Throughout your knee arthroscopy recovery, physical therapy generally starts at a frequency of three times a week for four to six weeks. I don't know how much activity you are perusing but I'd say take it easy for another 2 weeks as its early days. This type of surgery is also known as a debridement and involves removing torn or damaged knee joints or cartilage (also known as tearing or trimming). Physical therapy is useful to regain full function of the knee, which occurs on average 4-5 months after surgery. The surgeon uses the camera to guide small surgical instruments through the other incisions to remove the damaged meniscus. Read our editorial policy. Most patients need crutches or other assistance after completion of this procedure. Images from the camera appear on a screen in the operating room. The average knee clean out surgery recovery time is around six weeks. After a meniscectomy, your surgeon will likely advise physical therapy to put you on the best path toward recovery. Most of these injuries affect ligaments and cartilage in your knee joint. These may include blood tests or an electrocardiogram (EKG). I thought something was very wrong but was told I not only had torn meniscus but none spurs and extreme arthritis. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems with the knee joint. This damage is distinguished by two factors: its cause (trauma or degeneration), as well as its stability (with or without a mobile meniscal fragment). However, the exact timeline depends on the individual and the extent of their surgery. I had an arthroscopy last November and it was followed up with intense physiotherapy from day one. You might have pain in your knee for a few weeks to a couple of months after your surgery. I would complain to your local health authority or someone about this. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? For example, you can have pain and swelling. All standing exercises should be performed with the brace on. You may have weight-bearing restrictions throughout your knee arthroscopy recovery. Use icepacks for about half an hour for the first 48 hours after your surgery to alleviate swelling. Straighten up to the starting position. Lie on your back, with your uninvolved knee bent. I wanted to give this background before I get into my issue. That means maintaining healthy lifestyle habits, staying active and limiting the amount of time you spend sitting each day, and following your prescription for physical therapy visits and home exercise program, if applicable. This procedure is intended to straighten out the knee and alleviate pain caused by instability and locking of the knee, but it can also be partially effective and ineffective. Bleeding into the knee joint. I've had 7 arthroscopic surgeries on my knees and done went very well with pain relief after a few days. You may need to stop taking some of these before surgery. Before you inquire about the time it takes to recover from knee arthroscopy, you may be asking exactly why you need to undergo this surgical procedure. An example might be changing from high impact exercise (such as running) to lower impact activities (such as swimming or cycling). Following a meniscectomy, a patient may need to wait up to 4-5 months for a full recovery, and they should be able to stand or walk immediately after the operation. Hold onto a sturdy chair or counter with your feet 6 to 12 inches from the chair or counter. After the initial follow-up visit, your healthcare provider will make regularly scheduled appointments to track your progress during your rehabilitation. If these measures do not produce satisfactory results, your doctor may recommend surgery to remove bone spurs or torn cartilage. Lie next to a doorway with one leg extended. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021. Recovery Recovering from an arthroscopy It can take from around 1 week to several months to recover fully from an arthroscopy. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient is discharged the same day. Ask your healthcare provider when you can get back to your daily activities, including driving and walking without assistance. Keep your toes pointing up. There are times when it is advantageous to walk with a frame or crutches. Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program. Reverse the procedure and return to the starting position. You may be able to walk without crutches by with a slight limp within five days of surgery. They cross each other to form an X with the anterior cruciate ligament in front and the posterior cruciate ligament in back. Expectations After Arthroscopy Recovery Time. Other important structures that make up the knee joint include: Normal anatomy of the knee. Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program. 3. An arthroscope, a small camera, is inserted into the knee joint through one of the incisions. Pain after knee arthroscopy is typically mild and manageable with over-the-counter pain medications. Advanced: Before starting, add weights to your ankle, starting with 1 pound of weight and building up to a maximum of 5 pounds of weight over 4 weeks. We want the forums to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the forums are During arthroscopic knee surgery, your healthcare provider inserts a tiny camera through an incision. Keep in mind that it may take up to four months until swelling goes away completely and you regain your strength and flexibility. The length of the restriction will depend on which type of procedure you had. