately after or sometimes just before your surgery.

Over-the-counter medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve) may also help with pain. You should talk to your doctor about taking any medications after surgery.

Tips for Recovering at Home After Knee or Hip Replacement

Taking your time as you recover at home is important. Don’t do too much too quickly, or you could risk a setback. If you can, ask a family member, friend, neighbor, or someone else for temporary help with strenuous chores around the house.

Other tips include:

• Avoid the stairs — You should be able to use the stairs by the time you return home. However, it’s best to avoid using them for a few days. Try staying on one floor if possible; you may need to turn a first-floor room into a temporary bedroom.
• Don’t drive for two weeks — Most people can start driving about two weeks after surgery.
• Follow the recommended exercise plan — Your care team will give you some starter exercises to perform at home. This can help improve the strength and flexibility of your new joint and prepare you for physical therapy.
• Keep the floors clutter-free — Rearrange furniture and remove items like rugs that could pose tripping hazards.
• Take care of your wound — Before your discharge, your care team will tell you how to care for your wound and change your bandages. Follow these instructions to avoid infection or other complications.
• Use “RICE” for swelling — You may experience some temporary swelling after surgery. The RICE method — rest, ice, compression, and elevation — can help reduce swelling. Make sure to rest your leg, keep it elevated, and use ice. Wearing compression socks or a bandage also may help.

If you have any questions about at-home recovery, don’t hesitate to ask your care team.

When Can I Return to Work After Knee or Hip Replacement?

When you can go back to work depends on factors like your surgery, your overall health, and your job. If you have a job that doesn’t require much physical activity, you may go back within a week. If your job requires strenuous activities, this could take a month or longer.

Talk to your surgeon to determine when the time is right for you to return to work.

Do I Need Physical Therapy After Hip or Knee Replacement?

Physical therapy plays a key role in hip and knee replacement recovery. By attending outpatient physical therapy, you can improve the strength and flexibility in your new joint and get back to full strength. Your care team will tell you when beginning physical therapy is safe.

Most outpatient physical therapy lasts at least a few months after a hip or knee replacement, but some people may need it for longer.

What Are Exercises for After Knee or Hip Replacement?

You can usually return to regular exercising within a couple of months of your knee or hip replacement surgery. Ask your surgeon and/or physical therapist when it’s safe to begin.

In general, you should aim for low-impact activities like:

• Cycling
• Doubles tennis
• Golfing
• Swimming
• Walking

You should avoid high-impact activities like:

• Basketball
• Jogging
• Running
• Singles tennis
• Skiing

Why Choose UPMC for Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery?

UPMC provides expert orthopaedic care. Our surgeons are highly experienced in hip and knee replacement surgery, including minimally invasive and robotics-assisted techniques.

Our team offers compassionate, patient-first care. We’ll work with you to ensure you understand your surgical options and the recovery process. We’ll also develop an individualized care plan for you.

For more about joint replacement surgery at UPMC or to find a location close to you, visit our website.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published on January 21, 2025, and was last reviewed on January 2, 2026.