Frequently Asked Questions

A total knee replacement resurfaces all major compartments of the knee. A partial knee replacement resurfaces only the damaged portion — most commonly the inner (medial) compartment. Partial replacement is typically considered when arthritis is limited to one area.

The side ligaments (MCL and LCL) are preserved and continue to provide stability. The ACL and PCL are typically removed and functionally replaced by the design of the implant components.

When arthritis-related pain begins to interfere with daily activities, limits your ability to enjoy life, or disrupts your sleep — typically after conservative treatments are no longer providing relief and imaging shows advanced arthritis.

Earlier implants showed about 90–95% lasting 10 years and 75% lasting 20 years. Today’s implants use newer materials with improved durability expected to last significantly longer.

How your knee is managed during this period — particularly swelling control and positioning — sets the foundation for your entire recovery. When swelling is well-managed early, patients regain motion faster, improve muscle control sooner, and experience less pain overall.

The priority is controlling inflammation. The three key components are elevation (knee above heart level), ice (with a protective barrier), and compression. Combined with your four-times-daily exercise routine, these are essential to a successful recovery.

The Smooth Knee Protocol is a recovery approach focused on minimizing inflammation early, restoring knee motion and quadriceps control, and then progressing to strengthening after the initial healing phase. It took our outcomes from 33% of patients achieving full extension at discharge to 97%.

Too much activity — especially excessive walking — in the first 10–14 days can increase swelling and delay recovery. Increased stiffness or soreness the following day is often a sign activity levels were too high.

About 4 times per day during the first 10–14 days. Exercises should create mild discomfort, not pain. Consistency matters more than intensity.

Reduce activity for a day or two and return to elevation, ice, and compression. This helps the knee settle before progressing again.

Ice is recommended during the first 10–14 days. Heat can be introduced later — before exercise if desired — but recovery sessions should always end with ice.

Many patients begin to feel as functional as they did before surgery around 6–8 weeks. Every recovery is individual. Following the Smooth Knee Protocol consistently in the early weeks has a significant impact on how quickly you reach this milestone.

Typically until you can perform a straight leg raise without difficulty, which may take 2–5 weeks or longer. Transition from walker to cane when you can walk without a limp.

Once you are walking normally without assistive devices and feel confident controlling your leg safely. Always confirm with your surgeon before getting behind the wheel.

Yes. Once your incision has fully healed, kneeling is safe. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but with gradual exposure most patients are able to kneel without significant difficulty.

Walking becomes more beneficial once you are able to walk with a normal gait pattern. Until then, excessive walking can increase swelling — especially in the first 10–14 days.

Typically after the first 10–14 days. The stationary bike is excellent for regaining range of motion and is a staple of the KneeFitIn5 program.

Once you walk normally without assistance and can navigate stairs comfortably. Start with range work, progress to short swings, then full play. Most patients return to golf by 3–4 months post-surgery.

Yes — especially doubles play. Start conservatively and progress based on tolerance.

Light jogging (generally under 5–10 miles per week) may be tolerated, but this varies and should be discussed with your surgeon and physical therapist.

A high-protein diet supports healing — about 1 gram of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Adequate hydration and anti-inflammatory foods also support recovery.

Frequent movement of your ankles and toes helps promote circulation. Most patients are prescribed aspirin, though higher-risk individuals may require alternative medications.

Better preoperative conditioning typically leads to a smoother recovery. Set up your home for safety, improve your strength and range of motion, and consider starting the KneeFitIn5 pre-op program.