When can I stop using crutches after knee surgery?

✓ Accepted answer

You can typically stop using crutches around 6 weeks after knee surgery, provided your surgeon clears you and you have sufficient strength and confidence.

• Early Recovery: In the first 1 to 2 weeks, you will likely need two crutches or a walking frame to protect the incision and manage pain. Most patients are discharged from hospital within 1 to 4 days once they can navigate safely with these aids.
• Transition Phase: Between 2 and 6 weeks, as swelling subsides and muscle tone improves, you will gradually switch to one crutch or a walking stick. This step-up is common when you feel stable on uneven surfaces.
• Independence: Unaided walking is often attempted around the 6-week mark. However, some patients may require crutches for up to 8 weeks, depending on their pre-surgical mobility and whether they had a partial or total replacement.
• Safety Checks: Before dropping all aids, ensure you can walk for at least 15 minutes without significant pain or balance issues. Physiotherapists from the NHS or private clinics will usually assess your gait during a review appointment to confirm readiness.
• Driving Note: Do not drive until you can perform an emergency stop without pain, which usually coincides with stopping crutch use but may take longer for right-sided knees.

admin · 2026-10-13 14:20:11