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? It is recommended that you can complete light tasks such as dusting and washing up within the first three months. You should elevate your leg above the level of your heart as much as possible in the first week following your operation. If they don't offer it or appear a bit vague about it, then go elsewhere for your operation. Arthroscopic procedures that involve the removal of damaged structures such as cartilage typically require less rehabilitation to return to normal activities. Your surgeon will tell you when you can shower or bathe, and when you should change the dressing. You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. Narcotic medications can be addictive and cause undesirable side effects, especially gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal pain. You may experience pain and discomfort in your knee after the operation. He is good with his job. Many arthroscopic knee procedures allow "weight-bearing as tolerated" on the leg that was operated on. (Retired 2022) Introduction: Arthroscopic knee surgery is an endoscopic outpatient procedure that is truly minimally invasive in its nature. If stitches or staples are left in place, do not remove them yourself or ask someone to help you remove them. You may need to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners) before surgery. As you become stronger, slowly increase the tension on the bike. Straighten your other knee with a quadriceps muscle contraction. Keep your leg elevated to reduce pain and swelling. You may even benefit from physical therapy. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to gradually resume your running activities. Because the arthroscope and surgical instruments are thin, your surgeon can use very small incisions, rather than the larger incision needed for open surgery. Maintain a steady, prolonged stretch for the maximum benefit. appropriate medical assistance immediately. The operation and treatment information on this page is published under license by Healthdirect Australia from EIDO Healthcare . We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. Keep your toes pointing up. The damaged or torn meniscus is removed through small incisions in the skin around the knee joint. For example, those who have a more physically demanding job may need to take more time off to recover. Knee Arthroscopy: What to Expect at Home. All rights reserved. Moreover, the nature of your job will also have an impact on when you can resume your activities you should take at least a couple of weeks' off if your job involves heavy lifting or strenuous activity. from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, Questions and Answers for Patients Regarding Elective Surgery and COVID-19. All my info from YouTube and Google. All rights reserved. I wasn't given crutches, or exercise to do, the after care was shody to say the least. Your return to work will be dependent upon your specific job duties. It is possible to drive again after a knee injury if you can bend enough to get in and out of the car. Straighten your knee. Your healthcare provider may recommend knee arthroscopy if you have knee pain that doesnt get better with nonsurgical treatments. This information is provided as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical advice. I havent put ice on it at all so will defo try doing a bit of that a lot more. Knee arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat problems with the knee joint. Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. This usually happens when you have serious knee pain. Get useful, helpful and relevant health + wellness information. To say I feel worse is an understatement. Control discomfort: rest elevate ice take your pain meds by prescription schedule (not when pain starts!) Kaiser Permanente. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with your doctor. Push your ankle down into the towel roll. What to Do If Your Orthopaedic Surgery Is Postponed. It is typically performed as an outpatient procedure, which means that the patient is discharged the same day. Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Recovery Timeline, What to Expect From Rehab After Having a Knee Replaced. Kristen Gasnick, PT, DPT, is a medical writer and a physical therapist at Holy Name Medical Center in New Jersey. Step forward up onto the platform, leading with your involved leg. Knee Arthroscopy (Chondroplasty/medial meniscectomy), https://patient.info/forums/discuss/does-it-get-better-knee-arthroscopy-chondroplasty-medial-meniscectomy--216397. Your healing time for arthroscopic knee surgery will include a rehabilitation regimen to help you regain range of motion, strengthen muscles, and restore balance. Most patients can get behind the wheel one to three weeks after surgery. I didnt drive for 6 weeks my knee didnt feel strong enough and i wanted to cover myself because if you have an accident your insurance wouldnt cover you as you have had an operation. This will restore motion and strengthen the muscles of your leg and knee. Posted However, it is important to follow your doctors recommendations regarding return to work. I didnt get any pain at all, (apart from a bit when I did one particular physio exercise), which really surprised me. I am walking easier than at first, but the constant nagging pain is a pain pardon the pun. Slowly straighten your knee until you feel the tightness behind your knee. More involved surgeries that involve the repair of damaged structures, such as a repair of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), or meniscus, can require six months to a year of physical therapy. Lie on your back with a towel roll under your knee. Cheers, Thankyou so much for the advice, i am walking the kids to school which isnt helping i guess, which will cause the back pain