Getting a hip replacement is supposed to make walking and daily movement easier.
So it can be frustrating when your knee starts hurting during recovery.
If you’re dealing with knee pain after a hip replacement, you’re not alone.
This is more common than many people realize—and the good news is, it’s usually fixable.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we look at the whole body, not just the joint that was replaced.
In this guide, we’ll explain why knee pain happens after hip surgery, what you can do about it, and how we can help you get back to moving comfortably.
Why Does Knee Pain Happen After Hip Replacement?
Hip replacement surgery can change the way you walk.
Even small shifts in your posture or stride can put new stress on your knees.
These gait changes after hip replacement are one of the most common reasons people feel post-hip replacement knee discomfort.
One leg may be slightly longer or shorter now
Sometimes, hip surgery leads to a leg length discrepancy, where one leg ends up just a little longer or shorter than the other.
It might not sound like a big deal, but this can throw off your alignment and make your knees work harder than they should.
Muscle weakness or imbalances
Surgery and recovery often cause muscles to weaken or tighten in uneven ways.
That means your knees may not be getting the support they need from your hips, glutes, and thighs, which can lead to new pain during activities like walking or climbing stairs.
You might’ve had a knee issue already
In some cases, the knee pain was already there—but it was hidden by the more intense hip pain.
Once your hip feels better, you start noticing the pain in your knee more clearly.
Conditions like early knee arthritis or joint inflammation can surface after surgery.
What Does This Knee Pain Feel Like?
Everyone feels pain differently, but most people describe:
- A dull ache in the front of the knee
- Sharp pain with movement
- Stiffness or swelling
- A feeling like the knee might give out
If you’ve had these symptoms for more than a few weeks or they’re getting worse, it’s time to take action.
Can You Prevent Knee Pain After Hip Surgery?
Yes—and the steps you take before and after surgery can make a big difference, including:
Get stronger before surgery
Preparing your body ahead of time helps lower your risk of post-surgical pain.
A few sessions with a physical therapist can improve your strength and balance before surgery, making recovery smoother.
Stick with physical therapy afterward
Rehab doesn’t stop when you leave the hospital.
Working on your hips, thighs, and glutes helps you walk better and take pressure off your knees.
Physical therapy after hip replacement is one of the best ways to avoid knee pain after surgery.
Watch how you walk
If you start limping or notice one leg working harder than the other, don’t ignore it.
Subtle problems with your gait can grow into bigger issues over time.
Catching these early can prevent pain down the road.
What Can You Do About It?
If the pain is mild, there are a few things you can try at home:
- Take breaks from activities that irritate the knee
- Apply ice to reduce swelling
- Try gentle stretches and strengthening
- Use over-the-counter anti-inflammatories if needed
But if it’s not getting better—or if it’s getting in the way of your daily life—it’s time to go deeper.
How Marin Regenerative Health Can Help With Knee Pain After Hip Surgery
We help people move better without surgery.
Our team at Marin Regenerative Health treats knee pain after hip replacement using non-invasive therapies and custom rehab plans.
Here’s how we help:
- Studies show that regenerative medicine like PRP and cell-based treatments can support healing in your knee
- Movement assessments to find issues with gait, muscle imbalances, or alignment
- Personalized rehab programs designed to restore strength and improve how you move
- Hands-on care that focuses on the real cause—not just the symptoms
If your knees are hurting during recovery, you don’t have to just live with it.
You have options that don’t involve another surgery.
Contact us to learn more today!
When Should You Get Help?
You don’t have to wait for the pain to become unbearable.
If your knee pain has lasted more than a couple of months, feels worse with movement, or is limiting your activity, it’s time to take the next step.
Our team can help figure out what’s really going on and guide you toward a solution that works for your body and your goals.
Conclusion: Knee Pain After Hip Surgery
Knee pain after hip replacement doesn’t mean your surgery failed.
It just means your body needs a little more support to fully adjust.
Whether it’s muscle imbalance, a gait issue, or something deeper—we can help you get to the root of the problem.
At Marin Regenerative Health, we’re here to support your recovery with a full-body approach that restores movement, strength, and confidence.
If you’re dealing with knee pain after hip surgery, we’re ready when you are.
Schedule a visit and let’s get you moving comfortably again.
FAQs: Knee Pain After Hip Surgery
Can you repair a knee without surgery?
Yes, many knee issues can be treated without surgery. Non-surgical options include physical therapy, regenerative treatments like PRP, movement retraining, and lifestyle modifications. These approaches can reduce pain, improve mobility, and support the healing of soft tissues around the knee.
What does bone on bone knee pain feel like?
Bone on bone knee pain often feels like a deep, aching discomfort that can become sharp with movement. It may be accompanied by stiffness, grinding sensations, or swelling, especially after walking, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.
Are you ever the same after a hip replacement?
Most people regain significant function and quality of life after a hip replacement, often returning to activities they couldn’t enjoy before surgery. While your body may feel different, especially during the early recovery phase, many patients feel stronger and more mobile once they’ve healed and rebuilt muscle strength.
Are there things you can never do again after hip replacement?
There are some movements you may be advised to limit, especially in the early months after surgery, such as deep bending, twisting, or high-impact sports. However, with proper rehabilitation, many people return to walking, biking, swimming, and other low-impact activities without restrictions. Your care team will guide you based on your unique recovery.
Why does my knee hurt after hip surgery?
Knee pain after hip surgery can happen for several reasons. Common causes include changes in how you walk, differences in leg length, muscle weakness, or underlying knee conditions that become more noticeable once hip pain is relieved. Identifying the root cause is key to finding the right treatment.
