When after a partial knee replacement can you walk without so much pain and swelling?

6-12 weeks: Recovery rates vary between patients, but by 6 weeks they are usually 85-90% recovered with regard to pain, swelling, and function. The knee will continue to improve for up to 6 months or more. If the pain and swelling remain beyond 12 weeks, you should follow up with your surgeon.

3 months: It takes about 6 weeks to feel better than you did before surgery when walking and 3 months to return to all normal activities. I tell patients that it will be a year before you reach maximal improvement. The recovery from a partial tends to be a bit quicker than a total knee replacement, because there is less trauma. Swelling can be caused by too much walking - ice and elevate!

Within weeks: Most of my 500+ patients after their partial knee replacements have about 3-4 days of mild to moderate pain and swelling. They are instructed to walk around the house every hour that first week since they go home the same day. They use a walker or cane or crutches the first few days. Ice machines with knee wraps and stocking reduce the swelling and pain significantly. 2-3 weeks & 80-90% better.