With a proper rehabilitation program, you can usually expect to resume sports within four to six weeks after the surgery. Following a repair, you will typically use crutches for
at least three weeks
to allow the repaired tissue to become attached and to avoid retearing the meniscus.
How long until you can walk after meniscus repair?
It usually takes about 4 to 8 weeks for patients to increase weight bearing and range of motion. Most patients can walk without a knee brace and crutches in about
2 to 3 months
. Recovery time from a partial meniscectomy (partial removal of the meniscus) is quicker than recovery from a meniscus repair.
How long after ACL and meniscus surgery can you walk without crutches?
It typically takes
seven to 10 days
after the procedure, until the patient is comfortable without the assistance of a crutch. An exception to this rule is if the patient also underwent a meniscal repair or other reconstruction of an additional ligament.
Do you get crutches after meniscus surgery?
Full recovery from meniscus surgery can take anywhere from six weeks to three months. Your care after surgery may involve:
Crutches to take stress off the knee as it heals
. Knee brace to stabilize the joint as you recover.
How long use crutches after knee injury?
You’ll also be given crutches to help you move around. You may need to use them for
about 2 weeks
, but you should only put as much weight on your injured leg as you feel comfortable with.
How do you sleep after meniscus surgery?
Sleep with your knee raised, but not bent
. Put a pillow under your foot. Keep your leg raised as much as possible for the first few days. You may shower 24 to 48 hours after surgery, if your doctor okays it.
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.
How do you walk with crutches after knee surgery?
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
.
Will walking on a torn meniscus make it worse?
Can you walk on a torn meniscus?
Whether you can walk on a torn meniscus will depend on the injury’s location and severity
— and perhaps also your own personal tolerance for pain. A slight tear might not feel so bad to you. You may very well be able to stand and walk on a leg that has a torn meniscus in the knee.
Why is my knee so tight after meniscus surgery?
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.
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 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.
Can a torn meniscus tear again after surgery?
An attempt should be made to preserve meniscal function by repairing tears, but
even after arthroscopic confirmation of stable healing repaired menisci may tear again
. The long-term rate of healing may not be as high as is currently reported.
How do you use crutches?
Is it better to limp or use crutches?
It is better to walk better with a crutch than it is to walk badly without
. Walking should be a subconscious skill when uninjured and can take some practice to relearn it.
How far should you walk on crutches?
The key rule is to have
about a two-inch space between the top of the crutch and your armpit while you stand straight
. Then, the crutch handles need to be leveled with your wrists.
When can I get off crutches?
Generally,
when patients are placing between 50 and 75% of the weight on the injured leg
they are able to transition to using 1 crutch or cane on the opposite side. It is often helpful for patient’s to mark the days on her calendar to help them follow progression accordingly.
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
.
Should I sleep with my leg elevated after meniscus surgery?
Sleep on your back with the leg slightly elevated
Keeping the leg elevated (but not bent!) 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.
How do you shower after meniscus surgery?
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.
Why does my knee hurt 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.
Why does the back of my knee hurt after meniscus surgery?
People have knee pain after meniscus surgery because
some of them had too much meniscus removed
. The meniscus is a pad. It acts as a shock absorber to prevent the bottom of the thigh bone from crashing into the top of the shin bone.
How long should I wear a knee brace after meniscus surgery?
After the first two weeks, you can sleep without the brace if you prefer. In most meniscus repair cases the brace is recommended for
the first 6 weeks
after surgery.
What can I use instead of crutches after knee surgery?
Patients in these circumstances might benefit from an alternative to crutches that has been growing in popularity:
knee walkers
. Knee walkers are similar to scooters, but with a raised, padded surface at knee height.
What are the three types of crutches?
- Axilla or underarm crutches They should actually be positioned about 5 cm below the axilla with the elbow flexed 15 degrees, approximately. …
- Forearm crutches (or lofstrand, elbow or Canadian crutches).
How do you use crutches without getting tired?
If you get tired or winded while walking on crutches,
rest awhile before trying to go on
. Lean against a wall or place your bad leg over the bottom of the crutch on your good side and, with the other crutch at an angle for better balance, just relax.
