One of the most common questions patients ask before and after knee replacement surgery is simple: what will I actually be able to do afterward? Dr. Sushil Sharma, senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon at Kailash Hospital, Noida, and R.K. Hospital, East Delhi, addresses this directly — and the answer is more reassuring than many patients expect.
Good News: Most Movements Are Allowed
After a successful knee replacement, most everyday and even fairly demanding movements are perfectly fine. According to Dr. Sharma, a well-recovered knee replacement typically allows for:
- Knee bending up to 120 degrees — enough range of motion for the vast majority of daily activities
- Deep squatting — patients are able to squat down comfortably, similar to picking something up off the floor
- Climbing stairs
- Climbing hills or uneven terrain
- Jogging
- Walking, including brisk walking
This range of motion means patients can generally return to an active, largely unrestricted daily routine after recovery.
The One Real Restriction: Indian-Style (Squat) Toilets
According to Dr. Sharma, there is really only one specific restriction after knee replacement: avoiding the use of Indian-style (squat) toilets. While the knee can bend up to 120 degrees for most activities, the deep, sustained squat position combined with the specific angle required for a squat toilet makes this one movement worth avoiding, even though general squatting for other purposes is generally fine.
For patients whose homes only have squat toilets, this is worth planning for in advance — for example, considering a raised toilet seat or Western-style commode, at least in the areas the patient uses most.
What About Running?
The one activity Dr. Sharma advises against is running. However, this doesn’t mean giving up an active lifestyle — jogging is allowed, along with regular and brisk walking. For most patients, this distinction (jogging yes, running no) allows for meaningful cardiovascular activity without added strain on the new joint.
Quick Reference: Movements After Knee Replacement
| Movement | Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Walking (including brisk walking) | Yes |
| Jogging | Yes |
| Running | Not recommended |
| Climbing stairs | Yes |
| Climbing hills/uneven terrain | Yes |
| Deep squatting (general) | Yes, up to 120° |
| Indian-style (squat) toilet use | Not recommended |
About Dr. Sushil Sharma
Dr. Sushil Sharma is a senior orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon with decades of experience in knee replacement surgery. He practices at:
- Kailash Hospital, Sector 27, Noida
- R.K. Hospital, Patparganj, East Delhi
Frequently Asked Questions
How much can my knee bend after knee replacement? Most patients regain knee bending of up to 120 degrees, which is sufficient for the vast majority of daily activities, including deep squatting.
Can I use an Indian-style (squat) toilet after knee replacement? This is generally the one movement advised against after knee replacement. A Western-style commode or raised toilet seat is recommended instead.
Can I run or jog after knee replacement? Running is not recommended after knee replacement, but jogging and brisk walking are generally allowed.
Can I climb stairs or hills after knee replacement? Yes. Once recovered, most patients are able to climb stairs and hills without restriction.
Where can I consult Dr. Sushil Sharma about knee replacement recovery? Dr. Sharma sees patients at Kailash Hospital, Sector 27, Noida, and R.K. Hospital, Patparganj, East Delhi.