How Long After Meniscus Repair Can I Workout?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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At

6 weeks

after surgery, you may gradually resume your previous activities if you have full range-of-motion, full strength and no swelling.

How long after meniscus surgery can you lift weights?

Recovery from arthroscopic meniscus repair usually requires a period of limited weight-bearing (using crutches or walker), limited motion, and sometimes use of a knee brace. It usually takes about

4 to 8 weeks

for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion.

How long after meniscus surgery can I do squats?

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.

What activities can you do after meniscus surgery?

  • Take it easy the first day. …
  • Follow your doctor’s instruction about walking or bearing weight on your affected leg. …
  • Do range-of-motion exercises as prescribed. …
  • Quad sets. …
  • Ankle pumps. …
  • Straight leg raises. …
  • Avoid activities that cause pain or swelling to the knee.

Will my knee ever be the same after meniscus surgery?

Knee Swelling after Meniscus Surgery

Swelling is an indicator of inflammation, which is part of the normal healing process after surgeries such as a meniscus repair.

It can sometimes persist for a few weeks following meniscal surgery

.

Can I run after meniscus surgery?

Is It Safe to Run After Meniscus Surgery? Short answer:

yes!

Long answer: yes… but with a few caveats. One of the most common issues for runners post-meniscectomy is progressing through rehab far too quickly in order to get back to running as soon as possible.

How do you stay fit after meniscus surgery?

The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS) recommends

up to 30 minutes of exercise two to three times per day

when you’re in the early stages of recovery. You can also walk daily and not count it towards the 30 minutes. Strength: Building up your muscles that support the knee reduces stress on your knee joint.

How do you know if your meniscus repair failed?

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.

What is the fastest way to recover from meniscus surgery?

You will recover more quickly if you

carefully follow all your doctor’s instructions

. In your first days after surgery, you will need apply ice frequently and elevate your knee above your heart to help relieve swelling. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, to help your body heal.

Can I squat heavy after meniscus surgery?

After a meniscus repair, partial weight bearing is allowed and a brace may be used.

Squatting is restricted for the first 3-4 months depending the size of the tear

. Return to sport following arthroscopic meniscus repair can take 3-4 months depending on the severity of the tear and the sport.

Does squatting hurt your meniscus?


Squatting or lunging with very heavy weights and without good form can tear your meniscus

.

What is the difference between meniscus repair and Meniscectomy?

Meniscus Tear Removal vs.

There are two basic approaches to treating a torn meniscus:

removing the torn part of the meniscus (a procedure called a meniscectomy); repairing the meniscus by suturing the torn parts together

.

Can a meniscus tear lead to knee replacement?

Conclusions: In patients with knee osteoarthritis

arthroscopic knee surgery with meniscectomy is associated with a three fold increase in the risk for future knee replacement surgery

.

Why does my knee still hurt 3 months after meniscus surgery?


Swelling, infection, inadequate rehabilitation, spontaneous osteonecrosis, and arthritis in the joint

are a few of the factors that cause continued knee pain after surgery.

What is the best exercise after knee surgery?


Walking

. Walking is an excellent physical exercise activity for the middle stages of your recovery from surgery (after 2 weeks).

Why do my knees hurt 6 weeks after meniscus?

knee to be swollen, and your foot and ankle may be swollen as well due to gravity.

The fluid in your knee often remains there for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery until your body can reabsorb it

. This fluid will make your knee feel tight or stiff, especially with deep knee bending or squatting.

Why does my knee still hurt 5 months 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.

Why is my knee clicking after meniscus surgery?

Knee popping after meniscus surgery can occur due to

fluid accumulation, scar tissue, swelling and stretching of the tendon and ligaments, weakened leg muscles, changes in patellar tracking, underlying knee arthritis, unstable meniscus, and inflamed plica

.

What exercises should I avoid with a torn meniscus?

Avoiding

twisting activities

may decrease the symptoms from a torn meniscus. Additionally, one should do quadriceps setting exercises with the knee straight or mini-squats, bending only to 15 degrees, to prevent giving way and keep the quadriceps muscle from atrophying.

Will exercise make a torn meniscus worse?


Doctors will usually advise against performing certain exercises when you have a meniscus tear

. These exercises can put too much pressure on an already unstable knee. Avoid exercises that involve: pivoting.

What cardio can you do with a torn meniscus?

Walking. Since running or jogging may not be the best option,

walking (including speed walking)

is a good low-impact cardio workout if you keep a brisk pace. Just be sure that you wear shoes that give you good support and that you stretch before beginning your walk.

Can I do upper body workouts after knee surgery?


Push-ups, pull-ups, planks, bicep curls and sit-ups are all great exercises that work various upper body muscles

. Depending on the severity of your injury, you may also be able to participate in forms of exercise such as kayaking, bicycling, walking or swimming while you are in recovery.

How often should you exercise after knee surgery?

Your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist may recommend that you exercise for

20 to 30 minutes daily, or even 2 to 3 times daily

; and walk for 30 minutes, 2 to 3 times daily during your early recovery.

Can I workout after surgery?


After the first four weeks, the majority of patients can resume light cardio (walking or slow stationary cycling) and gradually work up to a more vigorous workout over the subsequent two weeks

. By six weeks after surgery, most patients can return to various activities, such as hiking, golf, or yoga.

Why do meniscus repairs fail?

Factors that may cause a failed meniscal repair include:

Patients older than 40 years of age

. Delayed treatment. Ragged, degenerative and complex tears.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.