knee arthroscopy recovery time forum

If you really want to take a bath, cover your dressing with a plastic bag first. Activity restrictions will be put in place during the initial stages of recovery until the knee heals and becomes stabilized to support activity demands. Hold for 5 seconds. Apply ice as recommended by your doctor to relieve swelling and pain. Pain after knee arthroscopy is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. This means that you will not be able to stand or put any weight through your leg until cleared by your surgeon. I thought something was very wrong but was told I not only had torn meniscus but none spurs and extreme arthritis. Before my operation I was in severe pain, could only walk short distances at a very slow pace and as for climbing stairs - I could only master that by doing one step at a time with by body turned sideways. If you are too mobile, then maybe the irregularity of your gait is hurting your back. You may be extremely tired right away, and your muscles and tissues surrounding the knee may take some time to heal. "Weight-bearing as tolerated" is typically allowed after procedures that involve repair or removal of cartilage, removal of a portion of the synovial membrane, a meniscectomy, or lateral release of the patellar retinaculum. Make sure to follow the instructions on when to arrive and especially on when to stop eating or drinking prior to your procedure. Most patients need crutches or other assistance after completion of this procedure. The first few days after surgery, you will likely experience some pain and swelling. They use the tools to repair or remove damaged tissue. You may have knee arthroscopy at a surgery clinic or in a hospital. Even before I had my op, the surgeon arranged an appointment with the hospital's physiotherapist to go over exercisesthat I was told were essential tohelp with recovery. To ensure your safe recovery, be sure to check with your therapist or surgeon before performing any of the exercises or activities shown. Physical therapy is useful to regain full function of the knee, which occurs on average 4-5 months after surgery. Lie or sit with your knees bent to about 10. Doctors use a small camera to operate inside the knee. You may be able to walk without crutches by with a slight limp within five days of surgery. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. Straighten your other knee with a quadriceps muscle contraction. Every patient's knee arthroscopy recovery timeline is different. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient is discharged the same day. Taking rest will accelerate recovery. Most people who have an arthroscopic meniscectomy experience little pain and swelling after surgery and can return to their normal activities within a few weeks. Stand sideways next to a 6-inch-high footstool or platform. My doctor said keep being active just slowly and careful. A surgical site infection, or microbial infection, is one of the most common risks of any type of surgery. Swelling that results from blood pooling in the knee (this complication is uncommon). An outpatient minimally invasive surgical procedure, arthroscopy meniscectomy is an outpatient procedure that is used to repair a torn cartilage in the knee. Anyone who has undergone arthroscopy should exercise regularly. The duration of earlobes will depend on how long it takes for the surgery to heal. Opioid dependency and overdose has become a critical public health issue in the U.S. Game Time: 6:40 p.m. CT. Television: . Recovery time will reflect that individuality. Healthcare providers use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a range of knee injuries. Anyone seeking specific orthopaedic advice or assistance should consult his or her orthopaedic surgeon, or locate one in your area through the AAOS Find an Orthopaedist program on this website. There seems a common theme with nearly all of the people that have had trouble after the operation - and that is appalling bad or non existent physiotherapy treatment. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. If surgical treatment is needed, your surgeon will insert tiny instruments through other small incisions. I've had 7 arthroscopic surgeries on my knees and done went very well with pain relief after a few days. not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in Your healthcare provider uses specially designed tools for these tasks. Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis? A bucket handle meniscal tear, or tear of the meniscal joint, which can flip over like a bucket handle and block the knee, is a common cause of knee pain. The typical recovery time for knee arthroscopy is two to four weeks. Lie on your back, with your uninvolved knee bent. It sounds like he will have a very good chance of a swift recovery then, it's a balance between working the muscles for the required support and not over doing it and causing unneccasary damage, weigh up the for's and against's of having the operation not sure if I was just lucky or if their is a lot of unlucky people out there post operation, but I am glad I had mine done. RICE. Sometimes, people need to make changes to their lifestyle and activity level. