What level of activity can I anticipate following a total joint replacement?

Current procedures allow most patients to be active around the house within 7-10 days after surgery. There is variability with swelling and pain; some patients recover quickly while others require more time and care. Following recovery and rehabilitation, there are no restrictions with normal, day-to-day activities including walking, easy hikes, gardening, exercise classes, biking, swimming, golf, fishing, and “social games of tennis.” More vigorous activities such as hiking in steep terrain, skiing, softball, and basketball involve a higher degree of risk with potential for accelerating wear of the artificial joint components. Patients may still perform these higher-risk activities, but they may shorten the life of their joint replacement.