After a total knee replacement you’ll start standing and walking on your new knee almost immediately as most surgeons and hospitals today emphasize getting you out of bed quickly.
At first, you’ll take short walks, but walking longer distances with an assisted device such as a walker, cane, or crutches should begin within 24 hours of surgery.
Then you’ll have your first physical therapy session where you’ll be taught specific exercises to strengthen your knee and increase mobility with your new joint.
You should be able to stop using your assisted device and resume normal activities 6 weeks after surgery.