Recovery depends on the type of joint replacement that is done. It varies between individuals , but I can give you the following guidelines:

a. Hip replacement (resurfacing or standard types

• 1 to 2 days in the hospital
• use crutches for 1 to 2 weeks
• use a cane for another 2 weeks
• walking more than a mile without a cane and only a slight limp by 6 weeks
• less pain than before surgery at 6 week
• walking without a limp and climbing stairs foot-over-foot without a rail at 3 months
• swelling of the leg for 3 to 6 months
• maximum improvement at 6 to 12 months

b. Total knee replacement

• 2 to 3 days in the hospital
• crutches/walker for 2 to 3 weeks
• weight-bearing as tolerated
• cane for another 2 to 3 weeks
• physical therapy to gain range for motion for a total of 4 weeks
• pain less than before surgery at 4 weeks
• walking without a limp at 1 to 2 months
• swelling and warmth around knee for 3 to 6 month
• maximum improvement at 6 to 12 months

c. Partial knee replacement

• overnight stay in hospital
• physical therapy for 2 weeks at home
• crutches/walker for 1 week , weight-bearing as tolerated
• cane for another 1 to 2 weeks
• pain less than before surgery at 2 weeks
• walking without a limp at 2 to 3 weeks
• maximum recovery at 3 to 6 months