Knee arthroscopy is quicker and easier to recover from than conventional open knee surgery. Still, it does take a bit of time, and it is important to follow your orthopedic surgeons instructions carefully during your recovery period.
Prevent Pain & Swelling
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.
What to Do About Your Dressing
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.
Within a week you will have a followup appointment with your orthopedic surgeon. He or she will discuss the surgical findings with you and go over your treatment plan.
What About Weight Bearing?
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.
Strengthening Your Knee By Following Your Exercise Plan
Your exercise plan may consist of a list of exercises given to you by your orthopedic surgeon, or he or she may send you to a physical therapist. Whatever plan your orthopedic surgeon devises, be sure to follow it closely for quick, effective results.
Managing Your Prescriptions
Prevention of infection and pain management are important components of your recovery. You will probably have a prescription for antibiotics and a prescription for pain medications. Be sure to follow the directions your orthopedic surgeon gives you to avoid infection and recover with the least amount of pain.
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 fever that is high & persistent
2) A feeling of chills
3) Redness around the knee or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Pain that persists and/or increases rather than decreasing
5) Unusually prominent swelling in the knee
6) Calf muscle pain that increases
Prevent Pain & Swelling
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.
What to Do About Your Dressing
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.
Within a week you will have a followup appointment with your orthopedic surgeon. He or she will discuss the surgical findings with you and go over your treatment plan.
What About Weight Bearing?
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.
Strengthening Your Knee By Following Your Exercise Plan
Your exercise plan may consist of a list of exercises given to you by your orthopedic surgeon, or he or she may send you to a physical therapist. Whatever plan your orthopedic surgeon devises, be sure to follow it closely for quick, effective results.
Managing Your Prescriptions
Prevention of infection and pain management are important components of your recovery. You will probably have a prescription for antibiotics and a prescription for pain medications. Be sure to follow the directions your orthopedic surgeon gives you to avoid infection and recover with the least amount of pain.
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 fever that is high & persistent
2) A feeling of chills
3) Redness around the knee or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Pain that persists and/or increases rather than decreasing
5) Unusually prominent swelling in the knee
6) Calf muscle pain that increases
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 Tears and Oregon Knee Surgery.
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