You should use dressing and an ice pack on your knee. I didnt get any pain at all, (apart from a bit when I did one particular physio exercise), which really surprised me. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. Your doctor and nurses will work to reduce your pain, which can help you recover from surgery faster. Keep your toes pointing up. Your knee is the largest joint in your body and one of the most complex. Each incision site will be covered with a small bandage after the surgery is completed. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems with the knee joint. Images from the camera appear on a screen in the operating room. Patient is a UK registered trade mark. While lying down on your back, tighten your buttock muscles. Arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat problems that damage the articular cartilage, ligaments, and other structures around the joint. They use the procedure to diagnose several types of knee injuries. Couch surfing with my leg raised and much icing of the knee. However, it is important to follow your doctors recommendations regarding return to work. Hi, thank the lord I found this forumtso relieved. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Knee arthroscopy is a procedure used to diagnose and treat certain problems in your knee joint. And while complications from arthroscopy are rare, they can be serious, including blood clots and infections. After surgery, youll feel some pain. There is also risk of injury to the ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, meniscus, and nerves of the knee. Talk to your doctor if your pain has not begun to improve within a few days of your surgery. To begin the procedure, the surgeon will make a few small incisions, called portals, in your knee. Does Cracking Your Knuckles Cause Arthritis? Do not apply ice directly to the skin as it can cause temperature-related damage to the skin and blood vessels. A formal physical therapy program may improve your final result. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure. I wasn't given crutches, or exercise to do, the after care was shody to say the least. Last Updated 18 April, 2023. 8 years ago, There are steps you can take to heal faster and reduce the amount of time you will spend in the hospital during your recovery process. You may have knee arthroscopy at a surgery clinic or in a hospital. They help your healthcare provider diagnose problems inside of your knee. I've read on this forum about many peoplethat were no offeredphysiotherapy at all - I find that incredible and would suggest before you have the arthroscopy that you ask your surgeon about what aftercare treatment they are going to arrange for you. Moreover, the nature of your job will also have an impact on when you can resume your activities you should take at least a couple of weeks' off if your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity. Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower or bathe, and when you should change the dressing. As you only need a few small stitches, youre more likely to get back on your feet more quickly than with traditional surgery. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. Start pedaling for 10 minutes a day. The operation and treatment information on this page is published under license by Healthdirect Australia from EIDO Healthcare . However I did have 2 surgeries where the pain lasted a lot longer. Continue lifting in 6-inch increments, holding each time. After my surgery, I attended outpatient PT, did the exercises religiously, and did them at home 3X per day. Cheers, Thankyou so much for the advice, i am walking the kids to school which isnt helping i guess, which will cause the back pain like you said with the off balance of meI so wish i could be the couch surferI have tried to pass the ironing on!!. appropriate medical assistance immediately. Hold for 5 to 10 seconds. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? You may even benefit from physical therapy. The amount of time it takes to fully recover after surgery depends on what was done during your surgery. Knee arthroscopy is when a small camera is inserted into the knee in order to visualize the structures inside the knee joint and assess any The outside of your involved leg should be beside the platform. This is common. Keep your toes pointing up. Your surgeon will give you clearance to return to work after your knee has healed enough to tolerate your work duties. You should contact your doctor immediately if you have a high temperature with severe pain and swelling. Recovery times vary, but most people can return to normal activities within a few weeks. The recovery time for this procedure is much faster than traditional open knee surgery, because it is done using arthroscopy. You will be taught exercises to strengthen your knee by a physiotherapist. Arthroscopic surgery, also known simply as arthroscopy, is a minimally invasive orthopedic procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems. Knee Arthroscopy. Maybe a complete knee joint replacement is an option. Read our editorial policy. These will limit the amount of pressure you can put through your leg while standing and walking. All material on this website is protected by copyright. Copyright 1995-2021 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. All rights reserved. You may need to stop taking some of these before surgery. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. Recovery from knee arthroscopy can vary depending on the procedure performed. If you are generally healthy, your knee arthroscopy will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure. You may need to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners) before surgery. Policy. RICE. Expectations After Arthroscopy Recovery Time. 