Last reviewed: September 29, 2026

It is common, and for most people it passes. On average, mood gets better after a knee replacement, not worse, as pain eases and people get moving again.

The first weeks can be hard. In studies, low mood after surgery went along with ongoing pain, poor sleep, fear of moving the knee, and recovery that did not match expectations. People who felt unprepared to get back to daily life were more likely to feel worse. Which of these causes the low mood, and which results from it, is not clear.

Most people who were depressed before surgery feel better a year later. A small number feel worse. About 1 in 37 people with no history of depression is newly diagnosed within a year. This was more likely in younger people, women, and people with anxiety, smoking or substance use, several other health problems, or opioid use before surgery.

People who are depressed usually have more pain before surgery and still have more pain afterward. Their pain drops by about the same amount as everyone else’s.

Counseling and psychological support around the time of surgery have improved mood and satisfaction in some studies. A large trial of coping-skills training, in people who dwell on pain, found no added benefit. Depression is worth treating for its own sake.

In general:

  • Tell your surgeon before surgery about depression or anxiety.
  • Feeling low most of the day, nearly every day, for two weeks or more is worth raising with your doctor.
  • If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911.

Drafted with AI assistance from published sources, reviewed and edited by Babak Sheikh, MD.

Sources:

This is general information about what published research shows. It is not medical advice and it is not about your situation. Reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship with me. I am a retired orthopedic surgeon and I do not see patients. Talk with your own doctor before changing anything about your care. If something feels suddenly or seriously wrong, get medical care promptly rather than waiting.

This page is provided as is. I make no guarantee that it is accurate, complete or current, and medical evidence changes. Use of it is at your own risk.

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