Knee Surgery: What You Need to Know

If you or a loved one is facing knee surgery, the first thing you probably want is a clear picture of what will happen. In simple terms, knee surgery fixes damaged joint parts so you can move without pain. Whether it’s a partial meniscus repair, a total knee replacement, or an arthroscopy, the steps are similar: preparation, the operation, and recovery.

Before the day of surgery, your surgeon will run a few checks – blood tests, X‑rays, and sometimes an MRI. These help decide the exact procedure and any special equipment you might need. Use this time to ask about anesthesia options. Most knee surgeries use either a spinal block or general anesthesia, and both keep you comfortable while the surgeon works.

What Happens After the Knife?

When you wake up, expect a bandage around your knee and a drip of pain medicine. The first 24‑48 hours are usually the toughest. Pain can feel sharp or achy, and many people wonder, “Is this normal?” Yes – it’s part of the body’s healing response. Your team will give you pain‑relief meds, often a mix of opioids for the first day and NSAIDs after that. Take them exactly as prescribed; skipping doses can make the pain spike later.

Movement starts early. Physical therapists will help you sit up, stand, and even take a short walk within the first day. This isn’t a typo – moving soon reduces swelling and speeds up healing. If you’re nervous about walking, use a walker or crutches until you feel steadier.

Recovery Timeline – From Days to Months

Days 1‑3: Pain is strongest, but you’ll start gentle bends and leg lifts. Ice the knee for 20 minutes, three times a day, to cut swelling.

Week 1: You’ll likely be discharged home. Continue with pain meds, keep the incision clean, and do the therapist‑prescribed exercises several times a day.

Weeks 2‑4: Swelling drops, and you can increase walking distance. Most people can drive after the second week if they’re not on strong pain meds.

Months 2‑3: Strength builds. You’ll add resistance bands, stationary bike, or swimming to your routine. Many return to low‑impact activities like walking or light gardening.

Months 4‑6: If everything goes well, you can start moderate activities like jogging or cycling, but always check with your surgeon first.

Every body heals at a different pace, so use these milestones as a guide, not a rule.

Now, what should you watch for? Call your doctor if you notice:

• Fever over 100.4 °F (38 °C)
• Increasing redness, warmth, or pus around the incision
• Severe pain that doesn’t improve with medication
• Sudden swelling or a feeling that the knee is “locked”

These signs can mean infection or a complication that needs attention.

Finally, a few extra tips to boost recovery:

• Stay hydrated – fluids help flush out medicine and reduce swelling.
• Eat protein‑rich foods (eggs, lentils, chicken) to support tissue repair.
• Avoid smoking; it slows bone healing.
• Stick to the rehab schedule – missing sessions can set you back weeks.

Knee surgery can feel intimidating, but with clear expectations, proper pain control, and a steady rehab plan, most people walk out pain‑free and back to daily activities. Keep the lines of communication open with your surgeon and therapist, and you’ll navigate the journey much smoother.