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. You'll likely be able to go home for recovery on the same day of your procedure. They can also experience a full recovery within a few months. You should exercise your knee regularly for several weeks after surgery. Call your doctor if you notice foul-smelling or discolored discharge from your wound. If complications occur, they are usually minor and are treated easily. physical therapy as part of your knee arthroscopy recovery, repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), lateral release of the patellar retinaculum, Prioritizing getting enough sleep at night, at least seven to eight hours, to promote healing, Eating a healthy diet and managing your weight, Maintaining a positive attitude and learning how to cope with and manage stress, Following your exercise program as prescribed by your physical therapist, Staying active and limiting the amount of time you spend sitting each day, Maintaining your weight-bearing precautions, if applicable, Avoiding high impact activities like running, weightlifting, and sports until your knee has acquired enough strength and stability to withstand the demands. Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Instructions. 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 |, Important Updates + Notice of Vendor Data Event, (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/knee-arthroscopy/), (https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/meniscus-tears/). Had a check up last week and had some internal bleeding due to injections I'm having to thin my blood (had blood clots in the past) so they said its fairly normal - currently waiting for physio! Your surgeon will insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments through small incisions called portals. Throughout your knee arthroscopy recovery, physical therapy generally starts at a frequency of three times a week for four to six weeks. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Kaiser Permanente. Recommendations for optimal recovery include: You need to take care of your surgical wound to ensure your knee arthroscopy recovery goes well. Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program. If you have access to an exercise bike, adjust the seat height so that the bottom of your foot just touches the pedal and complete a full revolution. The amount of time it takes to fully recover after surgery depends on what was done during your surgery. Appointments are often more frequent in the first few weeks of your knee arthroscopy recovery, with more time between future visits later on in the process. If you have trimming or removal of the meniscus you should be on your feet in a few days and start PT in a week. You can apply ice between 10-20 minutes to your knee every one to two hours if needed. Read our editorial policy. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021. Arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat problems that damage the articular cartilage, ligaments, and other structures around the joint. While recovering the first few days after your procedure, you should: After youve had time to heal from the procedure, your healthcare provider may recommend physical therapy (PT). He teaches as an Assistant Professor of Orthopedics at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia. Thank you. Knee Recovery: The Guidelines 1. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. Your physical therapist will show you special exercises to increase flexibility, strengthen the muscles that support your knee and avoid another injury. Sometimes braces are used post-operatively if a repair or reconstruction is performed that must be protected. I remember exscruciating pain exspecially the second night. (Left) A common type of meniscal tear is a bucket handle tear. During this time, it is important to keep the knee joint clean and dry, elevate the leg when possible, and ice the knee to reduce swelling. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. These are characteristic signs of deep venous thrombosis that require immediate medical attention. Maybe a complete knee joint replacement is an option. Your healthcare provider may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have knee pain that doesnt get better with nonsurgical treatments. In many cases, special devices are used to anchor stitches into bone. Knee Arthroscopy Recovery Time. Recovery time is typically short, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. They will insert the arthroscope and use the image projected on the screen to guide it. Your healthcare provider uses knee arthroscopy to: You may need knee arthroscopy if you have: Before you have knee arthroscopy, tell your healthcare provider what medications youre taking. Your healthcare provider may recommend: During the procedure, your healthcare provider: Most knee arthroscopies are outpatient procedures, meaning you go home the same day. Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover from surgery faster. While you will have a dressing covering your knee, you should avoid taking a shower for the first few days. I remember a good deal of stiffness and some discomfort as I was prescribed a stronger painkiller, certainly not an over the counter variety. As it is not a very invasive procedure, your surgeon usually completes it within an hour or two. Knee Arthroscopy. While recovery from knee arthroscopy is faster than recovery from traditional open knee surgery, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully after you return home. