How long are you out of work with a total knee replacement?
John Thompson
Published May 20, 2026
You should be able to do many everyday activities 3 to 6 weeks after your surgery. You will probably need to take 4 to 16 weeks off from work. When you can go back to work depends on the type of work you do and how you feel.
How long does it take to recover from bilateral knee replacement?
Double knee replacement recovery time is usually at least 13 weeks. Your commitment to your rehabilitation program and how well you follow your therapist’s instructions will determine how quickly you recover. After three months, you should be ready to resume your regular activities.
Is bilateral knee replacement considered a disability?
CAN KNEE REPLACEMENT SURGERY RESULT IN DISABILITY? Knee replacement surgery can result winning disability benefits. Especially, if you have chronic pain and cannot work. Typically, over 600,000 knee replacement surgeries are performed every year in the United States.
How long does the pain last after bilateral knee replacement?
General pain may occur for up to several weeks following a total knee replacement. Swelling typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, but may persist for as long as 3 to 6 months.
What is the best painkiller after a knee replacement?
Acetaminophen: Normal Tylenol taken at doses recommended by your doctor can help with pain relief and have a much lower risk of future addiction. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): NSAIDs are a great option for non-narcotic pain medications, such as ibuprofen (Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve).
How long does it take for a total knee replacement to stop hurting?
Initial pain after a total knee replacement typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. You’ll continue to have milder pain in the soft tissues around your knees as you heal. You may experience inflammation for 2 to 3 months and stiffness and soreness for up to 6 months. Expect to be fully recovered in 12 to18 months.
How long should you take painkillers after knee replacement?
How long will I be on pain medication? It is not unusual to require some form of pain medication for approximately 6-12 weeks. Initially, the medication will be strong (such as a narcotic). Taking it as prescribed usually provides the most effective pain relief.
What happens if you don’t do physical therapy after knee surgery?
Why you shouldn’t skip physical therapy after knee surgery Supporting muscles and soft tissue can begin to atrophy due to nonuse and swelling. Increased strain can be put on the knee from improper movement. Range of motion can be diminished. The healing process can be slowed down due to lack of blood flow to the area.
What happens if you fart during surgery?
“When the patient’s intestinal gas leaked into the space of the operation (room), it ignited with the irradiation of the laser, and the burning spread, eventually reaching the surgical drape and causing the fire,” says the report.
Can I poop during surgery?
Anesthesia. People think of anesthesia as something that puts us to sleep. Anesthesia, though, also paralyzes your muscles, which stops food from being moved along the intestinal tract. In other words, until your intestines “wake up,” there is no movement of stool.
If knee replacement surgery has left you unable to work, you could get Social Security disability benefits. If you have had knee replacement surgery on a knee with degenerative joint disease or after a bad knee injury, you may be able to get Social Security disability benefits—if you are unable to work.
General pain may occur for up to several weeks following a total knee replacement. Swelling typically lasts for 2 to 3 weeks after surgery, but may persist for as long as 3 to 6 months. Bruising may last for 1 to 2 weeks following surgery.
What’s the worst surgery to recover from?
Here, we outline what are considered to be five of the most painful surgeries:
- Open surgery on the heel bone. If a person fractures their heel bone, they may need surgery.
- Spinal fusion. The bones that make up the spine are known as vertebrae.
- Myomectomy.
- Proctocolectomy.
- Complex spinal reconstruction.
How long out of work for a knee replacement?
The time a knee replacement patient can return to work varies not only by the individual, but also by the type of profession. Patients employed in sedentary jobs may be able to return to work when they can safely travel to and from their job, generally between 2 to 6 weeks.
When do you have a bilateral knee replacement?
Bilateral knee replacement may also be performed in a staged manner, usually, the second knee is replaced after an interval of 3 months or more. The decision regarding staged or simultaneous surgery depends on a number of patient factors.
How long has it been since knee replacement surgery?
Tired of being “the patient ” in pain since surgery 18 days ago. Same here. 3 months in and I am miserable. switched to water PT hoping it would change things. Now and old ankle injury on same leg has been acting up. pain every where. My mom is 2 months post TKR.
What to expect from your knee replacement rehabilitation?
Work on bending and straightening your knee and use a CPM machine if you need one. On the second day, you might walk for brief periods using an assistive device. As you recover from surgery, your activity level will increase gradually. If the surgeon used waterproof dressings, you can shower the day after surgery.