Hip or Knee Replacement: Recovery at Home

Reviewed by Ylmard Grimaldi, LVN
Last reviewed: October 19, 2026

A hip or knee replacement puts in a new joint to take the place of a worn-out one. Most people heal well at home. Healing takes time and work. This page shares simple ways to stay safe and get stronger. Always follow your surgeon's and therapist's orders first.

Get your home ready

• Clear paths. Take up loose rugs and move cords out of the way.
• Use good lights and night lights.
• Set up a bed and a bathroom on one floor, so you do not need the stairs.
• Put grab bars by the toilet and in the shower. Use a non-slip mat.
• Sit in a firm chair with arms. After a hip replacement, avoid low chairs and soft sofas.
• Put things you use often where you can reach them without bending.
• Do not carry things while you walk. Use a bag or basket on your walker.
• Plan to have someone help you for the first 1 to 2 weeks.

Moving safely

• Use your walker, crutches, or cane the way you were shown. Ask your surgeon before you stop using it.
• Put weight on your leg only as much as your surgeon or therapist says.
• Take short walks often. Try not to sit for more than 45 minutes at a time.
• Wear shoes that fit well and do not slip. Do not wear slippers or high heels.
• After a hip replacement, follow your "hip precautions." These are rules about how to bend, sit, and turn. They help keep the new hip in place.
• After a knee replacement, do not twist on your leg or kneel. In bed, put a pillow under your heel or ankle, not under your knee.
• Do not climb ladders or step stools.

Exercise and therapy

• Do the exercises your therapist gave you every day.
• Exercise helps you get strong. It also helps your joint bend and move.
• Start slow. You will tire fast at first. Rest when you need to.
• Ice can help with swelling. Ask your therapist how and when to use it.

Care for your cut and your body

• Keep the bandage clean and dry. Change it only the way you were told.
• Ask your surgeon when you may shower. Do not soak in a bath, hot tub, or pool until your surgeon says it is OK.
• Some bruising and a little redness near the cut are normal.
• Stitches or staples often come out in about 10 to 14 days.
• Take pain medicine as your doctor told you. It can help to take it about 30 minutes before exercise.
• You may need blood thinners or special stockings. They help prevent blood clots. Use them just as you were told.
• Tell your dentist and other doctors that you have a new joint.

Call your surgeon if

• You have a fever higher than 101°F.
• The cut has more redness, swelling, pain, or fluid.
• Pain gets worse, or your medicine does not help.
• Your calf hurts, or one leg is swollen, red, or warm.
• Your foot or toes look dark or feel cold.
• You fall or hurt the leg that had surgery.
• Your hip feels like it slipped, or you cannot move the joint like before.
• You have burning when you pee, or you pee much more often.
• You take blood thinners and have nosebleeds, or blood in your pee or stool.

Call 911 if

• You have chest pain.
• You are short of breath or have trouble breathing.
• Bleeding soaks the bandage and will not stop with pressure.
• The person is suddenly very confused or hard to wake up.

Questions to ask your surgeon or therapist

• How much weight can I put on my leg?
• What moves should I avoid? For how long?
• When can I shower?
• When will my stitches or staples come out?
• How long do I need my walker or cane?
• When can I drive?
• How long should I take blood thinners or wear stockings?
• Who do I call after hours?

How Newstart helps after joint replacement

• Home health care brings skilled care, like nursing and therapy, to you at home. It follows a care plan from your doctor.
• Our physical therapists can help you walk, climb stairs, and get in and out of bed safely.
• Our occupational therapists can help you bathe and dress safely, and suggest helpful tools.
• Our skilled nurses can check your cut, help with pain and medicines, and watch for warning signs.
• We teach you and your family what to do between visits.
• Ask your doctor if home health care is right for you.
• Newstart Home Health Inc is licensed in 7 Southern California counties. We are currently serving Los Angeles, Ventura, and Orange Counties. We are also Medicare-certified.
• We provide skilled home health care only.

Related pages

• Orthopedic Recovery
• Post-Surgical Recovery
• Physical Therapy
• Fall Prevention at Home
• Wound Care at Home

Sources

1. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). "Hip replacement - discharge." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000169.htm (checked Oct 12, 2026, PT)
2. MedlinePlus, National Library of Medicine (NIH). "Knee joint replacement - discharge." https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000170.htm (checked Oct 12, 2026, PT)

Last reviewed: October 19, 2026