TKR recovery: how long does it really take?

[Josephine]

There seems to be a great variance on what people are told and what their expectations are.
So here is the nitty gritty though it shouldn't be taken literally. Everyone's different and their recoveries can vary for a great number of reasons.

But basically it goes like this
Weeks 1-3:

lots of rest, icing, elevating and taking pain meds by the clock.
NO exercising, just walks for 'as needed' stuff like bathroom and kitchen.
Feed house pets, make yourself a drink or snack but not much more.
shower​

Weeks 4-6:

a bit more activity.
Go for walks in the garden or down the street if you haven't got one but a maximum of 5 minutes each way
bath
still no exercising, no PT/physio​

Weeks 8-10:

start a little housework, light dusting, put wash in machine, do light meals
a little washing up, not much else
go to shops but keep it short and sweet, no more than 30 mins all told and take at least one 5 minute rest
still no exercising, no PT/physio
​

Weeks 10-12:

now go to the supermarket and do a good shop but use the store's mobility cart
load and unload car but accept help if available
make your walks longer
still no exercising, no PT/physio
​

Weeks 12 and onwards:

back to work but on a Phased return to work
make sure you reduce your general activity so you're not doing too much
expect to have a peak in your Energy drain for TKRs
continue icing and elevating
still no exercising, no PT/physio​

3 months to 6 months

expect a little swelling and some aching from time to time
take just paracetamol/Tylenol 1,000mg for any pain
get back to full normal life and activity
​

6-12 months

now you should be forgetting completely about your TKR
do what ever you want to do
you're recovered!​