Offloader braces may be appropriate as an initial treatment for acute meniscus injuries, as an ongoing treatment option for degenerative tears, or in the latter stages of a post-surgery recovery plan. There are 2 types of offloader knee braces.
Offloader knee brace
It's the best option for degenerative meniscus tears caused by OA because pain is usually on one side of the knee joint. It can also be used following meniscal surgery and during rehabilitation where weight bearing on one side of the meniscus needs to be avoided.
In most meniscus repair cases the brace is recommended for the first 6 weeks after surgery.
Compression sleeves are often the best knee brace for a torn meniscus if you also suffer from arthritic knees or from a degenerative condition. They are also a good choice for an athlete at the end of the rehabilitation process and requiring compression therapy to reduce pain and promote more rapid healing.
Knee Immobilizer: Meniscal Repair patients are to wear the knee immobilizer full time for the first 3 weeks to protect the repair for the first phase of healing. This includes while you are sleeping. It is to be removed only for physical therapy directed exercises and showers.
How soon you can return to work depends on your job. If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 3 to 6 months.
You can't walk right after surgery. How long recovery takes depends on the type of meniscus surgery and the severity of the injury, but expect two weeks down time, at minimum. The meniscus is a crescent-shaped pad of cartilage located in the knee that helps stabilize and cushion the joint.
If your orthopedist recommends it, you can wear your brace all day. However, improper use of a knee brace can worsen your pain or cause further damage to the knee. If you are using a brace that immobilizes your knee, the joint can weaken.
You must wear the hinged-‐knee brace for the first 6 weeks. This brace protects the meniscus repair because it prevents you from bending the knee past 90 degrees.
Although there are comfortable knee braces available in the market, it is not advised to wear a knee brace while sleeping unless instructed by your doctor. This usually applies to surgical patients to make sure that the affected joints stay in place, or for those who are suffering from insomnia due to their knee pain.
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.
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.
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.
If your torn meniscus was repaired with suture, you will be wearing a knee immobilizer to keep your knee straight. You should keep the knee straight in the immobilizer anytime Page 3 you are putting your weight on your leg, but may bend your knee up to 90 degrees when you are not putting any weight on your leg.
Sleep on your back with the leg slightly elevated
encourages healthy circulation, which helps keep pain and swelling in check. This position also helps you avoid bumping the incision site, which can lead to bleeding and infection.
Avoid activities that aggravate your knee pain, especially any activity that causes you to twist, rotate or pivot your knee. If your pain is severe, using crutches can take pressure off your knee and promote healing. Ice. Ice can reduce knee pain and swelling.
Controlling pain after surgery is also critical to proper recovery after meniscus surgery. Things to consider having at home to improve your comfort and recovery include an ice compression sleeve ,or a knee compression sleeve to wear throughout the day, and supplements to minimize inflammation.
It should fit snugly so it doesn't slide down, but not so snug it pinches your skin. Your healthcare provider will tell you when you should wear a knee immobilizer. It may or may not be needed when you sleep.
It is best to try and remain sitting or lying down whilst wearing the brace. Avoid the brace getting wet by removing it before showering or swimming. Speak to your doctor about the appropriate times for your knee to be unsupported and for how long.
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.
Over 4-6 weeks, the pain and swelling may decrease and activities of daily living may become tolerable. However, athletic activities may reproduce pain and swelling. Sometimes even activities of daily living such as going up and down stairs or getting in and out of cars may produce pain in a knee with a torn meniscus.
You may shower 48 hours after your surgery and get your incisions wet. Do NOT immerse in a tub or pool for 7 – 10 days to avoid excessive scarring and risk of infection. Keep Ice Packs on at all times exchanging every hour while awake. Icing is very important to decrease swelling and pain and improve mobility.
Although exercise is the key to healing, you could be backpedaling progress by overworking your knee. Signs of over-exercising include swelling of the entire leg and lingering pain that stretches into the evening or into the next day.
Complicated arthroscopic repair of a meniscus tear requires that the patient's knee be completely immobilized for 2 weeks after surgery. Followed by 2 weeks of limited motion before resuming daily activities. Physical therapy starts right after surgery.