Tips For Fast Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
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
The instructions from your orthopedic surgeon will likely include keeping your leg elevated and applying ice to help with swelling and pain. It is important to follow this advice, especially during the first few days after your surgery.
Taking Care Of Your Bandaging
You will leave the hospital with a bandaged knee. It is important to keep that bandage on for the first day. After you take it off, it is OK to take a shower, but be sure not to spray water right on your knee. Keep your knee clean and dry until the incisions are healed. Definitely avoid soaking in the bath.
In a few days, you will have an appointment to see your orthopedic surgeon for a followup appointment. At this appointment, the orthopedic surgeon will tell you about your surgical findings and review your treatment plan with you.
How Soon Will I Be Able to Bear Weight on My Leg?
Click here for more on recovering from knee injuries .
You may come home with instructions to use a walker, cane or crutches after your surgery; however, this is unusual with arthroscopic knee surgery. Usually, you will be able to walk without assistance. You will need to take care about bearing weight at first, but as time passes and you persist with your postoperative exercises, you will gain strength and ability. You will probably be able to drive after about a week has passed. Check with your orthopedic surgeon about this.
Using Exercise to Strengthen Your Knee
Your orthopedic surgeon will prescribe some exercises for you to do after your surgery. He or she may even refer you to a physical therapist for specialized work. Whatever the instructions are, be sure to follow them exactly to facilitate quick and thorough recovery.
Managing Your Prescriptions
It is typical to return home with a prescription for preventative antibiotics and another for pain medications. Be sure to follow instructions carefully to prevent infection and keep your pain and discomfort at a minimum.
Will There Be 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
Be sure to let your orthopedic surgeon know if you experience:
1) A high, persistent fever
2) A feeling of chills
3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Increasing or persistent pain
5) A significantly swollen knee
6) Calf muscle pain that increases - 17274
The Best Ways To Keep Swelling Down
The instructions from your orthopedic surgeon will likely include keeping your leg elevated and applying ice to help with swelling and pain. It is important to follow this advice, especially during the first few days after your surgery.
Taking Care Of Your Bandaging
You will leave the hospital with a bandaged knee. It is important to keep that bandage on for the first day. After you take it off, it is OK to take a shower, but be sure not to spray water right on your knee. Keep your knee clean and dry until the incisions are healed. Definitely avoid soaking in the bath.
In a few days, you will have an appointment to see your orthopedic surgeon for a followup appointment. At this appointment, the orthopedic surgeon will tell you about your surgical findings and review your treatment plan with you.
How Soon Will I Be Able to Bear Weight on My Leg?
Click here for more on recovering from knee injuries .
You may come home with instructions to use a walker, cane or crutches after your surgery; however, this is unusual with arthroscopic knee surgery. Usually, you will be able to walk without assistance. You will need to take care about bearing weight at first, but as time passes and you persist with your postoperative exercises, you will gain strength and ability. You will probably be able to drive after about a week has passed. Check with your orthopedic surgeon about this.
Using Exercise to Strengthen Your Knee
Your orthopedic surgeon will prescribe some exercises for you to do after your surgery. He or she may even refer you to a physical therapist for specialized work. Whatever the instructions are, be sure to follow them exactly to facilitate quick and thorough recovery.
Managing Your Prescriptions
It is typical to return home with a prescription for preventative antibiotics and another for pain medications. Be sure to follow instructions carefully to prevent infection and keep your pain and discomfort at a minimum.
Will There Be 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
Be sure to let your orthopedic surgeon know if you experience:
1) A high, persistent fever
2) A feeling of chills
3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Increasing or persistent pain
5) A significantly swollen knee
6) Calf muscle pain that increases - 17274
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, Bicep Repair in Oregon and Portland Bicep Surgery.
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2:23 AM
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