Tips For Fast Recovery After Knee Arthroscopy
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.
The Best Ways To Keep Swelling Down
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
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.
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.
How Soon Will I Be Able to Bear Weight on My Leg?
Click here for more on knee surgery rehabilitation .
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
You will probably come home from the hospital with a list of exercises prescribed by your orthopedic surgeon. You may also have a referral to a physical therapist. Be sure to do your exercises and follow all instructions from your orthopedic surgeon and your physical therapist.
Managing Your Prescriptions
After your surgery, you will probably have two prescriptions. One will be for antibiotics to prevent infection. The other will be for pain medications to make your recovery more comfortable. Be sure to follow your orthopedic surgeons instructions closely regarding the use of these drugs.
Will There Be Complications?
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.
Here Some Signs To Look Out For
Tell your orthopedic surgeon right away if you have:
1) Fever
2) Periods of chills
3) Redness 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 - 17268
The Best Ways To Keep Swelling Down
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
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.
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.
How Soon Will I Be Able to Bear Weight on My Leg?
Click here for more on knee surgery rehabilitation .
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
You will probably come home from the hospital with a list of exercises prescribed by your orthopedic surgeon. You may also have a referral to a physical therapist. Be sure to do your exercises and follow all instructions from your orthopedic surgeon and your physical therapist.
Managing Your Prescriptions
After your surgery, you will probably have two prescriptions. One will be for antibiotics to prevent infection. The other will be for pain medications to make your recovery more comfortable. Be sure to follow your orthopedic surgeons instructions closely regarding the use of these drugs.
Will There Be Complications?
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.
Here Some Signs To Look Out For
Tell your orthopedic surgeon right away if you have:
1) Fever
2) Periods of chills
3) Redness 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 - 17268
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 ACL Reconstruction and Portland Bicep Injuries.
posted by X - Men at
9:38 AM
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