If you’ve been dealing with chronic knee pain that feels like it’s stealing your mobility and joy, you're not alone. For many people, knee replacement surgery becomes a necessary step toward reclaiming an active life. But deciding on this surgery can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re not sure what to expect. That’s exactly why this guide is here—to explain the process in detail, offer clarity on who might benefit, and explore both the upsides and downsides of the procedure.
What Is Knee Replacement Surgery?
Knee replacement surgery, or knee arthroplasty, is a procedure designed to relieve pain and restore function in knees that have been damaged, typically by arthritis or injury. This involves removing the damaged cartilage and bone from the surface of the knee joint and replacing them with artificial implants made from metal alloys, ceramics, or high-grade plastics. Essentially, the procedure gives your knee a new lease on life by recreating smooth surfaces for joint movement.
There are two main types of knee replacement surgeries:
- Total knee replacement (TKR): Both sides of the knee joint are replaced, which is most common when the entire knee is affected.
- Partial knee replacement (PKR): Only one part of the knee is replaced, often used when arthritis or injury affects just one area.

Who Needs Knee Replacement Surgery?
The decision to undergo knee replacement surgery often comes after other treatments, such as medications, physical therapy, and injections, fail to alleviate the pain. If you’ve tried everything and still can’t climb stairs without wincing or walk more than a few blocks without severe discomfort, knee replacement surgery might be the solution for you. Most people who opt for this surgery experience significant pain relief and improved function.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS), more than 90% of people who undergo knee replacement surgery report a reduction in pain and improved mobility. However, it's not just about pain relief. Surgery also restores the range of motion and allows you to enjoy activities that were once too painful to consider. While this surgery is often associated with older adults—most patients are over the age of 45—many younger people with chronic injuries or genetic predispositions have also found it beneficial.
Advantages of Knee Replacement Surgery
There are several benefits to undergoing knee replacement surgery, including:
- Pain relief: This is the most common and significant benefit. Most patients experience a drastic reduction in pain, allowing them to participate in daily activities without discomfort.
- Improved mobility: After recovery, you'll likely find it easier to walk, climb stairs, and engage in activities like swimming, cycling or even pickleball.
- Enhanced quality of life: It’s not just about getting from point A to point B without pain—many people report feeling mentally and emotionally better after surgery.
- Long-lasting results: A total knee replacement can last 15-20 years or longer. Advances in surgical techniques and prosthetics mean these results are lasting longer than ever before.
Disadvantages and Risks to Consider
While knee replacement surgery offers significant benefits, it's important to acknowledge the potential downsides, as with any surgical procedure.
- Lengthy recovery: Recovery from knee replacement surgery isn’t instant—it’s a marathon, not a sprint. Typically, full recovery takes about 3-6 months, depending on your overall health and the extent of the surgery. You’ll need physical therapy to regain strength and mobility.
- Possible complications: There’s a risk of infection, blood clots, or nerve damage, though these are rare. It's also possible that the new knee may not bend or flex as expected, or that you may still have some discomfort, although it should be significantly less than before surgery.
- Limitations on high-impact activities: Even after you’ve fully recovered, your new knee may not handle high-impact sports or running as well as it once did. Activities that place a lot of strain on the joints, like skiing or basketball, could increase wear on the implant.
What to Expect Before, During, and After Surgery
If you’ve been greenlighted for knee replacement surgery, you’ll go through a few preparatory steps. First, your surgeon will evaluate your medical history, conduct physical exams, and possibly order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to assess the extent of the knee damage.
During the procedure, which typically lasts 1-2 hours, you'll be under anesthesia (either general or spinal). The surgeon will make an incision to expose the knee joint, remove damaged bone and cartilage, and fit the prosthetic components.
After surgery, the recovery process begins. Expect to spend a few days in the hospital, though some patients leave within 24-48 hours. Physical therapy starts immediately to encourage mobility and prevent stiffness. You’ll likely need a walker or crutches for a few weeks, and then transition to more intensive rehabilitation.

Knee Replacement Recovery: How Long Does It Take?
As mentioned earlier, recovery from knee replacement surgery is a journey. Here’s a rough timeline of what to expect:
- Weeks 1-3: The main focus will be managing your pain, controlling your swelling, getting your knee to straighten and bend (or extend and flex), and doing lots of exercises and physical therapy. You’ll likely need a walker for the first week or two.
- Weeks 4-6: Your mobility will have improved significantly. You may still experience some pain and stiffness, but you’ll be walking longer distances and your knee will be bending and straightening more easily.
- Months 3-6: At this stage, you should regain most of your range of motion. You may feel a bit stiff or sore after physical activity, but these sensations should diminish over time. You will start returning to leisure activities and hobbies, like gardening, hiking, and going to the gym (if that is something you enjoy!).
- One year post-surgery: Most people feel fully recovered by the one-year mark and can fully engage in low-impact sports like swimming or biking. However, high-impact sports or running should be avoided, unless your surgeon has given you the okay. Is Pickleball considered a high-impact sport? Either way, you can definitely resume Pickleball at this point!
Regain Full Mobility with an Excellent Knee Rehab Program
If you’re preparing for knee replacement surgery or are already on the road to recovery, having a structured rehabilitation plan is critical to ensuring a successful outcome. While the surgery itself is vital, it’s the post-operative care that will determine how quickly and fully you regain your mobility.
Knee replacement surgery can be a life-changing procedure, giving you the ability to live pain-free and reclaim your independence. Whether you're struggling with chronic knee pain or your loved one is facing this journey, it’s important to understand the process, benefits, and recovery timeline. If knee replacement surgery is on your horizon, don’t forget that the right rehabilitation program—like GoKnee—can make all the difference in helping you heal faster and stronger. Good luck on your knee journey!