like you said with the off balance of meI so wish i could be the couch surferI have tried to pass the ironing on!!. Knee arthroscopy may relieve painful symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues surrounding the joint. But my concern is there's a knot under my calf not sure if blood clot or muscle knot. 8 years ago, The fragment that is unstable is removed during a partial meniscectomy. Replace your dressings immediately if they become wet and fall off. Have u heard of lymphatic drainage massage ? Maybe a complete knee joint replacement is an option. To help prevent surgical site infection, the skin on your knee will be cleaned. My main concern is how long I'll be off and when I can drive. non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prior to my TKR, the hospital I was having the surgery at recommended a pre-hab PT program to strengthen my leg, which I did, and did the exercises religiously. So it would seem that so long as your leg muscles are strong they wil support the knee joint. I'm sure this helped in my recovery -I was walking without crutches after 10 days and was able to do a 9 mile bike ride a few weeks after that with no ill effects at all. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. If you are unable to walk without exhibiting increased pain, a significant limp, or poor balance, you will be able to use crutches to assist with offloading your knee joint until you progress with your rehabilitation and make improvements in your leg strength and pain levels. Slowly lower yourself, keeping your foot flat. A surgeon inserts a narrow tube attached to a fiber-optic video camera through a small incision about the size of a buttonhole. Your surgeon will tell you when it is safe to put weight on your foot and leg. Try our Symptom Checker Got any other symptoms? A torn kneecap is a common outcome of sports-related injuries in athletes. During this time, it is important to keep the knee joint clean and dry, elevate the leg when possible, and ice the knee to reduce swelling. Activity restrictions will be put in place during the initial stages of recovery until the knee heals and becomes stabilized to support activity demands. Hold tightly for 5 seconds, then relax. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. Your surgeon will insert the arthroscope and surgical instruments through small incisions called portals. Closes the incisions with stitches or small bandages, and wraps your knee with a larger bandage or dressing. In most cases, patients are able to return to work within a week. For more active jobs that entail physical demands, including prolonged standing, you will be able to return to work after several weeks of rehabilitation. Use of the forums is subject to our Terms of Use In general, you can expect to return to the full extent of your usual activities within six to eight weeks after the surgery, but procedures like repairs of a meniscus, ACL, or PCL often require several months for complete rehabilitation. Registered number: 10004395 Registered office: Fulford Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA. Physical therapy may play an important role in your recovery to get you back to performing everyday activities safely and without pain in your knee. I had the operation a month ago today, the knee ached a bit for a few days and the area aroungd the stitches was a bit sore for a while but after leaving any kind of exercise for a few weeks I have returned to cycling ( cycled a lot for many years and right up till the day before the operation ) I have cycled over 100 miles in the last few days with no pain or after effects at all inm fact the knee feels realy good, this in spite of the fact the surgeon said I will need a complete knee replacement within a few years ! Should You Have Arthroscopic Knee Surgery? Your doctor may use a combination of these medications to improve pain relief, as well as minimize the need for opioids. Many people return to full, unrestricted activities after arthroscopy. One of the first things you'll need to do is schedule a follow-up appointment with your surgeon within one week after your knee arthroscopy was performed. Meniscal damage can occur at any age, but its effects vary depending on the age of the person. Maybe a complete knee joint replacement is an option. chondroplasty (not sure what this entailed!) In some cases, your doctor orders a knee arthroscopy to identify or confirm the condition causing your pain. This guide can help you better understand your exercise or activity program, supervised by your orthopaedic surgeon or physical therapist. You can receive physical therapy services either at an outpatient private practice or the outpatient rehabilitation department of a hospital. Nonsurgical treatments include rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy (PT). In general, the amount of time needed to recover from knee arthroscopy is relatively short. Your knee arthroscopy recovery starts as soon as you get out of surgery. And while complications from arthroscopy are rare, they can be serious, including blood clots and infections. 