Your recovery timeline
- Day of surgery to day 1Ankle pumps, breathing exercises, and your first steps with a walker under supervision.
- Days 2 to 4Walking further, bending and straightening exercises, practising stairs and toilet use; most patients go home in a few days.
- Weeks 2 to 3Wound review and stitch removal. Moving from walker to stick as balance improves.
- Weeks 4 to 6Routine household activities and short outings; driving when the surgeon confirms.
- Month 3Most patients feel largely recovered and walk comfortably for longer distances.
- Up to 1 yearStrength, comfort and confidence continue to improve. Squatting and sitting cross-legged are practised when the surgeon allows.
Timelines are typical, not guaranteed. Age, general health, the other knee and regular exercise all play a part.
Exercises that matter most
Getting the knee fully straight early is essential for a normal walk. Never keep a pillow under the knee.
Heel slides and sitting knee bends, a little more each day, as shown by the physiotherapist.
Quadriceps tightening and straight-leg raises protect and support the new knee.
Short, regular walks through the day are better than one long walk.
Caring for yourself at home
- Keep the wound clean and dry until the team says otherwise
- Use ice packs, wrapped in a cloth, for swelling after exercise
- Take your medicines, including blood-thinning tablets if prescribed, exactly as advised
- Use a western toilet or commode chair and a firm chair with arms in the early weeks
- Remove loose rugs and keep a light on at night to prevent falls
- Keep every follow-up appointment, and send progress updates on WhatsApp if you live far away
Call us at once if you notice
- Fever, or increasing redness, swelling or discharge from the wound
- Pain or swelling in the calf
- Breathlessness or chest pain (go to the nearest emergency)
- A sudden increase in knee pain or a fall
Emergency: +91 99363 33772 · Helpline: +91 91985 02255
Rehabilitation at Globus
Our physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre is in the same building, so therapy starts in hospital and continues with the same team. Where suitable, USFDA-approved hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is available to support wound healing.
Recovery questions
How long does recovery take after knee replacement?
Most patients return to routine household activities in about four to six weeks and feel largely recovered by three months. Strength and comfort keep improving for up to a year.
Can I squat or sit cross-legged after knee replacement?
Many patients treated with Dr. R. K. Singh’s technique are able to squat and sit cross-legged after full recovery. It depends on your knee, the implant chosen and your physiotherapy, so discuss your goals before surgery.
When can I climb stairs and drive?
Stairs are practised with the physiotherapist before you go home. Driving is usually possible after about four to six weeks, once you can bend the knee comfortably and brake safely; your surgeon confirms at follow-up.
Can I do physiotherapy in my own town?
Yes. You go home with a clear exercise programme. Many patients continue with a local physiotherapist and return to Globus for scheduled reviews, or share progress videos on WhatsApp.
When should I call the hospital after going home?
Call at once if you have fever, increasing redness, swelling or discharge from the wound, calf pain or swelling, breathlessness or chest pain, or a sudden increase in knee pain.
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ज़्यादातर मरीज़ सर्जरी के एक दिन के भीतर वॉकर से चलने लगते हैं, कुछ दिनों में घर चले जाते हैं, और चार से छह हफ़्तों में घर के रोज़ के काम करने लगते हैं। घुटना पूरा सीधा करना और जाँघ की मांसपेशियों की कसरत सबसे ज़रूरी है। बुखार, घाव में लाली या पिंडली में सूजन हो तो तुरंत संपर्क करें।
कॉल या व्हाट्सऐप करें: +91 91985 02255
Follow the exercise plan given to you personally; this page is general guidance. Medically reviewed by Dr. R. K. Singh, M.Ch. (Orth), M.S. (Orth), D. (Orth), M.A.M.S., M.B.B.S..