The knee is one of the most important joints required for mobility, however, can quickly become stiff and painful when arthritis occurs. Knee replacement surgery provides immediate relief to individuals suffering from symptoms of knee arthritis and allows patients to regain their mobility and active lifestyle. The recovery period from knee replacement surgery varies from patient to patient. During your consultation, your orthopedic surgeon will give you a breakdown of your procedure and an estimated recovery timeline. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides knee replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Initial Stages of Recovery: Approximately 12 Weeks
The initial stages of recovery following a knee replacement are known as short-term recovery. Generally, on the first or second-day post-surgery, a patient is provided with a walker for balance. By the third day after the procedure, they are typically able to leave the hospital. Short-term recovery also includes ceasing the use of strong painkillers and having uninterrupted sleep without medication. Additionally, if the patient is able to walk around the house without any discomfort, as well as take a walk lasting two blocks without needing to rest, these are all seen as signs that the person is in the early stages of recovery. Generally, the average time for short-term recovery is approximately twelve weeks.
Full Recovery: 3 to 6 months
Reaching a point of full recovery from surgery and injuries to the soft tissues of the body requires a significant amount of time. When an individual is capable of returning to their job and participating in their usual daily activities, they are starting to make progress toward the completion of their healing process. Another sign of progress is when they feel like they are back to their normal self. Generally, those who have undergone knee replacement surgery should anticipate a recovery period lasting between three and six months.
Speed Up Your Recovery
To have the fastest recovery from surgery, be sure to follow your surgeon’s post-op instructions carefully. You will want to walk and exercise regularly, but also allow yourself to rest and heal properly to avoid re-injury. Thomas & Bigler Knee & Shoulder Institute, led by established board certified orthopedic surgeons Dr. Steven C. Thomas and Dr. Gregory T. Bigler provides knee replacement surgery to patients in Las Vegas, Nevada as well as greater Pahrump, Bullhead City, Lake Havasu, and Mesquite, NV.
Contact Board Certified Surgeons Dr. Bigler or Dr. Thomas at the Knee and Shoulder Institute in Las Vegas, NV to Schedule an Appointment:
If you would like to schedule an appointment or learn more about the Knee and Shoulder Institute procedures & treatments performed by Las Vegas, Nevada board-certified surgeons Steven C. Thomas, MD and Gregory T. Bigler, MD. Contact the office today click here.
Serving patients from and around greater Las Vegas, Lake Havasu, Bullhead City, Mesquite, Pahrump, Nevada