Video: How much should I be standing and walking after my total knee replacement?

by Milena Pilipovic

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Introduction

The amount of standing and walking that you do after a total knee replacement can depend on your individual situation and the specific recommendations you have received from your doctor or physiotherapist. In general, starting to move and walking as soon as possible after knee replacement surgery is beneficial for preventing complications after surgery such as blood clots. Early mobilization also helps to reduce the length of hospital stay, reduce post-operative morbidity and mortality, and improves patient satisfaction with surgery.[3][4][5][6] Given the importance of walking after surgery, this video blog outlines standing and walking recommendations for 0 to 2 weeks, 3 to 6 weeks, and 6 to 12 weeks after surgery.

For more information, check out our blog on the recommendations for standing and walking after total knee replacement

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References

1. Adminksi. (2022, August 30). How long can I walk unassisted after total knee replacement?: Vegas. Knee and Shoulder Institute. Retrieved April 5, 2023.

2. Bade MJ, Kohrt WM, Stevens-Lapsley JE. Outcomes before and after total knee arthroplasty compared to healthy adults. journal of orthopaedic & sports physical therapy. 2010 Sep;40(9):559-67.

3. Chua MJ, Hart AJ, Mittal R, Harris IA, Xuan W, Naylor JM. Early mobilisation after total hip or knee arthroplasty: a multicentre prospective observational study. PloS one. 2017 Jun 27;12(6):e0179820.

4. Glassou EN, Pedersen AB, Hansen TB. Risk of re-admission, reoperation, and mortality within 90 days of total hip and knee arthroplasty in fast-track departments in Denmark from 2005 to 2011. Acta Orthop.2014; 85(5):493±500.

5. Husted H, Otte KS, Kristensen BB, Orsnes T, Wong C, Kehlet H. Low risk of thromboembolic complications after fast-track hip and knee arthroplasty. Acta Orthop. 2010; 81(5):599±605.

6. Kerr DR, Kohan L. Local infiltration analgesia: a technique for the control of acute postoperative pain following knee and hip surgery: a case study of 325 patients. Acta Orthop. 2008; 79(2):174±83. Epub 2008/05/20.

7. Louisville Hip & Knee Institute. Insightmg. How far should I be walking after knee replacement?. Published February 24, 2023. Accessed April 5, 2023.

8. Meier W, Mizner RL, Marcus RL, Dibble LE, Peters C, Lastayo PC. Total knee arthroplasty: muscle impairments, functional limitations, and recommended rehabilitation approaches. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2008;38(5):246-256.

9. Mintken, P. E., Derosa, C., Little, T., Smith, B., & American Academy of Orthopaedic Manual Physical Therapists (2008). A model for standardizing manipulation terminology in physical therapy practice. The Journal of manual & manipulative therapy, 16(1), 50–56.