Days of Rest After Knee Replacement: How Much Rest Is Right?

You've just had a knee replacement and the doctor says "rest". But how many days should you actually stay in bed? Too much rest can slow healing, while too little can stress the new joint. Below is a straightforward guide that tells you when to lounge, when to stand, and when to start moving.

First Week: Bed Rest and Light Moves

During the first 24‑48 hours most surgeons keep you on a hospital bed. You’ll start gentle ankle pumps and leg lifts while still lying down. By day three you should be sitting up, swinging the legs, and using a walker or crutches for short trips to the bathroom. The key is to keep the knee from stiffening without putting weight on it.

Most patients stay home for 5‑7 days after discharge. During this time keep the leg elevated when sitting, use ice packs for 15‑20 minutes a few times a day, and take the pain meds exactly as prescribed. If you feel dizzy, excessive swelling, or a burning sensation, call your surgeon right away.

Beyond Two Weeks: Safe Activity and Physical Therapy

After the first week, most doctors clear you for light weight‑bearing. This means you can put a little pressure on the leg while using a cane or walker. Start short walks around the house, aiming for 5‑10 minutes a few times a day. Physical therapy usually begins in week two and focuses on gentle range‑of‑motion exercises and strengthening the quadriceps.

By week three you should be able to climb a few stairs with assistance and sit in a low chair without pain. Keep the rest days balanced with activity: a day of walking, a day of stretching, and a day of rest. Listen to your body—if the knee swells overnight, add another rest day before the next session.Most people reach the "no‑crutches" stage around the four‑to‑six‑week mark. However, full return to high‑impact sports can take 4‑6 months. The exact timeline varies with age, overall health, and how strictly you follow the rehab plan.

Bottom line: aim for about 5‑7 days of strict rest right after surgery, then gradually increase activity while still giving the joint a break every other day. Sticking to a simple schedule—rest, ice, gentle moves, then progressive walking—helps you avoid stiffness and speeds up the return to normal life.