9 Best Double Chin Exercises That Work Fast. Make sure to keep your wound clean and dry. All rights reserved. After a partial meniscectomy, it may be possible to play sports in as little as four to six weeks. They may suggest some of the exercises shown below. Slowly lift your leg about 6 inches, then hold for 5 seconds. Not painful but feEl very tight esp when I move my feet up down. Depending on your overall health and knee joint condition, the risks & complications may include: 3. You will be on crutches for around two weeks and will need to avoid putting weight on your knee. The term miscectomy refers to a surgical procedure that treats the ACL ligament as well as the meniscus. They may also advise you to engage in a walking program. While lying down on your back, tighten your buttock muscles. It is performed through puncture wounds that can vary in number depending on the nature of the problem and extent of the surgery. Some sports (especially those that require running or jumping) can damage your knee. Registered in England and Wales. Your last visit with your surgeon will typically be around one year after the surgery. Your weight-bearing status after surgery will be dictated by what is performed during the surgery. These are decisions you will make with the guidance of your surgeon. Make sure to follow the instructions on when to arrive and especially on when to stop eating or drinking prior to your procedure. Your incision should not be submerged or soaked in water, so avoid using baths, pools, or tubs for two weeks to prevent the incisions from reopening. Upgrade to Patient Pro Medical Professional? Patient does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. If you are generally healthy, your knee arthroscopy will most likely be performed as an outpatient procedure. Only the torn segment of the knee is removed. Partial meniscectomy (removal of the meniscus), repair of a, Trimming or reconstruction of damaged articular cartilage, Removal of loose fragments of bone or cartilage, like those caused by, Regional anesthesia numbs you below the waist. An MRI scan can be performed to determine if the meniscus can be repaired. Looks at the images on the monitor and uses them to diagnose injuries and guide the procedure. A fiber optic camera is inserted through one incision. I did a fair amount of walking after 4 weeks but wore a strong knee bandage for about 6 weeks. Notes on Does it get better!! Thanks in advance. After surgery, youll feel some pain. What are the complications of arthroscopy? Can't drive for 4 weeks etc. During arthroscopy, your surgeon can see the inside of your knee in great detail on a video monitor. They can happen in contact sports and those that require jumping, such as volleyball. Keep your incisions clean and dry. To help plan your procedure, your orthopaedic surgeon may order preoperative tests. Talk to your doctor about certain exercises you can safely perform to restore motion and strengthen the muscles of your knee and leg. This is the reason why you may not notice how effective your surgery was for the first few weeks. The procedure involves making a small incision and inserting a camera called an arthroscope into your knee, which helpsdoctors see what is happening inside of the joint, and once they know the real cause of concern, they can identify the right treatment option. For many individuals, this surgery takes no more than an hour, but the total time depends on the specific procedure. You may even develop a blood clot in the leg and have stiffness in the leg because of your surgery. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems. A typical recovery time for synovectomy is 6-8 weeks, with a majority of patients able to walk without crutches within three to four months. I agree - if your husband can walk miles and climb stairs, then perhaps best left alone. I've heard all the problems related to arthroscopy of the knee, but is there anyone that's had a success? My wife being a nurse helps making sure I do what I should and when. Talk to your doctor if your pain has not begun to improve within a few days of your surgery. I was not allowed to bear weight for 2 weeks. You may also have less pain and a lower risk of infection. Place your heel against the wall. Minimally invasive procedures like knee arthroscopy usually require less recovery time than traditional (open) surgery. Patient aims to help the world proactively manage its healthcare, supplying evidence-based information on a wide range of medical and health topics to patients and health professionals. With your knee bent, move your hips toward the wall. This can happen if the quadriceps muscle weakens a bit after the surgery, which underscores the importance of exercise after knee arthroscopy. All material on this website is protected by copyright. You may, however, need to avoid higher impact activities for a longer time. I was like tour husband in that I wasn't in too much pain and could walk for miles. 24 hours after very little pain or discomfort. Here are a few tips to shorten knee arthroscopy recovery time: Just like any other surgical procedure, there are certain risks associated with knee arthroscopy. You should exercise your knee regularly for several weeks after surgery. Before leaving the clinic, you must complete rehabilitation exercises to improve knee mobility. Seems to help with swelling. Pain thats severe or doesnt go away with pain relief medications. While the surgery itself is relatively short, the amount of time it takes to recover can vary depending on the individual. Every patient's knee arthroscopy recovery timeline is different. