Hip & Knee Replacement FAQs

Everyone recovers at a different pace. Hip and knee replacement recovery is a gradual process that continues for many months.

Many patients are returning to work and progressing toward their usual activities by approximately 3 months, although improvement can continue for 9 to 12 months after surgery.

The goal is steady progress rather than reaching a particular milestone by a specific date.

Your first postoperative visit is typically 4 weeks after surgery.

At that visit, we will evaluate your incision, mobility, recovery, and X-rays and discuss the next phase of your recovery.

This depends on your occupation and how you are recovering. Patients with sedentary jobs may be able to return within several weeks, while physically demanding occupations often require considerably more time.

You should not return to work while taking narcotic pain medication if your work requires driving, operating machinery, or other activities that could be unsafe while taking these medications.

The appearance and length of your incision will depend on your anatomy and the procedure performed. Some swelling, bruising, and discoloration around the surgical area are normal during the early stages of healing.

No. I use dissolvable sutures underneath the skin, so there are no staples or sutures that routinely need to be removed.

You may shower after surgery as long as your waterproof surgical dressing is securely in place. You do not need to remove the dressing to shower.

Once the incision is fully healed, usually around 3 weeks after surgery, it can get wet directly in the shower.

Avoid scrubbing the incision and gently pat it dry afterward.

Avoid soaking or submerging the incision in a bathtub, swimming pool, or hot tub for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

After 6 weeks, you may soak or swim as long as the incision is completely healed.

Please contact the office if you notice new or increasing redness, drainage, uncontrolled bleeding, worsening pain around the incision, or another concerning change.

Sending a photograph of the incision can also be helpful when communicating with the clinical team.

Yes. Swelling and bruising are normal after hip and knee replacement and may involve much of the operated leg.

Swelling is often most noticeable during the first week and gradually improves over the following weeks to months.

Ice, elevation, and regular movement can help. If you develop a sudden or significant increase in swelling, particularly if associated with calf pain, redness, or other concerning symptoms, contact our office.

Ice is very helpful for controlling pain and swelling, particularly during the first few weeks after surgery and after activity or physical therapy.

You may use ice for approximately 20 minutes at a time. Always protect your skin with clothing or a towel.

I generally prefer ice rather than heat during the early postoperative period because heat may increase swelling.

Pain after joint replacement is expected, but it should gradually improve.

Acetaminophen and anti-inflammatory medications, when appropriate for you, are important components of pain control.

Narcotic medications are intended for breakthrough surgical pain and should be reduced as your pain improves. Most patients gradually discontinue them during the first several weeks after surgery.

Do not increase your narcotic dose without discussing it with the surgical team.

Constipation is common after surgery, particularly while taking narcotic pain medication.

Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, walking regularly, and using your prescribed bowel regimen can help.

A typical postoperative regimen may include Colace and Senna, followed by an over-the-counter medication such as MiraLAX if needed. Follow the instructions provided by your surgical team.

Most patients will receive medication to reduce the risk of blood clots for approximately 4 weeks after surgery.

The specific medication depends on your medical history and individual risk factors.

If you already take a blood thinner, you will receive specific instructions about when and how to restart it.

Yes, but more is not always better early in recovery.

During the first 2 weeks, physical therapy should be light and focused on walking, mobility, range of motion, and basic exercises.

Avoid aggressive physical therapy during the first 2 weeks after surgery.

After the first couple of weeks, therapy can gradually progress based on your recovery and whether you had a hip or knee replacement.

Walking is one of the most important activities after joint replacement.

Start with short, frequent walks and gradually increase your distance as your strength and endurance improve.

You do not need to push through significant pain to make progress.

Most patients are allowed to put weight on the operated leg as tolerated after surgery, although your specific instructions may differ depending on your procedure.

This varies from patient to patient.

Use your walker, crutches, or cane until you can walk safely and comfortably without a significant limp.

The goal is safe, normal walking, not getting rid of the assistive device as quickly as possible.

Yes. You will learn how to safely navigate stairs before leaving the hospital.

Early in recovery, remember:

“Up with the good, down with the bad.”

Go up leading with your non-operated leg and down leading with your operated leg.

In general, you should not drive for at least 3 weeks after surgery.

Before returning to driving, you should be completely off narcotic pain medication and have sufficient strength, mobility, comfort, and reaction time to safely control the vehicle.

Timing may vary depending on which leg was operated on and how quickly you recover.

Gradually increase your activities as you recover. Walking is encouraged early.

Some muscular soreness after increasing your activity is normal. Significant or persistent pain may be a sign that you have done too much and should reduce the intensity temporarily.

Use your body and pain as guides when progressing activity.

You may travel once you feel comfortable, but avoid long-distance travel during the early postoperative period when possible.

For longer trips, get up and walk or stretch at least once every hour to help reduce stiffness and the risk of blood clots.

Yes. I recommend taking an antibiotic before dental cleanings and procedures for at least 2 years after joint replacement.

I also prefer that you avoid dental appointments within 1 week before surgery and for 3 months after surgery.

It can. Modern security equipment may detect your implant.

Simply tell security personnel that you have had a joint replacement if your implant triggers an alert.

You generally do not need a special joint replacement identification card.

Modern hip and knee replacements are designed to last many years.

Implant longevity varies depending on factors such as age, activity, weight, implant type, and other individual factors. Studies show that joint replacements can last 20 years or longer.