What Is The Best Exercise After Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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The straight leg raise

What is the fastest way to recover from arthroscopic knee surgery?

Recovering from arthroscopy is usually quicker than recovering from open surgery. Most people leave the hospital on the day of the operation with specific instructions about how to handle recovery. General recovery tips can include: applying ice packs to the dressing and surrounding area to reduce swelling and pain.

How long after knee arthroscopy can I exercise?

1. You can bear weight and walk on the leg as you are able. Try to avoid limping and walk with a heel – toe pattern. Avoid walking for long distances for

4 to 6 weeks after

surgery.

Can I bend my knee after arthroscopic surgery?


You are encouraged to bend and straighten your knee

as much as pain allows immediately after standard knee arthroscopy. Remember, however, that your knee may be swollen and full motion may be difficult for the first few days.

How can I strengthen my knee after arthroscopy?

  1. Hamstring Contraction. No movement should occur in this exercise. …
  2. Quadriceps Contraction. Lie on stomach with a towel roll under the ankle of your involved knee. …
  3. Straight Leg Raises. Lie on your back, with your uninvolved knee bent. …
  4. Buttock Tucks. …
  5. Straight Leg Raises, Standing.

How long will my knee hurt after arthroscopic surgery?

Pain is quite common, most often in the area where you had pain before surgery, in the soft tissues below the knee cap, over the athroscopy wounds and occasionally the whole knee. The pain settles usually within two to three weeks, but

may take upwards of six weeks

.

What can you not do after knee arthroscopy?

For the first 3 days, keep the dressings clean and dry. After that, you

may shower like normal

but do not soak the incisions (no bath, pool, lake or ocean) until after your first post-op appointment. You will need to cover the dressing (and brace if you have one) to keep it dry while in the shower.

Can you walk right after arthroscopic knee surgery?

If necessary due to pain, patients may opt to use crutches or a walker for a few days after surgery. Once more comfortable, most people are able to walk with a minimal limp within one or two weeks after surgery. Most patients realize a benefit from arthroscopic knee surgery

within 4 to 6 weeks

.

How long does it take to fully recover from knee arthroscopy?

You will probably need

about 6 weeks

to recover. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your knee strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.

Is it worth having a knee arthroscopy?

It’s based on the review of a randomized trial published in 2016 by BMJ . A panel of 18 experts issued the recommendation. In it, they strongly suggest that

arthroscopic surgery offers little to no benefit over exercise therapy

. The recommendation applies to nearly all people with degenerative knee disease.

When can I bend my knee after arthroscopy?

AFTER 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.

Can I sleep on my side after knee arthroscopy?

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.

Can I Retear my meniscus after surgery?

At final follow-up, 14 of the 50 patients (28%) initially diagnosed with a lateral meniscal tear were found to have a postoperative retear on repeat MRI or subsequent diagnostic arthroscopy. Of these, 4 patients had been treated with meniscal repair, and 10 had been treated with partial lateral meniscectomy.

How long after knee arthroscopy can I walk?

The patient is expected to walk with crutches for

4-6 weeks after

surgery. Rehabilitation is intended to control pan and swelling, achieve maximum range of motion and full load walking.

How do I strengthen my knee after meniscus tear?

  1. Quadriceps setting. …
  2. Mini-squats. …
  3. Straight leg raise. …
  4. Hamstring heel digs. …
  5. Leg extensions. …
  6. Standing heel raises. …
  7. Clams. …
  8. Hamstring curls.

What happens if you don’t do physical therapy after knee surgery?

Why you shouldn’t skip physical therapy after knee surgery

Supporting muscles and soft tissue can begin to atrophy due to nonuse and swelling. Increased strain can be put on the knee from improper movement.

Range of motion can be diminished

. The healing process can be slowed down due to lack of blood flow to the area.

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.