Recovery Timeline for Hip vs. Knee vs. Replacement: What’s the Difference?
- Dr. Kashyap Solanki
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
When it comes to joint replacement surgery, two of the most common procedures are Total Knee Replacement (TKR) and Total Hip Replacement (THR). Both surgeries aim to relieve pain, improve mobility, and restore quality of life. However, one of the biggest concerns patients have before surgery is:
👉 “How long will it take me to recover?”
While every patient heals differently, the recovery timeline for knee replacement and hip replacement varies significantly. Understanding these differences can help you prepare mentally and physically for the journey ahead.
Hip Replacement Recovery Timeline
Hospital Stay: 2–4 days; some minimally invasive cases are discharged the next day.
Walking Again: Most patients start walking with support within 24 hours.
First 2–6 Weeks: Rapid mobility gains; patients usually progress from walker → cane → independent walking.
3 Months: Able to perform daily activities like driving, light office work, and basic exercises.
Full Recovery: Usually within 6 months, though some patients feel nearly normal in 3–4 months.
✅ Hip replacement recovery is often faster and smoother because the hip is a stable ball-and-socket joint.
Knee Replacement Recovery Timeline
Hospital Stay: Around 3–5 days, depending on medical condition and support at home.
Walking Again: Most patients walk with the help of a walker or crutches within 24–48 hours.
First 6 Weeks: Intensive physiotherapy is crucial to restore knee bending (flexion), strength, and balance.
3 Months: Significant pain relief and improved mobility; some stiffness may persist if exercises are skipped.
Full Recovery: Generally 9–12 months for complete muscle strength and flexibility restoration.
✅ Knee replacement recovery takes longer and requires more dedication to exercises compared to hip replacement.
Knee vs. Hip Replacement: Recovery at a Glance
Aspect | Hip Replacement | Knee Replacement |
Hospital Stay | 2–4 days | 3–5 days |
Walking | Within 24 hrs (with support) | Within 24–48 hrs (with walker/crutches) |
Return to Activities | 6–12 weeks | 10–14 weeks |
Full Recovery | ~6 months | ~9–12 months |
Physiotherapy | Moderate | Intensive & essential |
Final Thoughts
Both knee and hip replacement surgeries deliver excellent long-term results, but the path to recovery is different. Hip replacements usually allow patients to get back to normal life faster, while knee replacements demand more physiotherapy and patience.
As an orthopaedic surgeon, I always emphasize that recovery depends not just on the surgery, but also on the patient’s commitment to rehabilitation, lifestyle, and overall health. With the right guidance, both procedures can restore mobility and independence.
Orthopaedic Surgeon – Andheri, Mumbai
Dr. Kashyap Solanki specializes in hip and knee replacement, robotic-assisted knee surgery, and joint preservation procedures like HTO, arthroscopy, and ligament reconstruction. He is also known for performing complex revision joint replacements and managing challenging upper and lower limb fractures. With a focus on precision and patient-centered care, Dr. Solanki helps restore mobility and improve quality of life through advanced orthopaedic solutions.
With over four decades of distinguished orthopaedic practice, Dr. Prabhu Solanki stands as one of Mumbai’s most experienced and respected orthopaedic surgeons. Having treated more than 40,000 patients and performed over 10,000 surgeries, his clinical outcomes and dedication have earned him widespread recognition — not just in Mumbai, but across India and abroad.
Dr. Solanki’s reputation for precision, ethical care, and long-term results has brought him patients from all over India, as well as international patients seeking high-quality orthopaedic treatment and surgical expertise in Mumbai.
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