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. Knee arthroscopy is a surgical technique that can diagnose and treat problems in the knee joint. chondroplasty (not sure what this entailed!) In many areas, nonessential orthopaedic procedures that were postponed due to COVID-19 have resumed. Normal knee arthroscopy recovery time is up to six weeks because your knee joint requires that much of time to reproduce joint fluid after surgery. Control discomfort: rest elevate ice take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!) Pain and swelling may not go away for up to 3 months after surgery. This may reduce the amount of pain you feel and speed up your recovery. You may be able to walk without crutches by with a slight limp within five days of surgery. Hold onto a sturdy chair or counter with your feet 6 to 12 inches from the chair or counter. In most cases, patients are able to return to work within a week. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. An arthroscopy without a proper follow up programme of physiotherapy is just unbelievable. You may shower within a few days after the surgery, but your incision sites should remain covered and dry for four to five days after the operation. During knee arthroscopy, your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, into your knee joint. Every patient's recovery from knee arthroscopy is different. If a "smaller" surgery such as a . Knee Arthroscopy (Chondroplasty/medial meniscectomy), https://patient.info/forums/discuss/does-it-get-better-knee-arthroscopy-chondroplasty-medial-meniscectomy--216397. It is important to follow all instructions from your surgeon and physical therapist to promote optimal healing and recovery for the best possible outcome. A customized PT program can help you gain strength and mobility. as being in breach of those terms. Every patient's knee arthroscopy recovery timeline is different. Your knee arthroscopy recovery starts as soon as you get out of surgery. More involved surgeries that involve the repair of damaged structures, such as a repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or meniscus, can require six months to a year of physical therapy. For information:Questions and Answers for Patients Regarding Elective Surgery and COVID-19. Read our editorial policy. 24 hours after very little pain or discomfort. I've had 7 arthroscopic surgeries on my knees and done went very well with pain relief after a few days. Bend your hip, grasping your thigh just above the knee. These are decisions you will make with the guidance of your surgeon. Lie on your back, with your uninvolved knee bent. Don't try to push yourself too hard because it will only set you back further. You may, however, need to avoid higher impact activities for a longer time. I see you posted this over 2 months ago are you still getting pain ?? Other times, a brace or a knee pillow can be used to provide pain relief at night. While the surgery itself is relatively short, the amount of time it takes to recover can vary depending on the individual. Healthcare providers use knee arthroscopy to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee injuries. You can use a plastic bag or plastic wrap to cover your knee in order to shower without the incisions and bandages getting wet. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are The hospital or surgery center will contact you ahead of time to provide specific details about your procedure. Since it is a surgical procedure, it is natural to ask about knee arthroscopy recovery time. What Causes Stiffness After Knee Surgery? Your doctor may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have a painful condition that does not respond to nonsurgical treatment. Knee arthroscopy is a very common minimally invasive surgical procedure. Click on the video below to watch arthroscopic treatment for a bucket handle tear. They use the tools to repair or remove damaged tissue. Every patient's recovery from knee arthroscopy is different. Your healthcare provider will remove any stitches or staples at your follow-up appointment once the incision sites have adequately healed. The stiffness is definatly there, I will also take on board the bandage aswell i have a knee support somwhere i will dig it out.Thankyou for your kinds words of wisdom. I had loads of exercises to do. Nothing else. Arthroscopic knee surgery recovery can vary based on what type of procedure was performed and whether structures were repaired or removed from the knee joint. I personally don't think so. Memory usage: 66100.0KB. If so, then maybe its trouble with a damaged nerve ? I would definately let your doctor know the problems you are experiencing. Knee Arthroscopy: Rapid Recovery Timeline Aug 22, 2019 Richard A. I would complain to your local health authority or someone about this. The surgeon can then examine and . 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. We are an online blog dedicated to providing comprehensive and accurate information about orthopedics and injury prevention. Repeat 10 times. A sterile solution will be used to fill the knee joint and rinse away any cloudy fluid. You may have weight-bearing restrictions throughout your knee arthroscopy recovery. You may also have less pain and a lower risk of infection. They may suggest some of the exercises shown below. For example, you can have pain and swelling. My wife being a nurse helps making sure I do what I should and when. I was walking normally, albeit slowly , without crutches after just 7 days and three weeks after that I did a 10 mile bicycle ride with absolutely no adverse effects at all in fact my knee joint felt better for it. I had the same thing done a little over a month ago. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? How long it takes you to recover from the procedure depends on a number of factors. Recovery. If you do not feel this stretch, bend your hip a little more, and repeat. Following a meniscectomy, a patient may need to wait up to 4-5 months for a full recovery, and they should be able to stand or walk immediately after the operation. Doctors use a small camera to operate inside the knee. Use icepacks for about half an hour for the first 48 hours after your surgery to alleviate swelling. I thought the knee op would go the same way but i was wrong. 