Equipment for Knee Replacement Recovery: What to Buy
Key takeaways
- The essentials are walking aids, a raised toilet seat, ice packs, a grabber, and a sturdy chair, most of which you set up before surgery.
- You will need walking aids (a frame, then crutches or a stick) for about 2 to 6 weeks, often supplied by the hospital.
- Ice packs and a way to elevate the leg are among the most useful items for managing swelling for months.
- A few cheap aids that remove bending and reaching make the first weeks far safer and less frustrating.
- Buy or borrow what you need before the operation, because the early weeks are the hardest time to organise anything.
By Margaret Doyle | Medically reviewed by Mr Paul Henderson, FRCS (Tr&Orth)
Published June 10, 2026 · 3 min read
The essentials for knee replacement recovery are walking aids, a raised toilet seat, ice packs, a grabber, and a sturdy chair, most of which you set up before surgery. You will need walking aids for about 2 to 6 weeks1, and a few cheap aids that remove bending and reaching make the first weeks far safer. The best time to organise all of it is before the operation, not after.
I bought the wrong things and missed the obvious ones. Here is the kit that actually earned its place, and what I wish I had skipped, checked by a consultant orthopaedic surgeon. For the operation itself, see the complete guide to knee replacement surgery.
What equipment do you actually need?
The core kit is walking aids, a raised toilet seat, ice packs, a grabber, and a sturdy chair with arms. Most of this should be in place before surgery, because the early weeks are the worst time to organise anything2. A Royal College of Occupational Therapists assessment can tell you exactly what your home needs3.
The piece of advice I value most is to sort everything beforehand. In the first fortnight I could barely cross the room, let alone shop or set up the house. Everything I had prepared in advance felt like a gift from my past self.
Walking aids and getting around
You will need a frame first, then crutches or a stick, for about 2 to 6 weeks, and the hospital often supplies these. Check what they provide before buying your own1. Progress through the aids on your physiotherapist’s timeline, not your impatience.
A leg-lifter, a simple strap you loop under the foot, was the unsung hero for me. Getting the operated leg into bed and into the car was genuinely hard in the first weeks, and that one cheap item made it possible without help. For more on moving about, see stairs and walking after a knee replacement.
Aids that remove bending and reaching
A raised toilet seat, a grabber, a long-handled shoehorn, and a sock aid take away the bending and reaching that a new knee cannot manage. Bending fully to sit low or reach the floor is difficult and uncomfortable early on4. These cheap aids prevent both frustration and falls.
The items I used every single day:
- A raised toilet seat, to cut how far I had to bend.
- A grabber, for anything dropped or out of reach.
- A perching stool, so I could prepare food without standing on the knee.
- A long-handled shoehorn and a sock aid, because reaching my feet was impossible.
I felt faintly ridiculous buying some of these. By week one I would not have given them up for anything.
Managing swelling and getting comfortable
Ice packs and a way to elevate the leg are among the most useful items, because swelling can persist for months. Cold after exercises controls swelling and pain, and reusable gel packs are inexpensive2. Keep two or three so one is always ready in the freezer.
I propped my leg on a firm wedge cushion to elevate it above heart level, which beat a wobbly stack of pillows. This kit is central to managing swelling after a knee replacement. Ask your team what is supplied free before buying everything new, and fit this preparation into the wider knee replacement recovery timeline.
References
- Recovery: Knee replacement, NHS. ↩
- Total Knee Replacement (OrthoInfo), American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. ↩
- Preparing your home before a hospital stay, Royal College of Occupational Therapists. ↩
- Knee replacement surgery, Versus Arthritis. ↩
Common questions
What equipment do I need after a knee replacement?
The essentials are walking aids, a raised toilet seat, ice packs, a grabber or reacher, and a sturdy chair with arms. Helpful extras include a long-handled shoehorn, a sock aid, a perching stool for the kitchen, and a leg-lifter to get into bed. Most of this should be set up before surgery, because the early weeks are the hardest time to organise anything.
Do I need a raised toilet seat after a knee replacement?
Many people find a raised toilet seat very helpful because bending the knee fully to sit down low is difficult and uncomfortable in the early weeks. Raising the seat reduces how far you have to bend and lowers the effort to stand back up. An occupational therapist can advise on the right height, and these aids are widely available to buy or borrow.
How long will I need walking aids?
Walking aids are usually needed for about 2 to 6 weeks after a knee replacement. Most people start with a frame, then move to crutches, then a single stick, before walking unaided. The hospital often supplies the initial aids, so check what they provide before buying your own. Follow your physiotherapist's guidance on when to progress rather than rushing.
Are ice packs worth buying for knee recovery?
Yes, ice packs are one of the most useful and inexpensive items for knee replacement recovery. Cold helps control swelling and pain, especially after physiotherapy exercises, and you will likely use it for months as swelling can persist. Reusable gel packs that you keep in the freezer work well, and having two or three means you always have one ready.
What should I buy before knee replacement surgery?
Before surgery, set up walking aids, a raised toilet seat, ice packs, a grabber, a perching stool, and a sturdy chair with arms, and clear trip hazards like loose rugs and trailing cables. Prepare easy meals and put everyday items at waist height to avoid bending and reaching. Sorting your home and kit beforehand is far easier than trying to do it while recovering.
Can I get knee recovery equipment for free?
Often, yes. Hospitals frequently supply walking aids, and an occupational therapist can assess your home and arrange equipment such as a raised toilet seat or rails, sometimes free or on loan, depending on where you live. Some charities and local schemes also lend equipment. Ask your surgical team or occupational therapist what is available before buying everything new.
Written by Margaret Doyle. Medically reviewed by Mr Paul Henderson, FRCS (Tr&Orth).
Our guides are written from personal experience and reviewed by a qualified clinician for accuracy. Read our editorial policy.