Joint replacement recovery

What a joint replacement is

A joint replacement is an operation to remove a damaged joint, or part of it, and replace it with an artificial one. The new parts are made of metal, plastic or ceramic. They are designed to move like a healthy joint.

Most replacements are done because of osteoarthritis, when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears away. Other reasons include rheumatoid arthritis, a broken hip or shoulder, or joint damage from other conditions. Surgery is usually offered when pain and stiffness badly affect your life and other treatments, such as exercise, physiotherapy, painkillers and weight loss, haven't helped enough.

Replacements usually work well. Modern hip replacements are designed to last at least 15 years, and most knee replacements last around 25 years. Shoulder replacements have a very good chance of lasting at least 10 years.

Types of replacement

Your surgeon will suggest the best type for you, based on the damage to your joint, your age and how active you are.

Total hip replacement

The most common hip operation. Both the ball at the top of the thigh bone and the socket in the pelvis are replaced.

Partial hip replacement

Only the ball is replaced. It is often used after a broken hip in older people.

Hip resurfacing

The ball is capped with metal rather than removed, keeping more bone. It is used much less often than it used to be.

Total knee replacement

The surfaces of the thigh bone and shin bone are replaced, and sometimes the back of the kneecap too.

Partial knee replacement

Only the worn part of the knee is replaced. Recovery is often quicker, but about 1 in 10 people need further surgery within 10 years.

Total shoulder replacement

Both the ball at the top of the arm and the socket are replaced. It works best when the rotator cuff tendons are healthy.

Reverse shoulder replacement

The ball and socket swap places. It is used for severe arthritis when the rotator cuff tendons are badly damaged.

Partial shoulder replacement

Only the ball is replaced, or capped with metal (resurfacing). It is often used after a bad fracture.

Recovery timeline

Everyone recovers at their own pace. Your age, fitness, other health conditions and the type of operation all make a difference. Many hospitals use an "enhanced recovery" approach, getting you up and moving on the day of surgery or the day after.

In hospital

Usually 1 to 4 days

Most people go home 1 to 3 days after a hip replacement, 1 to 4 days after a knee replacement, and 2 to 3 nights after a shoulder replacement. A physiotherapist will help you get up and walk with crutches or a frame, and teach you your exercises. You'll usually be given medicine, and sometimes stockings, to prevent blood clots, usually for 2 to 5 weeks depending on the joint.
Weeks 1 to 2

Rest, short walks and exercises

Pain is often worst in the first few days as the anaesthetic wears off. Swelling and bruising are normal. Walk little and often, and do your exercises several times a day. After a shoulder replacement you'll wear a sling. Keep your wound clean and dry until it has healed.
Weeks 2 to 6

Getting stronger

Most people move from two crutches to one, then to a walking stick. Many people can walk without aids after about 6 weeks. A shoulder sling is usually needed for up to 4 weeks. Avoid heavy lifting.
Weeks 6 to 12

Driving and returning to work

You'll usually have a check-up 6 to 12 weeks after surgery. Most people can drive again after about 6 weeks, or 3 weeks after a partial knee replacement, once they can safely do an emergency stop. Many people with desk jobs return to work around this time.
Months 3 to 6

Back to most activities

People with physical or standing jobs often return now. Some aching and swelling is still common, especially after a knee replacement. Keep up your exercises, as strength keeps improving.
Months 6 to 12

Full recovery

It can take several months or longer to get the full benefit. If pain is still getting in the way of daily life at this point, ask your GP or surgical team for a review.

Typical recovery times
Stage	Hip	Knee	Shoulder
Time in hospital	1 to 3 days	1 to 4 days	2 to 3 nights
Driving	About 6 weeks	About 6 weeks (3 for partial)	When you can safely control the car
Desk work	About 6 weeks	6 to 8 weeks	Varies
Physical work	3 months or more	10 to 12 weeks or more	Up to 3 months

Timings are typical ranges from NHS and Arthritis UK guidance, not exact rules. Always check with your surgeon and your car insurer before driving.

When to get urgent help

Call 999 or go to A&E if you have

pain or swelling in your leg with difficulty breathing or chest pain. This could be a blood clot in your lungs
coughing up blood
a new hip or shoulder that suddenly looks out of place, or you can't move it
sudden severe pain after a fall

Call NHS 111 or your ward if you have

throbbing or cramping pain in your calf or leg
a high temperature, or you feel hot, cold or shivery
oozing or pus from your wound, or the wound opening
redness, swelling or pain around the joint that is getting worse

See your GP or surgical team if

pain isn't easing as expected, or comes back months later
the joint feels unstable, clunks or gives way
you can't bend or straighten your knee enough
you have numbness or tingling that isn't improving
you are struggling with low mood or sleep

Your hospital will usually give you a number to call in the weeks after surgery. Keep it somewhere easy to find.

Pain that doesn't settle

Pain from bruising is normal for the first couple of months, and some discomfort can last up to 6 months. But a minority of people still have moderate or severe pain long after surgery. It is more common after a knee replacement than a hip replacement.

About 1 in 5 people have long-term pain after a knee replacement. (NIHR, 2022)

Ongoing pain is not something you just have to put up with. It can have a cause that can be treated, such as:

A hidden, low-grade infection
The new joint loosening or wearing
Stiffness or scar tissue
The joint being unstable
Irritated or damaged nerves
Pain coming from elsewhere, such as your back
Weak muscles around the joint
Complex regional pain syndrome (rare)

Sometimes no clear cause is found. Even then, treatment can help you manage pain and get moving.

Ask for a review early

In UK research, people with knee pain 3 months after surgery were offered a detailed assessment, tests for infection and X-rays, then referral to the right professional. A year later they had less pain than people given usual care. If you are still in a lot of pain around 3 months after surgery, ask your GP or surgical team for a full review rather than waiting.