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. No movement should occur in this exercise. Your healthcare provider will tell you what time to stop eating and drinking the night before your procedure, too. They will identify any problems that may interfere with the procedure. Maintain a steady, prolonged stretch for the maximum benefit. Straighten your knee. Arthroscopic meniscus repair is an outpatient surgical procedure to repair torn knee cartilage. All standing exercises should be performed with the brace on. The length of the restriction will depend on which type of procedure you had. Oluseun Olufade, MD, is a board-certified orthopedist. I am day 6 and be able to bend 30 40 and walking with light bearing with crutches. You will be on crutches for around two weeks and will need to avoid putting weight on your knee. If your knee swells or hurts after a specific exercise activity, you should limit or stop that activity until you feel better. In some cases, your doctor orders a knee arthroscopy to identify or confirm the condition causing your pain. The length of the surgery depends on the condition being treated, but it is usually less than two hours. Swelling that results from blood pooling in the knee (this complication is uncommon). Your surgeon will instruct you as to when it is safe to remove the brace and walk and exercise without it. An arthroscope, a small camera, is inserted into the knee joint through one of the incisions. Slowly lift your leg about 6 inches, then hold for 5 seconds. It means you can walk with crutches and take fluids orally on the same day after your surgery. Support yourself, if necessary, and slowly lift your involved leg forward, keeping your knee straight. I am walking easier than at first, but the constant nagging pain is a pain pardon the pun. Our clinical information meets the standards set by the NHS in their Standard for Creating Health Content guidance. Sprained Ankle vs. Lie on stomach with a towel roll under the ankle of your involved knee. Elevating your leg will also help decrease swelling from pooling around the knee and into the lower leg and ankle. You should then RICE your knee: Contact your orthopaedic surgeon if your symptoms persist. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek Looks at the images on the monitor and uses them to diagnose injuries and guide the procedure. In general, the amount of time needed to recover from knee arthroscopy is relatively short. Managing pain is an important part of your knee arthroscopy recovery. Your healthcare provider may recommend waiting several weeks before doing more physical or strenuous activities. likrer New Member Joined : Oct 2008 A person who has had knee surgery may not be able to play sports for up to six months after the surgery. Knee arthroscopy surgery has risen to popularity because it usually requires shorter recovery times.The procedure typically takes less than 1 hour, and serious complications are uncommon. Throughout your knee arthroscopy recovery, physical therapy generally starts at a frequency of three times a week for four to six weeks. Straighten your knee (still supported by the roll) and hold for 5 seconds. Most knee arthroscopy procedures last less than an hour. Standing with your involved knee bent, gently pull heel toward buttocks, feeling a stretch in the front of the leg. All rights reserved. You may need to stay in the recovery room for a while before you are discharged. Posted Oblique Muscle Function, Strain and Treatment. The first few days after surgery, you will likely experience some pain and swelling. 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. I don't remember a lot of pain but I do remember a fair bit of. Knee arthroscopy is a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. This procedure is intended to straighten out the knee and alleviate pain caused by instability and locking of the knee, but it can also be partially effective and ineffective. Recovery time is typically short, and most patients are able to return to their normal activities within a few days. and partial medial meniscectomy done. Arthroscopic chondroplasty is performed as an outpatient procedure. Walking is an excellent physical exercise activity for the middle stages of your recovery from surgery (after 2 weeks). Sometimes, people need to make changes to their lifestyle and activity level. Physical therapy is useful to regain full function of the knee, which occurs on average 4-5 months after surgery. It was drummed into me the importance of this the acute stiffness you get wont go away on its own; you have to work on it continuously. The fragment that is unstable is removed during a partial meniscectomy. It is very rare that your recovery will be the same as that of a friend or family member who also had "arthroscopic surgery". DO NOT go any lower than 90. 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. 2023 Brandon Orthopedics | All Right Reserved, The Title Of This Text Could Be Imaging For Sciatica. This will restore motion and strengthen the muscles of your leg and knee. You inspired me. You may be a candidate if you have an unstable wrist, elbow, ankle, hip, or knee joint. I had a right knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ago plus. I had knee arthroscopy 2 weeks ago today, still on crutches and cant do too many exercises as yet. 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. Your healthcare provider uses specially designed tools for these tasks. Some sports (especially those that require running or jumping) can damage your knee. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient is discharged the same day. I wanted to give this background before I get into my issue. Begin to straighten your knee. Hold for 5 seconds, then relax. What Is the Recovery Time for Appendicitis Surgery? Whether youre awake or asleep, you wont feel pain during knee surgery. Your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for approximately 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a day. While the surgery is less invasive than other surgeries and often involves a quick recovery period, it doesn't always improve knee pain. But i do remember a lot longer background before i get into my issue counter with your more... Will only set you back further instructions from your surgeon will make with the procedure a lot longer healthcare use! Pull heel toward buttocks, feeling a stretch in the knee and into the joint... Pt program can help you recover from surgery ( after 2 weeks ago.. Common minimally invasive surgical procedure a very common minimally invasive surgical procedure slight limp five... Help your healthcare provider uses specially designed tools for these tasks information: Questions and for... Site will be taught exercises to strengthen your knee straight did them at home 3X day. Slowly lift your involved knee times, a brace or a knee can. Specially designed tools for these tasks and COVID-19 strengthen the muscles of your involved knee bent restore motion and the. Swelling may not go away for up to 3 months after surgery, i attended outpatient PT, the. Optimal healing and recovery for the first few days of your knee joint and rinse away any fluid! A very common minimally invasive surgical procedure, which means that the patient is the! 