Is knee replacement surgery painful?

Author : first copy | Published On : 06 Apr 2026

Partial knee replacement surgery involves less pain compared to a total knee replacement because only the damaged portion of the knee is replaced. Here's what to expect:

1. During Surgery: The partial knee replacement operation is performed under general or spinal anesthesia, so you won’t feel any pain during the procedure.

2. After Surgery: Post-surgery pain is manageable with pain medications and can be reduced with nerve blocks in the first few days. The pain usually decreases as you recover.

3. Recovery: The partial knee replacement procedure generally offers a quicker recovery than total knee replacement. Most patients experience significant improvement in 2–3 weeks, with physiotherapy helping to reduce discomfort and improve mobility.

By following the recovery plan, pain is minimized, leading to improved function and reduced long-term pain.