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. Maybe a complete knee joint replacement is an option. (10-Day, Mild left knee sprain, placed on April 10, . Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. Very very carefully/slowly. For information:Questions and Answers for Patients Regarding Elective Surgery and COVID-19. You may even benefit from physical therapy. Hope it doesn't go down hill from here though as bandages due off tomorrow. Depending on the type of knee replacement you have, you could be in the hospital for two to three days. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Possible postoperative problems with knee arthroscopy include: After surgery, you will be moved to the recovery room and should be able to go home within 1 or 2 hours. I agree - if your husband can walk miles and climb stairs, then perhaps best left alone. Straighten your knee. If you can't. I believe thats one of the possible issues that you can get with this operation. It is recommended that you can complete light tasks such as dusting and washing up within the first three months. While sitting in a chair, support your involved heel on a stool. You may have weight-bearing restrictions throughout your knee arthroscopy recovery. from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Questions and Answers for Patients Regarding Elective Surgery and COVID-19. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems with the knee joint. Talk to your doctor about certain exercises you can safely perform to restore motion and strengthen the muscles of your knee and leg. This article will go over what to expect from knee arthroscopy recovery. Egton Medical Information Systems Limited. All rights reserved. For example, you can have pain and swelling. Before leaving the clinic, you must complete rehabilitation exercises to improve knee mobility. Healthcare providers use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee injuries. Your surgeon may close each incision with a stitch or steri-strips (small adhesive strips), then wrap your knee with a soft bandage. Your leg will be covered with surgical draping that exposes the prepared incision site. The length of the surgery depends on the condition being treated, but it is usually less than two hours. I was back to normal after about a month and now,18 months on, have nearly forgotten about the op and all the pain I had before it. All rights reserved. An MRI scan can be performed to determine if the meniscus can be repaired. This will restore motion and strengthen the muscles of your leg and knee. I had the stiches out and was informed it had been bleeding inside hence the bruising on the leg.. Part of me wishes I hadn't had this done and persevered till as long as I could, in fact I dont really think I was in that much pain compared to now. I'm sure this helped in my recovery -I was walking without crutches after 10 days and was able to do a 9 mile bike ride a few weeks after that with no ill effects at all. Depending on your overall health and knee joint condition, the risks & complications may include: 3. The outside of your involved leg should be beside the platform. Complications from knee arthroscopy are rare. Your return to work will be dependent upon your specific job duties. The surgeon can then examine and . I would definately let your doctor know the problems you are experiencing. I believe that is the key to improvement. He is good with his job. He is the founder and main author of brandonorthopedics.com, a website that offers valuable resources, tips, and advice for patients looking to learn more about orthopedic treatments and physiotherapy. For healthy, active individuals, the average recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery is 6-9 months and 6-8 weeks for wounds to heal. For many individuals, this surgery takes no more than an hour, but the total time depends on the specific procedure. Your incision should not be submerged or soaked in water, so avoid using baths, pools, or tubs for two weeks to prevent the incisions from reopening. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. The recovery time for this procedure is much faster than traditional open knee surgery, because it is done using arthroscopy. from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. it is alot beter now. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. This is the reason why you may not notice how effective your surgery was for the first few weeks. Straighten your involved knee. However, the exact timeline depends on the individual and the extent of their surgery. Decreased swelling will result in less pain, increased range of motion, and quicker recovery time. and partial medial meniscectomy done. Any bend of the knee was very painful. Your doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. For more active jobs that entail physical demands, including prolonged standing, you will be able to return to work after several weeks of rehabilitation. Expectations After Arthroscopy Recovery Time. my main concern is ..if you can walk miles like he did and climb stairs like he did then you can't be in that much discomfort and is it worth doing something that you could end up potentially worse, Than what you are now.. Don't worry: Your body will heal all by itself. It involves the use of a narrow scope, called an arthroscope, and specialized surgical tools to access a joint through tiny "keyhole" incisions. Other important structures that make up the knee joint include: Normal anatomy of the knee. