What is the fastest way to recover from meniscus surgery?

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (R.I.C.E) are recommended for patients recovering from any kind of surgery, include meniscal repair. Keep these guidelines in mind to make sure you're getting the most out of this approach: Avoid whatever activity caused your injury and rest as often as possible.


How long does it take to walk normally after meniscus surgery?

Arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus (meniscectomy)

It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery. Crutches will be necessary for 2-7 days after surgery.

How long do you have to stay off your knee after meniscus surgery?

You may be able to return to most of your regular activities within a few weeks. But it will be several months before you have complete use of your knee. It may take as long as 6 months before your knee is strong enough for hard physical work or certain sports.


What can you not do after meniscus surgery?

Meniscus (cartilage) Repair patients cannot do twisting, pivoting, squatting, deep knee bends or impact activities for four months. It is vital that meniscus repair patients do not squat for at least four months after the repair.

How long does it take for the pain to go away after meniscus surgery?

The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but may take upwards of six weeks. Swelling in the whole knee up to six weeks. Tenderness around the wound sites up to four weeks.


Can a meniscus tear heal on its own?



Can I climb stairs after meniscus surgery?

Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.

Why is meniscus surgery so painful?

That's where – because a portion of the meniscus has been removed, the bones around the knee joint “see” more stress when you walk and they react by becoming very inflamed and can actually at it's worse, cause a stress fracture which is quite painful.

How do you rehab a meniscus surgery?

Rehab Exercises
  1. Quad sets, glute sets.
  2. Ankle pumps.
  3. Hamstring and calf stretches.
  4. Multi-angle isometrics for quads (90 to 60 degrees)
  5. Straight leg raises (multi-plane)
  6. Knee extension, open chain 90 to 40 degrees.
  7. Patellar mobs.
  8. Heel slides to tolerance.


Can you drive a car after meniscus surgery?

For those who have had right leg knee surgery and feel comfortable, it commonly takes about four weeks before you can get behind the wheel. Patients who have had surgery on their left knee may be able to drive sooner, again if comfortable.

Is it OK to keep walking with torn meniscus?

Unless the torn meniscus has locked the knee, many people with a torn meniscus can walk, stand, sit, and sleep without pain. Other people find that the torn meniscus prevents them from participating comfortably in their usual daily activities.

Do I have to keep my leg straight after meniscus surgery?

You can fully extend (straighten the knee). To avoid placing stress on the meniscus repair, do not bend your knee beyond 90 degrees (bent to a right angle). Brace and Crutches: Unless otherwise instructed by your doctor, use crutches when walking and bear weight as tolerated on the operated leg.


What are the side effects of meniscus surgery?

  • You may still have pain and joint stiffness after surgery.
  • Surgery has risks, such as: Infection. Damage to nerves or blood vessels around the knee. Blood clots in the leg. Damage to the joint. Risks from anesthesia.
  • Your age and your health can also affect your risk.


What is the best exercise after meniscus surgery?

Once you have your doctor's approval to begin exercising, try some of these exercises to enhance your strength and stability following a meniscus tear.
  • Quadriceps setting. ...
  • Mini-squats. ...
  • Straight leg raise. ...
  • Hamstring heel digs. ...
  • Leg extensions. ...
  • Standing heel raises. ...
  • Clams. ...
  • Hamstring curls.


How long does it take to weight bearing after meniscus surgery?

Patient will be non-weight bearing for 6 weeks immediately following surgery unless otherwise directed. Progress to partial weight bearing with brace at week 6.


How do you know if meniscus surgery is successful?

If the knee does well and there are no significant symptoms, then it follows that the tear must have healed up and the repair was successful. If, however, a patient is unlucky enough to develop recurrent symptoms and ongoing problems with the knee, then the assumption is that the attempted repair has failed.

Can I use a walker instead of crutches after meniscus surgery?

Activity: You should use cane, crutches or a walker for the first 3 to 5 days following surgery. As your knee feels more comfortable, you may increase the amount of weight you put on the operated leg. You may stop using the cane or crutches/walker once you can walk comfortably without a limp.

How risky is a meniscus surgery?

That being said, meniscus repair is a safe procedure with a complication rate of 1.3%. The most common complications are injuries to skin nerves, the vast majority of which resolve without additional procedures by three months post surgery. Injury to larger nerves or blood vessels is rare, as are blood clots.


Should I wear a knee brace after meniscus surgery?

In most meniscus repair cases the brace is recommended for the first 6 weeks after surgery.

What do I need at home after meniscus surgery?

Ice and elevation
  1. To reduce swelling and pain, put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. ...
  2. For 3 days after surgery, prop up the sore leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down. ...
  3. If your doctor gave you support stockings, wear them as long as instructed.


What helps pain after meniscus surgery?

RICE: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation can help reduce swelling while providing comfort. Corrective Gear: knee braces can help keep the joint stable while it heals. Assistive devices such as crutches or a cane may be used so that less weight is put on the joint.


Does meniscus grow back?

If your tear is on the outer one-third of the meniscus, it may heal on its own or be repaired surgically. This is because this area has rich blood supply and blood cells can regenerate meniscus tissue — or help it heal after surgical repair.

How long will I be off work after a knee arthroscopy?

Note that the recommended timeframe for complete recovery after undergoing this procedure is generally 4-6 weeks. This is how long it usually takes for the fluid in the knee joint (synovial fluid) to get back to normal. Your orthopedic surgeon will give you specific instructions and recommendations in your case.

Can you sleep on your side after meniscus surgery?

Sleep in any position you find comfortable. Sleep on your side with a pillow supporting your back or a pillow between your knees.


How long after meniscus surgery can I shower?

You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it. When you shower, keep your bandage and incisions dry by taping a sheet of plastic to cover them. If you have a brace, take it off if your doctor says it is okay. It might help to sit on a shower stool.

Is there a lot of pain after meniscus surgery?

Most meniscal surgeries (95%) are partial meniscectomies where part of the meniscus is actually removed, not just repaired. Therefore, the remaining meniscus is now smaller and does not perform as well.
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