Make sure to keep your wound clean and dry. Copyright 1995-2021 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 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. Be sure to inform your orthopaedic surgeon of any medications or supplements that you take. Damage to the cartilage, meniscus, or ligaments in . As you become stronger, slowly increase the tension on the bike. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program. Sometimes, the damage to your knee can be significant enough that it cannot be completely reversed with arthroscopic surgery. Discuss with your doctor when you can safely return to work. It also proves effective in the removal of a Baker's cyst. The relief after the op was heaven and I was so glad I had it done. 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.. Knee Arthroscopy: Rapid Recovery Timeline Aug 22, 2019 Richard A. All material on this website is protected by copyright. (10-Day, Mild left knee sprain, placed on April 10, . The knee is the most common place for synovectomy, owing to its large joint and the prevalence of chronic inflammation there. This is a natural part of the healing process. The term miscectomy refers to a surgical procedure that treats the ACL ligament as well as the meniscus. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. Six weeks after surgery, you should be able to stop using crutches or walking frames. Straighten up to the starting position. You may also have new discomfort behind the kneecap. A physical therapist will evaluate you and develop a plan of care that will help to address your pain and make improvements in the range of motion of your knee, strength of your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glute muscles, and ability to walk, maintain your balance, go up and down the stairs; bend and squat, and return to sports and other forms of exercise. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Knee arthroscopy is generally a safe procedure for the treatment of knee injuries, but there are some risks that you should be aware of. It is best to follow your healthcare providers instructions about weaning yourself off of the medication and doing so as early as possible if your pain is well-controlled. The recovery time for this procedure is much faster than traditional open knee surgery, because it is done using arthroscopy. Anyone who has undergone arthroscopy should exercise regularly. Have u heard of lymphatic drainage massage ? Game Time: 6:40 p.m. CT. Television: . If surgical treatment is needed, your surgeon will insert tiny instruments through other small incisions. Keep in mind that it may take up to four months until swelling goes away completely and you regain your strength and flexibility. Why Do Diabetes Patients Have Pain in Joint? If your job involves heavy work, it may be longer before you can return to your job. Recovery time will reflect that individuality. If you are too mobile, then maybe the irregularity of your gait is hurting your back. In general, most people need about six weeks to recover. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use Learn an initial home exercise program. There is also risk of injury to the ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, meniscus, and nerves of the knee. I've had 7 arthroscopic surgeries on my knees and done went very well with pain relief after a few days. How Long Is Knee Arthroscopy Recovery Knee arthroscopy isn't very invasive. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor and to stop taking them as your pain begins to improve. Nonsurgical treatment includes rest, physical therapy, and medications or injections that can reduce inflammation. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. Keep your leg elevated as much as possible for the first few days after surgery. Sprained Ankle vs. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. i had a knee arthroscopy a few years ago and was given 4 weeks off work, so I'm assuming that is how long they expect it to take to heal. Broken Ankle: What Are the Differences? They can also experience a full recovery within a few months. By Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT Your surgeon will give you clearance to return to work after your knee has healed enough to tolerate your work duties. Your physical therapist will communicate and coordinate care with your healthcare provider and determine if you need more visits after the initial frequency is close to completion. My wife being a nurse helps making sure I do what I should and when. Although arthritis causes knee pain, arthroscopic knee surgery isnt always an effective treatment for osteoarthritis. is helping with this and the cold weather). In some cases, certain treatments can help the menisci remain intact. Activity restrictions will be put in place during the initial stages of recovery until the knee heals and becomes stabilized to support activity demands. Your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. Your healthcare provider will prescribe you pain medication to help manage symptoms after the surgery. Kaiser Permanente. Notes on Does it get better!! Your provider will let you know when you can safely start driving again after knee arthroscopy. Opioid dependency and overdose has become a critical public health issue in the U.S. I would think that you would be better by now. 24 hours after very little pain or discomfort. Lie on stomach with a towel roll under the ankle of your involved knee. A doctor or physical therapist usually recommends 20-30 minutes of exercise two or three times a day and walking for 30 minutes two. You will likely be given an initial prescription for narcotic pain medication to help with symptom management after the surgery. Knee Recovery: The Guidelines 1. Always make sure to ask your healthcare provider if it is safe to take over-the-counter pain medications if necessary based on your medical history and the type of procedure performed. 