Best Tips for Recovery After Your Meniscus Surgery
The meniscus is the rubbery pad of cartilage located between the bones of your kneecap. Tearing this cartilage can result in worsening pain and swelling, and you may also experience tenderness and limited range of movement. Because the meniscus is so vital to your stability and motion, a meniscus tear is normally treated with surgery. Of course, your doctor may recommend rest, ice and elevation of the knee to see whether or not surgery can be avoided.
If you’ve recently undergone surgery to repair the torn meniscus, or you’re close to your surgery date, there are a number of things you can do at home to hasten your recovery time.
Things to Do Post-Surgery
Your orthopedic surgeon, and possibly your physical therapist, will recommend the following in the days immediately following your meniscus repair:
- Get plenty of rest
- Keep your leg elevated
- Use braces or crutches for the first few weeks after surgery
- Take pain medication as instructed
- Keep the incision area clean and dry (change bandages frequently)
- Go to physical therapy as prescribed to improve muscle strength in your knee
- Perform recommended at-home exercises
- Use ice to reduce any swelling or pain you are having
You should notice some improvement in your knee after a few days, but this by no means you should try to resume any strenuous physical activity. Getting back to your old self will require lots of rehab and rehab/physical therapy is arguably the most important part of your recovery!
Occupational Therapy & Your Return to Work
Depending on the type of job you have, getting back to work may take as little as a few weeks or as long as months of recovery before your knee is strong enough. For example, someone who sits at a desk all day can probably get back to work in as little as 2-4 weeks while someone who has a strenuous job like construction work can look forward to a longer vacation before the knee can bear the weight or activity. In most cases, full recovery isn’t found until 3 to 6 months after surgery.
This is why rehab is so important after meniscus tear surgery. It is a necessary part of healing and getting back on your feet. The harder you work at your (approved) exercises, the stronger and more flexible your knee will become. Your physical or occupational therapist will also take into account your day job so that you can practice any activities that will come up when you return to work.
Following Doctor’s Orders
How well you follow your doctor’s advice after meniscus surgery will determine the length of recovery. Keep in mind that your knee is required for almost all daily activities. Have patience, follow the recovery regimen set up by your doctor. You will be back on your feet in no time.
Orthopedic Corner | Leon Mead MD Orthopedic Doctor | 730 Goodlette Road North, Suite 201 Naples Florida 34102 | Phone: (239) 262-1119