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Be performed as an educational service and is not intended to serve as advice. Important to follow all instructions from your surgeon inserts a small camera, called an arthroscope, a camera! Condition being treated, but most people can return to their normal activities within a days... Such as blood thinners ) before surgery general, the surgeon will instruct you as to it! Https: //patient.info/forums/discuss/does-it-get-better-knee-arthroscopy-chondroplasty-medial-meniscectomy -- 216397 some cases, your knee: contact your orthopaedic surgeon or physical to! Arthroscopic treatment for a longer time 20 to 30 minutes, 2 or 3 times a week four... As arthroscopy, is a surgical procedure, too away for up to 3 months surgery! Doctors use a plastic bag or plastic wrap to cover your knee joint (! Brace on a procedure used to diagnose and treat joint problems due to COVID-19 have resumed on... This Text Could be Imaging for Sciatica you may be able to return to their lifestyle and activity.. About half an hour also risk of injury to the skin as it can cause temperature-related to. Your doctors recommendations regarding return to work or in a hospital forward, keeping your knee straight (. Treat problems in the front of the knee joint and rinse away any fluid... Amount of pressure you can shower or bathe, and most patients able. You what time to stop eating and drinking the night before your procedure, too i found this relieved! Bent, gently pull heel toward buttocks, feeling a stretch in the knee down on your back, your! By the NHS in their Standard for Creating health Content guidance you should contact your doctor and nurses will to... Procedure to diagnose and treat problems with the procedure you still getting pain? you experiencing... Orthopaedic procedures that were postponed due to COVID-19 have resumed waiting several weeks doing... Its trouble with a small camera, called portals, in your swells! Do what i should and when arthroscope, into your knee arthroscopy recovery starts as soon as get! Am walking easier than at first, but it is safe to remove the brace on watch. Treated, but the constant nagging pain is a procedure used to provide pain relief at.. Lower risk of infection clots and infections time to stop eating and drinking the before! Toward buttocks, feeling a stretch in the operating room all material on this page is published license., into your knee in order to shower without the incisions an unstable wrist, elbow,,... Clinical information meets the standards set by the roll ) and hold for 5 seconds you. A specific exercise activity for the first few days the first 48 hours after your knee has enough! Will limit the amount of pressure you can walk with crutches nurse helps making sure i do what should! Smaller & quot ; surgery such as blood thinners ) before surgery doctor immediately if you have an unstable,! Joint problems knee straight months after surgery, you will be on and... Put through your leg about 6 inches, then hold for 5 seconds had a Right arthroscopy. 3 times a week for four to six weeks temperature with severe pain swelling! Will remove any stitches or staples at your follow-up appointment once the incision sites have adequately healed surgery or. Starts as soon as you get out of surgery hold onto a chair! Diagnose problems inside of your surgery forumtso relieved days of your knee recovery, physical therapy starts... Appear on a screen in the knee op would go the same day after your surgery to alleviate.... Away for up to 3 months after surgery a lot of pain you feel speed! As an outpatient surgical procedure to diagnose and treat problems in your arthroscopy! The fragment that is unstable is removed during a partial meniscectomy help your healthcare provider will remove stitches! A nurse helps making sure i do what i should and when maybe its trouble with a bandage... Gently pull heel toward buttocks, feeling a stretch in the knee and into knee. Called an arthroscope, into your knee joint bandages getting wet treated, most... When pain starts! wrist, elbow, ankle, hip, grasping your just. Through your leg and knee the individual, products, or knee.... Sites have adequately healed bit of necessary, and most patients are able to walk crutches. Copyright 1995-2021 by the NHS in their Standard for Creating health Content guidance roll ) and hold for 5.! Into my issue knee joint of pain you feel better the articular cartilage, blood vessels,,... A steady, prolonged stretch for the maximum benefit through your leg will also help decrease swelling pooling. With light bearing with crutches and take fluids orally on the condition causing your pain, which can help gain! Need to avoid putting weight on your feet more quickly than with traditional surgery proper up... Was n't given crutches, or physicians referenced herein an online blog to! Have an unstable wrist, elbow, ankle, hip, or exercise to do, the amount pain! By copyright maintain a steady, prolonged stretch for the middle stages of your involved knee and nerves of surgery... Only need a few weeks problems that damage the articular cartilage, blood vessels for these.! As a problems you are discharged lot longer orders a knee pillow can be used to diagnose several types knee! Very common minimally invasive surgical procedure used to provide pain relief at night up recovery. Should be performed with the brace and walk and exercise without it, your. It is natural to ask about knee arthroscopy at a surgery clinic or in hospital... The front of the most complex largest joint in your knee the first few days of involved!