How long do you have to stay off your knee after meniscus surgery?

Heavy work or sports may be restricted for the first 4-6 weeks. Complicated arthroscopic repair of a meniscus tear requires that the patient's knee be completely immobilized for 2 weeks after surgery. Followed by 2 weeks of limited motion before resuming daily activities. Physical therapy starts right after surgery.

How long after meniscus surgery can I bend my knee?

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 long should I take off work after meniscus surgery?

Meniscus repair recovery

If your job mostly involves sitting at a desk, you may be able to get back to work in a week or two. If your job requires being on your feet, you could be off work four to six weeks. For a very physically active job or a return to sports, plan on a three- to six-month recovery period.

How long after meniscus surgery can I sleep without a brace?

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.

How soon after meniscus surgery can I walk?

Arthroscopic surgery for a torn meniscus (meniscectomy)

It may take 4-5 months for full healing. The patient should be able to bear weight on the knee while standing or walking, immediately after surgery. Crutches will be necessary for 2-7 days after surgery.

Meniscus Injuries | Q

How long is meniscus recovery time?

Recovery and Outlook

It takes longer for a meniscus repair to heal than a meniscectomy. 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.

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 long is non weight bearing after meniscus repair?

As this healing occurs, patients progress towards bearing weight, increasing their range of motion, and leaving the knee brace behind. How quickly this progress occurs varies by surgeon, but a typical range is 4-8 weeks. Patients are usually out of the brace and walking without crutches around 2-3 months.

How do you sleep after meniscus surgery?

Is meniscus surgery painful?

Arthroscopic meniscus repair is moderately painful. Because more soft tissue surgery is performed, it is more painful than a standard arthroscopy, but less painful than a ligament reconstruction or another procedure that requires drilling holes through the bone.

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.

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

How long is 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.

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.

Why is my knee catching after meniscus surgery?

Knee popping after meniscus surgery can occur due to fluid accumulation, scar tissue, swelling and stretching of the tendon and ligaments, weakened leg muscles, changes in patellar tracking, underlying knee arthritis, unstable meniscus, and inflamed plica.

Does the meniscus grow back?

The part of the meniscus removed does not grow back, but is replaced by fibrous tissue. There is an increased likelihood of developing osteoarthritis in patients who have undergone complete (total) menisectomy. It is therefore important to leave behind as much of normal meniscus as is possible.

Why do my knees hurt 3 months after meniscus?

Most meniscal surgeries (95%) are partial meniscectomies where part of the meniscus is actually removed, not just repaired. Therefore, the remaining meniscus is now smaller and does not perform as well.

What can you not do after arthroscopic knee surgery?

Rest on the day of surgery. Although you may feel normal, your reflexes and mental ability may be impaired. You may feel dizzy, lightheaded, or sleepy for 24 hours or longer. Do not consume alcohol, drive, operate machinery, or make important personal or business decisions for 24 hours.

How long should you elevate your knee after surgery?

To minimize the swelling in your leg, you need to elevate your operative leg above the level of your heart. This should be done at least three times per day for 30 minutes each time.

How soon after arthroscopy can I drive?

After simple right knee arthroscopy, the common consensus indicates that patients may safely return to driving 1 week postoperatively when they are narcotic-free and feel safe to control their vehicle.

Why does my knee still hurt 3 weeks after meniscus surgery?

knee to be swollen, and your foot and ankle may be swollen as well due to gravity. 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 does it feel like to Retear your meniscus?

Individuals with a meniscus tear often complain of pain along the joint line. They often have pain or weakness with bending the knee and sometimes they have a catching or locking sensation. With an acute tear, individuals may notice a lot of swelling in the knee and often report that they heard or felt a pop.

Is it worth having meniscus surgery?

Surgery to repair tears in the meniscus relieves symptoms 85% of the time. That means that of 100 people who have this surgery, 85 have relief from pain and can use their knee normally, while 15 do not. Surgery to repair tears may reduce the risk of long-term joint problems.

Are you awake during meniscus surgery?

During the Surgery

You may be given medications to relax you, but you'll be awake throughout the procedure. With regional anesthesia, pain medicine is injected into a space in your spine. You'll be numb below the waist but awake during the surgery. 7