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.
Prevent Pain & Swelling
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.
What to Do About Your Dressing
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 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.
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
Be sure to let your orthopedic surgeon know if you experience:
1) Fever
2) Periods of chills
3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Pain that increases and/or persists
5) A significantly swollen knee
6) Increasing pain in your calf muscle - 17273
Prevent Pain & Swelling
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.
What to Do About Your Dressing
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 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.
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
Be sure to let your orthopedic surgeon know if you experience:
1) Fever
2) Periods of chills
3) Redness or a hot feeling around the knee
4) Pain that increases and/or persists
5) A significantly swollen knee
6) Increasing pain in your calf muscle - 17273
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, Portland SLAP Tear Repairs and Portland Shoulder Injuries.
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