Treatments and medicines

Good pain control early on helps you do your exercises, which helps recovery. Take your painkillers as advised by your hospital, and talk to your GP or pharmacist if they aren't working.

Physiotherapy

Arranged by the hospital, or GP referral

The most important part of recovery. You'll be given exercises to strengthen the muscles around your new joint and improve how far it moves. Many people need ongoing physio for weeks or months. Group exercise classes are offered in some areas.

Simple painkillers

From a pharmacy or supermarket

Paracetamol, and anti-inflammatory painkillers such as ibuprofen if they are safe for you. Ask a pharmacist before combining them with medicines from the hospital.

Stronger painkillers

Prescription, usually for a short time

Opioid painkillers such as codeine or tramadol may be given for the first days or weeks. They can cause drowsiness and constipation, and can lead to dependence if taken long term. Your GP should review them as you recover. Don't stop suddenly after long use without advice.

Medicines to prevent blood clots

Prescribed by the hospital

Usually tablets or injections for about 2 weeks after a knee replacement and about 4 to 5 weeks after a hip replacement, sometimes with stockings. Finish the full course.

Treatments for ongoing pain

GP, surgeon or pain clinic

These may include medicines for nerve pain, injections, a pain management programme, or a TENS machine. Ice packs and raising your leg can help with swelling.

Further surgery

Most people never need another operation on the same joint. Further surgery may be needed if:

the joint gets infected and antibiotics alone can't clear it
a hip keeps dislocating
a knee stays very stiff. Your surgeon may bend it gently while you are under anaesthetic
the joint wears out or loosens after many years

Replacing a replacement is called revision surgery. It is a bigger operation than the first one, and recovery usually takes longer. Results are often good, but may not be as good as the first time.

Self-help and living well

Early weeks

Do your exercises every day, little and often
Walk a bit further each day, as far as is comfortable
Use ice packs and raise your leg to reduce swelling
Clear trip hazards at home and use a grabber tool
Follow any movement advice from your surgeon, especially after a hip or shoulder replacement

Longer term

Swimming, cycling and walking are good once your wound has healed and your team agrees
Avoid high-impact sports unless your surgeon says they are OK
Keep to a healthy weight to protect your new joint
Pace yourself. Recovery isn't a straight line
Talk to someone if you feel low. It is common after major surgery

Sleep can be hard after surgery because of pain and finding a comfortable position. Taking painkillers before bed, using pillows for support and keeping a regular routine can help.

Tips for getting the best treatment

Keep a recovery diary

Note your pain, swelling, sleep, how far you can walk and how far your joint bends each week. It helps you see progress on bad days, and gives your physio, GP or surgeon a clear picture. It is also useful evidence for your employer and for a funding application.

Before surgery, ask what type of replacement you'll have and why
Ask about a pre-operation exercise or education class
Before you go home, get the ward phone number and your exercise sheet
Ask when your physio starts and how many sessions you'll get
Ask what pain is normal at each stage
Ask for a review if pain is no better after 3 months
Ask about a referral to a pain clinic if pain carries on
You can ask for a second opinion from another surgeon

Returning to work

When you return depends on your job and how you are recovering. Your GP or hospital can give you a fit note, which can suggest changes to help you return sooner, such as reduced hours or lighter duties.

If you have a long-term condition such as arthritis, or pain that has lasted or is likely to last at least 12 months and has more than a minor effect on your daily life, you may count as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 (the Disability Discrimination Act in Northern Ireland). If so, and your employer knows, they must make reasonable adjustments. Even if not, many employers will agree changes to help you back. Adjustments might include:

A phased return, building up your hours over several weeks
Lighter duties or less lifting for a while
Working from home while you can't drive
A sit-stand desk so you can change position
An ergonomic chair at the right height, or a perching stool
A footrest or leg support
A workspace near the entrance, toilets or a lift
Time off for physiotherapy and check-ups

Access to Work is a government grant that can pay for equipment, support and taxis to work if you can't use public transport or drive. For advice on your rights, contact Acas or Citizens Advice.

Benefits

If you are off work after surgery, you may get Statutory Sick Pay from your employer, or Universal Credit or Employment and Support Allowance if you can't get sick pay. If pain or limited movement carries on long term, you may be able to get Personal Independence Payment (PIP), or Adult Disability Payment in Scotland. Turn2us and Citizens Advice can help you check what you can get.

How The Beyond Pain Foundation can help

If NHS waits are too long, or the help you need isn't available to you on the NHS, we may be able to fund:

Extra physiotherapy or hydrotherapy after your NHS sessions end
A private consultation with an orthopaedic surgeon or pain specialist if pain hasn't settled
An occupational therapy assessment for work or home
A pain management programme
Equipment for recovery and work, such as a sit-stand desk, an ergonomic chair, a perching stool or a TENS machine
Home aids, such as a raised toilet seat, grab rails or a shower seat

We don't fund the joint replacement operation itself, and we fund help with your condition, not everyday living costs. We can't fund anything the NHS will provide within a reasonable time. Prices vary, so always get a written quote to include with your application.

Apply for funding Check the requirements

Support and sources

Arthritis UK

Information and helpline (formerly Versus Arthritis)

Free helpline 0800 5200 520, Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Guides to hip, knee and shoulder surgery.

arthritis-uk.org

National Joint Registry

Official joint replacement registry

Patient information and outcomes for hospitals and surgeons, to help you make choices about your surgery.

njrcentre.org.uk

NHS

Health information

What happens, recovery and complications of hip and knee replacements.

nhs.uk knee replacement

Sources for this guide

Last reviewed: October 2026.