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Knee replacement
Who may benefit from knee replacement and what recovery usually involves.
Overview
Knee replacement surgery replaces damaged parts of the knee joint with metal and plastic parts. It is most often done for severe arthritis pain that has not improved with other treatments.
Who may benefit
- Knee pain that limits walking or climbing stairs
- Pain at rest, day or night
- Stiffness or swelling that has not responded to medicine, therapy or injections
Recovery
Most people walk with help the day of or after surgery. Physical therapy continues for several weeks. Full recovery can take several months.
Questions to ask
- What are my non-surgical options?
- What will recovery look like for me?
- How should I prepare my home?
Last reviewed: July 29, 2026