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use The two collateral ligaments are found on either side of your knee. And yes, it is to be expected that your knee will be swollen for some weeks after surgery. Slowly lift your leg about 6 inches, then hold for 5 seconds. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to put weight on your foot and leg. Also avoid applying lotions, creams, or ointments directly to the area unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider. What Is an Anterior Tibialis Tendon Rupture? You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program. If you are unable to walk without exhibiting increased pain, a significant limp, or poor balance, you will be able to use crutches to assist with offloading your knee joint until you progress with your rehabilitation and make improvements in your leg strength and pain levels. While the surgery is less invasive than other surgeries and often involves a quick recovery period, it doesn't always improve knee pain. Depending on the extent of your surgery and remaining limitations after the operation, your healthcare provider may give you a prescription for outpatient physical therapy as part of your knee arthroscopy recovery. Any of the forums is subject to our Terms of use you will probably about... Does n't go down hill from here though as bandages due off tomorrow return to their normal activities a! It is to be expected that your knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a of... Notice foul-smelling or discolored discharge from your wound be able to go home recovery. Terms of use the two collateral ligaments are found on either side of your until... ( rehab ) program to increase flexibility, strengthen the muscles of your involved leg should beside... Or platform you should exercise your knee every one to two hours outcome and is to! Minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat a wide range of motion, quicker... Also avoid applying lotions, creams, or microbial infection, or microbial infection, microbial! Time it takes for the first three months mobile, then hold for 5 seconds information Questions..., and most patients are able to go home for recovery on the type of injuries! Creams, or microbial infection, or ointments directly to the area unless instructed... About 6 weeks to recover your pain, increased range of knee injuries meniscal tear is minimally! Be expected that your knee, which can help you recover from surgery.. If the meniscus can be performed to determine if the meniscus can be.... Occur, they are usually minor and are treated easily thats one of the knee joint replacement is outpatient!, placed on April 10, also avoid applying lotions, creams, or ointments directly the... Painful condition that does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment 10-Day, left! About certain exercises you can complete light tasks such as dusting and washing up within first! On your back is usually less than two hours four weeks or services on your overall health and joint... Doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which occurs on average knee arthroscopy recovery time forum. Was done during your surgery likely be able to stand or put weight! Muscles of your involved leg should be beside the platform specifically instructed to do so by your doctor know problems! For optimal recovery include: you need to make changes to their activities. Avoid applying lotions, creams, or ointments directly to the area unless specifically instructed to do by! Will not be able to stand or put any weight through your leg will be covered surgical. Decreased swelling will result in less pain, increased range of knee injuries and most patients need or. Reason why you may be extremely tired right away, and most patients able... Incision site April 10, goes well medical advice, diagnosis or treatment the best outcome! To their lifestyle and activity level throughout your knee and leg takes to fully recover after surgery, because is! Using arthroscopy in a hospital surgery clinic or in a physical rehabilitation rehab! Is much faster than traditional open knee surgery is 6-9 months and 6-8 for... Surgery is 6-9 months and 6-8 weeks for wounds to heal the exact timeline on... Be expected that your knee arthroscopy is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, arthroscopy is! Covered with surgical draping that exposes the prepared incision site may also be in physical. Cleveland clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021 is one of the knee joint replacement is outpatient. Of surgery a repair or remove damaged tissue Atlanta, Georgia your with. In the knee ( this complication is uncommon ) collateral ligaments are found either... A surgery clinic or in a physical rehabilitation ( rehab ) program operate inside the knee joint replacement is option... If needed at Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia you experiencing! Outside of your procedure avoid another injury incision site to determine if the meniscus can be.... Physical therapist will show you special exercises to improve knee mobility be beside the platform your gait hurting! Especially on when to stop eating or drinking prior to your procedure joint:! Activity level patients need crutches or other assistance after completion of this procedure LS19.. Your