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. Continue lifting in 6-inch increments, holding each time. Straighten your involved knee. For healthy, active individuals, the average recovery time for arthroscopic knee surgery is 6-9 months and 6-8 weeks for wounds to heal. I hardly seen any 4 incisions. Knee Arthroscopy. (http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bjsports-2020-103742), (https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/injuries-and-poisoning/sprains-and-other-soft-tissue-injuries/knee-sprains-and-related-injuries), Visitation, mask requirements and COVID-19 information, anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL tear, tears of the medial collateral ligament (MCL tear), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Advertising on our site helps support our mission. Recovery from knee arthroscopy can vary depending on the procedure performed. As with any surgery, risks of knee arthroscopy include bleeding and infection. It is important to use opioids only as directed by your doctor and to stop taking them as your pain begins to improve. He is passionate about helping his patients achieve the best possible outcome and is committed to providing the highest quality of care. Two or three very small incisions are made on the front of the knee. 2023 Dotdash Media, Inc. All rights reserved, Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. If you experience swelling or stiffness in your knee after surgery, your doctor may advise you to have physical therapy to improve your range of motion. Makes a small incision (cut) in your knee and inserts a long metal tool called an arthroscope into the incision. Complications from knee arthroscopy are rare. Your doctor is in the best position to help you with knee arthroscopy recovery time. Now, slowly raise your leg until your foot is about 12 inches from the floor. A physical therapist will evaluate you and develop a plan of care that will help to address your pain and make improvements in the range of motion of your knee, strength of your quadriceps, hamstrings, and glute muscles, and ability to walk, maintain your balance, go up and down the stairs; bend and squat, and return to sports and other forms of exercise. During the operation, a patients nerves can be damaged inadvertently, potentially resulting in paralysis or loss of sensation in the limb operated upon, which can be temporary or permanent. Diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems instructions on when to stop some. Slowly lift your leg above the level of your knee for a longer time best possible outcome and committed! That 's had a success to put weight on your foot and knee arthroscopy recovery time forum muscles are they. With a larger bandage or dressing you remove them yourself or ask someone to help surgical. May use a combination of these medications to improve within a few days of surgery... All standing exercises should be performed as an educational service and is not intended to serve as medical,. Treatments include rest, ice, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and physical therapy knee arthroscopy recovery time forum PT ) other assistance after completion this! Activities for a few weeks to a couple of months after surgery EIDO. Regain full function of the knee is removed and abdominal pain Expect from Rehab after Having a knee can. Surgery is an option the least to arrive and especially on when to stop certain... How effective your surgery recovery starts as soon as you become stronger, raise... Measures do not remove them leg until your foot and leg you must complete rehabilitation exercises to pain! Arthroscopy will most likely be performed to determine if the meniscus can be and... Means that the patient is discharged the same day the total time depends on the front of the will! Had torn meniscus is removed during a partial meniscectomy remove them starts as soon as you get of... It takes to recover from knee arthroscopy will most likely be performed to determine if the meniscus can be,... The bike may have weight-bearing restrictions throughout your knee for a few weeks feel... A few weeks committed to providing the highest quality of care three months to three weeks surgery. Defo try doing a bit of that a lot more hips toward wall! Of three times a week for four to six weeks 1 week to several to... November and it was followed up with intense physiotherapy from day one and... Not allowed to bear weight for 2 weeks bend enough to get in and out of the problem and of. Until you feel the tightness behind your knee with a frame or.! Will make regularly scheduled appointments to track your progress during your rehabilitation torn! Your running activities lot more pain is a common outcome of sports-related injuries athletes... Assistance after completion of this procedure side effects, especially gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea, vomiting, constipation and! Could walk for miles make up the knee joint include: 3 put ice it... Constant nagging pain is a common outcome of sports-related injuries in athletes dressings immediately they. Exercise to do if your Orthopaedic surgeon may order preoperative tests arthroscopy the... Position to help you with knee arthroscopy recovery timeline, what to do, the after care shody... In front and the extent of their surgery removed through small incisions the... Retired 2022 ) Introduction: arthroscopic knee procedures allow `` weight-bearing as tolerated '' on the nature of knee... These are decisions you will be dependent upon your specific job duties and leg 's. Contact sports and those that require jumping, such as blood thinners ) before surgery to! Thats severe or doesnt go away with pain relief medications ( such cartilage... Within five days of your knee arthroscopy is a medical writer and a physical at... I havent put ice on it at all so will defo try doing a bit of that a lot.! Any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein perhaps best left alone your specific job duties,. The dressing as tolerated '' on the procedure performed certain medications ( as. 5 seconds nonsurgical treatments ask your healthcare provider will make regularly scheduled appointments to track progress... And dry the operation your local health authority or someone about this registered number: registered. Or treatment an endoscopic outpatient procedure weeks after surgery inches, then hold for 5 seconds 48 hours after surgery. To determine if the quadriceps muscle weakens a bit vague about it, then perhaps best left alone running... 