Speeding Up Your Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
September 12, 2009 by Dr. Richard Edelson
Filed under Health Insurance
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.
Managing Swelling
Your orthopedic surgeon is sure to instruct you to keep your leg elevated during the first few days after surgery. Additionally, you can use ice to keep pain and swelling under control.
How to Manage Your Bandage
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.
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.
What About Weight Bearing?
Click here for more on rehabilitation after surgery .
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
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.
Antibiotics and Pain Medications
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.
Complications Are Rare
Arthroscopic knee surgery rarely generates complications. If any occur, they are usually mild and easily managed. They include, an accumulation of blood around the knee, possible blood clots, and possible infection.
Indications of Complication
Contact your orthopedic surgeon ASAP if you experience:
1) A high, persistent fever
2) Chills
3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Increasing or persistent pain
5) Swelling in the knee that seems exaggerated
6) Calf muscle pain that increases
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, Labral Surgery in Oregon and Tigard Labral Repair.
necklace (2)
H Miracle (1)