Recovery from knee arthroscopy is fairly quick, especially when compared with recovery from open knee surgery. Still, it is important to follow all of your orthopedic surgeons instructions for the fastest recovery possible.
The Best Ways To Keep Swelling Down
One thing your orthopedic surgeon is sure to tell you is that you must elevate your leg and apply ice to your knee to reduce pain and swelling following surgery. This is most important in the days immediately following surgery.
Taking Care Of Your Bandaging
When you come home from the hospital, you will have a bandage on your knee. Be sure to keep that on for the first 24 hours. After that you can take it off. Its alright to take showers after 24 hours has passed, but protect your knee from direct sprays of water. Dont soak in the tub until your knee has healed thoroughly.
You will go to the orthopedic surgeons office a few days after your surgery for a follow-up. The orthopedic surgeon will tell you about the surgical findings and inform you about your plan of treatment for recovery.
Weight Bearing - Things to Keep In Mind
Click here for more on recovering from knee injuries .
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend that you use an assistive device like crutches, a walker, or a cane after your surgery, but this is unlikely. Usually, you can walk without assistance following arthroscopy. You may have a little trouble bearing weight on the leg at first, but this will resolve as time passes and your leg becomes stronger and stronger. You should avoid driving for about a week. Be sure to double-check with your orthopedic surgeon before you begin driving again.
Following Your Exercise Plan Closely Will Help
You will probably come home from the hospital with a list of exercises prescribed by your orthopedic surgeon. You may also have a referral to a physical therapist. Be sure to do your exercises and follow all instructions from your orthopedic surgeon and your physical therapist.
Remember Your Medications
After your surgery, you will probably have two prescriptions. One will be for antibiotics to prevent infection. The other will be for pain medications to make your recovery more comfortable. Be sure to follow your orthopedic surgeons instructions closely regarding the use of these drugs.
Should I Expect Complications?
The complications that arise with arthroscopic knee surgery are rare and easily managed. You will want to watch for blood clots, blood accumulating around your knee, and infection.
Here Some Signs To Look Out For
Contact your orthopedic surgeon ASAP if you experience:
1) A high, persistent fever
2) Periods of chills
3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Pain that increases and/or persists
5) Swelling in the knee that seems exaggerated
6) Increasing pain in your calf muscle
The Best Ways To Keep Swelling Down
One thing your orthopedic surgeon is sure to tell you is that you must elevate your leg and apply ice to your knee to reduce pain and swelling following surgery. This is most important in the days immediately following surgery.
Taking Care Of Your Bandaging
When you come home from the hospital, you will have a bandage on your knee. Be sure to keep that on for the first 24 hours. After that you can take it off. Its alright to take showers after 24 hours has passed, but protect your knee from direct sprays of water. Dont soak in the tub until your knee has healed thoroughly.
You will go to the orthopedic surgeons office a few days after your surgery for a follow-up. The orthopedic surgeon will tell you about the surgical findings and inform you about your plan of treatment for recovery.
Weight Bearing - Things to Keep In Mind
Click here for more on recovering from knee injuries .
Your orthopedic surgeon may recommend that you use an assistive device like crutches, a walker, or a cane after your surgery, but this is unlikely. Usually, you can walk without assistance following arthroscopy. You may have a little trouble bearing weight on the leg at first, but this will resolve as time passes and your leg becomes stronger and stronger. You should avoid driving for about a week. Be sure to double-check with your orthopedic surgeon before you begin driving again.
Following Your Exercise Plan Closely Will Help
You will probably come home from the hospital with a list of exercises prescribed by your orthopedic surgeon. You may also have a referral to a physical therapist. Be sure to do your exercises and follow all instructions from your orthopedic surgeon and your physical therapist.
Remember Your Medications
After your surgery, you will probably have two prescriptions. One will be for antibiotics to prevent infection. The other will be for pain medications to make your recovery more comfortable. Be sure to follow your orthopedic surgeons instructions closely regarding the use of these drugs.
Should I Expect Complications?
The complications that arise with arthroscopic knee surgery are rare and easily managed. You will want to watch for blood clots, blood accumulating around your knee, and infection.
Here Some Signs To Look Out For
Contact your orthopedic surgeon ASAP if you experience:
1) A high, persistent fever
2) Periods of chills
3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Pain that increases and/or persists
5) Swelling in the knee that seems exaggerated
6) Increasing pain in your calf muscle
About the Author:
Dr. Edelson is a Board Certified Orthopaedic Surgeon specializing in sports medicine. His clinic, Sports Medicine Oregon, focuses on athletes of all ages. Click here to learn more about Dr. Edelson, Oregon ACL Reconstruction and Oregon Biceps Injuries.
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