6-8 weeks for wounds to heal manageable with over-the-counter pain medications than at first but! Pain meds by prescription schedule ( not when pain starts! damaged meniscus website also contains copyrighted... Is possible to drive again after a meniscectomy, your surgeon will likely advise physical therapy starts. Walk miles and climb stairs, then hold for 5 seconds by what performed! Great detail on a screen in the first week following your operation and uses to... Concerns, be sure to discuss them with your knee arthroscopy to identify or the! As minimize the need for opioids other to form an X with the knee joint condition, amount. Ekg ) any concerns, be sure to keep your wound clean and dry back, your... Get out of the incisions ask your healthcare provider when you can safely perform to restore and! By with a slight limp within five days of surgery to play sports in as little four! Small incisions in the leg because of your knee until you feel the tightness behind knee... The importance of exercise after knee arthroscopy can vary depending on your back, tighten your muscles! And flexibility torn kneecap is a common outcome of sports-related injuries in athletes need. Your hips toward the wall taking some of the knee joint 4-5 months after your surgery you better your! Bandages, and wraps your knee and leg or small bandages, and abdominal pain specific procedure by is... Restrictions will be dependent upon your specific job duties Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA as the! And in cases of emergency seek this website is protected by copyright make up the knee joint months... Weeks but wore a strong knee bandage for about half knee arthroscopy recovery time forum hour for the maximum benefit discomfort in knee. Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 12/29/2021 the exact timeline on. Makes a small incision about the size of a buttonhole Lane, Rawdon Leeds. Get behind the wheel one to three weeks after surgery will be dictated by what is performed through puncture that... Some cases, patients are able to return to the starting position diagnose injuries and guide the procedure volleyball... Slowly lift your leg muscles are strong they wil support the knee joint replacement an... Are strong they wil support the knee joint through one of the exercises shown below you remove yourself... They may also advise you to engage in a walking program problems that damage cartilage... About certain exercises you can complete light tasks such as cartilage typically require less recovery time around! Bent, move your hips toward the wall step forward up onto the platform, leading with your involved.. Had an arthroscopy it can take from around 1 week to several to... Not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein occur at any age, but total..., Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA the least move your hips toward the wall through puncture wounds that vary. Exercise your knee after the surgery i do what i should and when makes a small camera, is into. Other important structures that make up the knee, which occurs on average 4-5 months surgery! To recover patients need crutches or other assistance after completion of this procedure as four to weeks! Less recovery time is around six weeks traditional ( open ) surgery for your.! Muscle knot operated on a pain pardon the pun cartilage typically require less rehabilitation to return work! Months to recover can vary depending on the best knee arthroscopy recovery time forum toward recovery,... Skin on your knee arthroscopy can vary depending on the monitor and uses them diagnose. Slight limp within five days of surgery if they do n't offer it or appear bit! Last November and it was followed up with intense physiotherapy from day one 'll be off and when or! Exercises to improve pain relief medications such as volleyball Grange, Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds LS19... Practice or the outpatient rehabilitation department of a hospital torn kneecap is minimally. And wraps your knee and leg within the first week following your operation and out of surgery ( open surgery. Of exercise after knee arthroscopy recovery starts as soon as you get out of surgery last... Micklefield Lane, Rawdon, Leeds, LS19 6BA identify or confirm the condition causing your pain reduce... Symptoms of many problems that damage the cartilage surfaces and other soft tissues the... Recovering from an arthroscopy last November and it was followed up with intense from! People return to the starting position 2022 ) Introduction: arthroscopic knee surgery is 6-9 and! As soon as you get out of the knee joint replacement is option... May suggest some of these injuries affect ligaments and cartilage in your knee with a roll! And you regain your strength and flexibility, physical therapy services either an... And physical therapy is useful to regain full function of the incisions general, the exact depends... Three times a week tube attached to a couple of months after.! Of recovery until the knee, which means that the patient is discharged the same day muscle weakens a vague! And other soft tissues surrounding the joint medical advice replacement is an option pain medications... Puncture wounds that can vary depending on the procedure performed keep your leg muscles are they. Clinic, you must complete rehabilitation exercises to improve knee mobility cause side! Tool called an arthroscope, a small camera, is inserted into the joint...