After arthroscopic meniscus surgery, expect some pain, swelling, and stiffness, managed with RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) and pain meds, often using crutches or a brace initially. Physical therapy is crucial for regaining strength and motion, with a return to normal activities generally taking a few weeks, but full recovery, especially for sports, can be 1-3 months or longer depending on if it was a repair or meniscectomy (removal) and individual healing.
Recovery from arthroscopic meniscus tear surgery is relatively quick, and most people can resume normal activities within a few weeks depending on the size of the tear and the repair involved. The pain relief is dramatic, and the postoperative incision pain is quite minimal.
Symptoms depend on the cause and they range from mild to severe swelling. Pain, tenderness, redness, fever, and chills can also occur. Knees can have bruises or become stiff so that walking is hard.
Meniscus (cartilage) Repair patients cannot do twisting, pivoting, squatting, deep knee bends or impact activities for four months.
Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and other options. If you take a medicine that prevents blood clots, your doctor may tell you to stop taking it before your surgery. Or your doctor may tell you to keep taking it. (These medicines include aspirin and other blood thinners.)
For 3 days after surgery, prop up the sore leg on a pillow when you ice it or anytime you sit or lie down. Try to keep it above the level of your heart. This will help reduce swelling. If your doctor gave you support stockings, wear them as long as instructed.
Symptoms of a meniscus tear may be different for each person, but some of the most common symptoms are: Pain in the knee joint: usually on the inside (medial), outside (lateral) or back of the knee. Swelling. Catching or locking of the knee joint.
We wrap the whole leg, not just the knee, so that the ace wrap does not act like a tourniquet causing the lower leg to swell. While you can remove the white fluffy dressing the day after surgery, you should use the ace wrap for at least a few days after surgery, or as long as your leg or knee has some swelling.
Perimeniscal injections: a new gold standard for meniscus tear treatment. Perimeniscal injections offer a promising new pathway in the conservative management of degenerative meniscus tears. Degenerative meniscus tears are a common cause of persistent knee pain, especially in ageing and active populations.
While injections temporarily reduce pain, they will not help heal the meniscus tear. Researchers have been developing stem-cell therapies that may help heal the injured tissue.
Week 1-2 Post-Surgery: Immediate Recovery
Your key activities include: Resting with your leg elevated to reduce swelling. Applying ice packs to the knee, typically 20 minutes at a time. Taking prescribed pain medication or over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs as recommended.
Sometimes, a twisting injury may severely damage your meniscus. If the damage is severe enough, your surgeon may need to remove your meniscus. Without this meniscus cushion, the ends of your tibia and femur may start to rub together abnormally. Over time, this can cause persistent knee pain.
Any dressings will need to be kept as dry as possible, so you'll need to cover them with a plastic bag when having a bath or shower. If your dressings do get wet or fall off, they will need to be replaced. The dressings can usually be removed after 5 to 10 days. Your wounds should start to heal within a few days.
Keyhole surgery (also known as knee arthroscopy) for knee meniscus tear is a minimally invasive procedure that is used to repair or remove the damaged meniscus. This procedure involves making small incisions in the knee to access the joint. Keyhole surgery for knee meniscus tear is the only method currently in use.
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.
Having a Knee Replacement
A meniscus repair is just what it sounds like — your surgeon will repair the tear and any other damage in your meniscus. They'll stitch (suture) the tear together so your meniscus heals back into one piece. Your body will absorb the sutures as the tear heals.
Common mistakes include not fully engaging with their healthcare team, rushing the healing process, or neglecting prescribed exercises and therapies. These oversights can prolong recovery or compromise the success of the surgery.
For instance, if the quadriceps muscles weaken due to knee pain from a torn meniscus, it can affect the stability of the entire leg, potentially leading to increased stress on the hip joint. Furthermore, inflammatory processes associated with a torn meniscus may indirectly influence nearby joints, including the hip.
Physical Therapy
Low-impact exercises such as stationary biking may reduce your level of pain, improve mobility, and restore function to the area around the meniscus tear. As your knee and muscles grow stronger, your physical therapist guides you in returning to more vigorous activity.
Meniscus tears often cause knee pain that won't quit, even after resting your leg. The pain can vary, from a dreaded dull ache to a sharp, stinging pain.
Less Pressure on the Lower Back
Those who sleep with their knees bent change the position of their pelvis, which lengthens the lower back and creates more space between the vertebrae. This releases pressure on the lower back and spine, helping to alleviate pain and discomfort.
Proper Elevation and Resting Position
This encourages extension and avoids promoting a flexed posture. Avoid Pillows Under the Knee: Never place a pillow directly under the knee, as it forces the joint into a bent position and hinders the natural extension process.
Elevate leg
Prop your leg on cushions or pillows so your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery. Keep your leg elevated if your knee swells or throbs when you are up and about on crutches.