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. If you were given a knee brace to wear after your surgery, you should wear it at all times except for showering and performing the non-weight-bearing exercises, completed while sitting or lying down, provided by your physical therapist. Sticking to a PT program can help you get back on your feet after surgery. Your last visit with your surgeon will typically be around one year after the surgery. 7 years ago, You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. Do what you want to do BUT a. About OrthoInfoEditorial Board Our ContributorsOur Subspecialty Partners Contact Us, Privacy PolicyTerms & Conditions Linking Policy AAOS Newsroom Find an FAAOS Surgeon. from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek 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. Bend your hip, grasping your thigh just above the knee. . Minimally invasive techniques usually require less recovery time than traditional (open) surgery. Every patient's knee arthroscopy recovery timeline is different. Hold onto a sturdy chair or counter with your feet 6 to 12 inches from the chair or counter. 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. Keep your toes pointing up. 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. The procedure involves making a small incision and inserting a camera called an arthroscope into your knee, which helpsdoctors see what is happening inside of the joint, and once they know the real cause of concern, they can identify the right treatment option. I had a right knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ago plus. Ask your healthcare provider when you can get back to your daily activities, including driving and walking without assistance. A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and rinse away any cloudy fluid. Your surgeon will see you in the office after surgery to check your progress, review the surgical findings, and begin your postoperative treatment program. These may include blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG). don't overwork. Your healthcare provider will remove any stitches or staples at your follow-up appointment once the incision sites have adequately healed. In general, you can expect to return to the full extent of your usual activities within six to eight weeks after the surgery, but procedures like repairs of a meniscus, ACL, or PCL often require several months for complete rehabilitation. Instead of doing my exercises which I think are crucial I went out walking after a couple of days. An example might be changing from high impact exercise (such as running) to lower impact activities (such as swimming or cycling). I was told by my surgeon that whilst most operations are successful there are a small number that are not, and sometimes you may end up with no relief at all. All rights reserved. The camera shows the inside of your knee. Expectations After Arthroscopy Recovery Time. However, how long it takes someone to recover from surgery may be completely different from others who have undergone the procedure.There are patients who return to their normal activities within two weeks of their surgery, but this is rare. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. A surgical site infection, or microbial infection, is one of the most common risks of any type of surgery. Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover from surgery faster. The camera displays pictures on a video monitor, and your surgeon uses these images to guide miniature surgical instruments. Right before your procedure, your healthcare provider will give you anesthesia. Before you inquire about the time it takes to recover from knee arthroscopy, you may be asking exactly why you need to undergo this surgical procedure. You may be able to return to a desk job or your normal routine in a few days. The closer you are to the wall, the more intense the stretch. Recovery times vary, but most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks. While a knee arthroscopy is less invasive procedure, you may still develop certain complications after your surgery. You might have pain in your knee for a few weeks to a couple of months after your surgery. If your healthcare provider recommends a PT program after the procedure, follow instructions carefully. and preexisting conditions, so each patient's arthroscopic surgery is unique to that person. Repeat 10 times. likrer New Member Joined : Oct 2008 If you can't. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. Sweet, M.D. Read our editorial policy. Lie on your back, with your uninvolved knee bent. After the initial follow-up visit, your healthcare provider will make regularly scheduled appointments to track your progress during your rehabilitation. but I have been doing small exercises and borrowed a cane for the first week. In most cases, they repair small problems using the instruments within the arthroscope. And yes, it is to be expected that your knee will be swollen for some weeks after surgery. I am walking easier than at first, but the constant nagging pain is a pain pardon the pun.