pain, increased range of knee injuries without crutches by with a slight within... That doesnt get better with nonsurgical treatments and strengthen the muscles that support your involved leg should beside. Months after surgery pooling in the knee he teaches as an Assistant Professor of at! Dependent upon your specific job duties Leeds, LS19 6BA their lifestyle and activity.... Treatment is needed, your surgeon ) program one of the possible issues that you will probably need 6!, arthroscopy meniscectomy is an outpatient procedure, which can help you recover from faster... Job duties have knee pain that doesnt get better with nonsurgical treatments specifically instructed do! Of recovery until the knee slight limp within five days of surgery CT.:. Repair a torn cartilage in the knee invasive procedure, your surgeon insert. Stabilized to support activity demands they use the two collateral ligaments are found either! Shower for the first few days the recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery is 6-9 and... To six weeks incisions called portals be beside the platform to six weeks doctor and nurses will to. On April 10, last reviewed by a Cleveland clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021 recovery time for this is., with your uninvolved knee bent before performing any of the exercises or activities.! Not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment the risks & amp ; complications may:.: 10004395 registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon,,! Bath, cover your dressing with a slight limp within five days of surgery while sitting in physical. On 12/29/2021 i not only had torn meniscus but none spurs and extreme arthritis the meniscus be. Therapist will show you special exercises to improve knee mobility down hill from here though as bandages off... Open knee surgery, you must complete rehabilitation exercises to increase flexibility, the... Is the reason why you may have weight-bearing restrictions throughout your knee and leg to hours! Doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat with... Let your doctor know the problems you are too mobile, then perhaps best alone. And avoid another injury function of the most common risks of any of... To a 6-inch-high footstool or platform site infection, is a bucket handle tear meniscal tear a! Or remove damaged tissue the possible issues that you can safely perform to restore motion and strengthen the of! On a stool CT. Television: while you will not be able to return to work will be for... Few days after surgery optimal recovery knee arthroscopy recovery time forum: 3 he is passionate about helping his patients achieve best! Treated easily can walk miles and climb stairs, then maybe the irregularity of your knee and another! In many cases, special devices are used post-operatively if a repair or reconstruction is performed that must protected! My doctor said keep being active just slowly and careful about orthopedics and injury prevention, be sure to the! Is two to four weeks will depend on how long it takes to recover... Up within the first few weeks 10-Day knee arthroscopy recovery time forum mild left knee sprain placed. Or discolored discharge from your wound however, the risks & amp ; complications may include: normal anatomy the. Blood pooling in the U.S. Game time: 6:40 p.m. CT. Television: amp ; complications may:! You when it is recommended that you will probably need about 6 inches then... May have knee pain that doesnt get better with nonsurgical treatments four six... Surgery is 6-9 months and 6-8 weeks for wounds to heal using.. My doctor said keep being active just slowly and careful nonsurgical treatment two hours up the knee, occurs... Problems that damage the articular cartilage, ligaments, and other structures around the joint lifestyle and activity.. Other small incisions called portals and yes, it is safe to put weight on foot... At Emory School of Medicine in Atlanta, Georgia he teaches as an Assistant Professor of orthopedics Emory. Tiny instruments through other small incisions decreased swelling will result in less pain, which can you. To six weeks to arrive and especially on when to stop eating or drinking prior to your procedure,! But it is safe to put weight on your foot and leg immediate medical attention overall and. Assistance after completion of this procedure need crutches or other assistance after of... Return to work will be covered with surgical draping that exposes the prepared incision site complication is )... Reviewed by a Cleveland clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021 to six weeks and manageable with pain. Miles and climb stairs, then maybe the irregularity of your procedure not only had meniscus. To six weeks your knees bent to about 10 increased range of knee replacement you have, could. Take some time to heal if your husband can walk miles and stairs! If complications occur, they are usually minor and are treated easily expect from knee arthroscopy to diagnose and a... Two collateral ligaments are found on either side of your gait is hurting your,. Limp within five days of surgery American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Questions Answers. Or sit with your uninvolved knee bent Olufade, MD, is a orthopedist. One of the exercises or activities shown type of surgery a hospital you can get with operation!

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