Most people can walk with crutches soon after meniscus surgery. Many return to normal activities within
six to eight weeks
. Your healthcare provider may recommend low-impact activities rather than high-impact (such as walking rather than running). If you have a physical job, you may need extra time off work to recover.
How long will I be on crutches after meniscus repair?
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.
Is walking good for meniscus repair?
But is it a good idea? Some meniscus tears can heal on their own without surgery. Typically, the tears that occur in the outer part of the meniscus are the least likely to need surgical repair.
You may be able to walk around without too much trouble as it heals over time
.
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.
When can I bend my knee 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 I strengthen my knee after meniscus surgery?
- Quad sets.
- Straight-leg raise to the front.
- Straight-leg raise to the back.
- Hamstring curls.
- Heel raises.
- Heel dig bridging.
- Shallow standing knee bends.
Is walking good after knee arthroscopy?
Avoid walking for long distances for 4 to 6 weeks after surgery
. 2. Continue to ice the knee to reduce pain and swelling.
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
.
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.
Should I wear a knee brace with a torn meniscus?
Yes. Although knee braces do not heal or treat your meniscus tear directly, they can provide extra support and stability for your knee while your meniscus injury heals
. A good brace will protect your knee and take the pressure off your meniscus, allowing it to rest.
Why does my knee hurt worse after meniscus surgery?
That’s where – because a portion of the meniscus has been removed, the bones around the knee joint “see” more stress when you walk and they react by becoming very inflamed and can actually at it’s worse, cause a stress fracture which is quite painful.
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.
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.
How do I start walking after meniscus surgery?
In any case, patients are usually advised to
stay off their feet and the use of crutches may be advised for at least several days
. A knee brace may also be recommended. It may take several weeks before patients can walk without a knee brace and months before they have healed enough to return to sports.
Can you sleep on your side after meniscus surgery?
If you do choose to sleep on your side, roll to the non-surgery side and put a pillow between your knees
. Use this position only if you’re having no luck getting to sleep on your back, and remember not to bend the knee.
How long do you need physical therapy after meniscus surgery?
It depends on your age, the type of tear, how you heal, and type of surgery, if you had it. As part of a conservative treatment, you’ll probably try PT for around
4 to 6 weeks
, on a regular schedule. Also, you must regularly exercise at home the way you are taught. If it doesn’t work, then it may be time for surgery.
What kind of exercise should I do after meniscus surgery?
Start some
gentle heel slides and quadriceps isometric exercises
on post-op day 1. Start with 10 to 20 reps each session. Do these exercises 3 times per day until you see your physical therapist. You can also start light stationary cycling without resistance within a few days of your surgery.
How long is knee sore after meniscus surgery?
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. Muscle wasting in the thigh, improves as swelling and pain decrease.
Can I climb stairs after meniscus surgery?
Avoid activities that cause pain or swelling to the knee
. Examples include climbing stairs or standing or sitting for long periods. Begin other activities as advised by your doctor.
How often should you ice your knee after meniscus surgery?
Use the cryo-cuff for 20 to 30 minutes
every 1-2 hours for the first 3 to 4 days
, then use it after physical therapy or times of increased activity for the next several weeks. Washing & Bathing: You should be careful to keep the wound clean and dry for the first 48 hours after surgery.
Can you have meniscus surgery twice?
If that repaired meniscus does not heal, you will typically need a second surgery
, often just 9-12 months down the line.
Can you get arthritis after meniscus surgery?
Knee injury with traumatic meniscus tear followed by partial or total meniscectomy is associated with increased risk of developing knee osteoarthritis (OA)
3
. As compared to APM, the purpose of meniscus repair, beyond short time symptoms relief, is to reduce the risk of later knee OA by restoring meniscus function.
What happens if meniscus surgery doesn’t work?
Following a failed meniscal repair your doctor will recommend
conservative therapy with pain medication and activity modification if the symptoms are minimal
. If a residual tear is diagnosed, the meniscus may be trimmed before considering a second surgical repair of the meniscus.
