Tips For Fast Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
Compared with traditional open knee surgery, knee arthroscopy has a very quick recovery time. Nevertheless, it does take some time to recover from any surgery. The most important thing to remember during your recovery is to listen to your orthopedic surgeon and do as he or she says.
Managing 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.
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.
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.
Weight Bearing – Things to Keep In Mind
Click here for more on knee surgery rehabilitation .
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.
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
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.
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.
Watch For These Warning Signs
Tell your orthopedic surgeon right away if you have:
1) A high, persistent fever
2) 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) Persistent and increasing pain in the calf
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 Tear Repairs in Oregon and Shoulder Doctors in Tigard.
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