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How long is recovery after knee arthoscopic surgery

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Posted 8/9/2009 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
I had knee arthoscopic surgery done 4 1/2 weeks ago.  I had a torn meniscus and a "pothole" that the surgeon cleaned out.  I experienced the "worst day" the day after as I was told, then did pretty good for the first week.  Then I started to get worse.  Now it's so hard to walk after sitting, whether it's two minutes or two hours, and I am still very sore when I walk.  Seems to me that four weeks should be showing some improvement.  I am going to PT, but honestly think that makes it worse.  I have no discomfort while doing the therapy at all, but by the next day my leg is so swollen that I find it catches as I walk.  I had an ache from the knee down to my ankle on the outside of my life leg before surgery.  When he went in, the tear was on the other side, as was the hole, and nothing wrong with the outside.  The first thing I notcied when the leg woke up was that the ache was gone.  Now it's just very sore on the other side I'm guessing where he cleaned up the junk out of the hole.  This morning my leg started aching again on the outside and I'm fit to be tied, thinking I am going through all this and nothing will have changed.  Anyone out there had this surgery that could give me some hope?  Am I just being too impatient?  Thanks all, and have a wonderful day.

 

Posted 8/9/2009 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
I've never had arthroscopic knee surgery. I can tell you that 4 weeks after a knee replacement I was walking independently but still having discomfort. Four weeks after arthroscopic shoulder surgery I was having significant pain.

Be sure you're icing after you exercise, and if you continue to have swelling and such bad soreness, the therapist may need to back off a bit.
Posted 8/9/2009 10:49 PM (GMT 0)
likrer,

There is a HUGE difference between arthroscopic knee and arthroscopic shoulder surgery.  At this point you should be able to do most anything with little or no discomfort.  Did your dr tell you that you have any significant damage that warranted a knee replacement in the future or did he/she say that everything should be better?  You really should contact your dr if you are still having this much pain and swelling.  Have you let your therapist know that you are experiencing a lot of swelling and pain post therapy sessions so that they can reassess their therapy sessions and talk with your dr?  Most therapists will keep in close contact with the patients dr to help their patient get the most out of the sessions.

When I had my last knee surgery my dr told me that I probably wouldn't get much relief as I am in need of a total replacement.

I hope things work out for you and you are feeling better soon,

Judy 

Posted 8/10/2009 10:45 AM (GMT 0)
I had arthroscopic surgery on my left knee for torn meniscus twice in 2000 & 2002 Both times I was back at work after 5 wks with restrictions of course. I didn't even go to PT afterwards. I would think that you would be better by now. I would definately let your doctor know the problems you are experiencing.
Posted 8/10/2009 5:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your responses. I think when I go to therapy even though I experience no discomfort while doing what they have me do, it takes it's toll for the next three days, then I start to get better. I have not been since Thursday now, it's Monday, and I am able to walk better and the swelling is down. Think I am cancelling the rest of the PT appointments and wait til I see the dr on the 17th. I'm still sore, but guess that's normal and still stiff when I first get up, but at least can walk now without the gait. I did have thumb joint replacement last year at this same time and it took 10 months for it to be completely healed and pain free. I'm hoping that this simple procedure wouldn't take that long, I just run out of patience fast!!! Thanks again for your thoughts.
Posted 8/11/2009 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Likrer,

     I had artho on my left knee last Nov.  I was out of work for 2 1/2 months. I had pt but had to stop in Jan when

the new deductable on my ins. kicked in. I just couldn't afford it. Like you, I had a hard time with it. When I finally got back to work, it hurt worse than ever. I had torn meniscus, torn cartelidge and chrondo himma-himma (popping and

crunching), arthritis, fibro and bakers cyst. They fixed the first 3. I've noticed my kneecap where the camera went

in is not where it's suppossed to be. I got it to go back in but it keeps sliding back out.

    I've been doing Super Cissus RX and Bio-Sil and it's worked wonders. They are 2 herbs that REPAIR damaged joints.

The SC repairs muscles, tendons, and ligaments and the bio-sil rebuilds callogen. The SC has a built-in painkiller so you

can wean off the  pain meds. I've been on them for 4 months and last night was the first time I've taken a darvecet in

3 weeks. No asprin....no nothing.  It should help you, too.

     To help the incision itself, colustrum (bovine breast milk), hylaronic acid and Co Q 10. They rebuild the skin and boost

the immune system.

                                                       Good Luck

                                                         Nana Monster

Posted 9/30/2009 5:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hey there likrer.

I had a bucket-handle tear in my left lateral meniscus repaired Oct. 16, 2008. When I woke up from surgery, I was crying and in tons of pain. That was the worst (thankfully) and after that I experienced only mild to moderate pain, more than likely from the rehab I was doing. There were a few nights here and there where I'd wake up in pain and have to sit up and move around, but being unable to bear weight or bend my knee made me more stiff than I'd ever felt. That was the most unpleasant feeling after a few weeks.

I went back to work (finally) on December 1st, 2008, about 6 weeks after surgery. I still used my crutches for support and after 2 weeks at work, was able to do without. I stayed in therapy until the end of January. I was on crutches and unable to bend my knee longer than I expected but in the end, it was worth it. Until a few months ago I felt fine. Now my patella is misaligned and I will have to have a lateral release done, with some bone shaving as well. I'm not looking forward to it, but according to my OS, my meniscus is fine and still repaired and intact.
Posted 10/4/2009 2:05 PM (GMT 0)
I had a meniscus removal on the left knee on the inside part. I too was back to work in about 5-6 weeks. My recovery was a little longer than most because the heavy pain meds tore up my stomach and made getting to PT a little harder for a bit. Oh I was miserable after PT too for a couple of days. Are you using ice and rest still? The ice really helped me alot. Good luck!
Posted 11/8/2010 1:06 PM (GMT 0)
I had a total knee replacement Oct. 6, 2010. It is 4 wks. out & my knee is ok but the right side of my shin is so tender. I am doing well with therapy but this achiness is bothersome & I do notice I am more achy after therapy. Anyone out there have the same kind of reaction? I am told by my dr. & the therapists that there is ALOT of healing going so am I being too hopeful too soon? I welcome any comments!
Posted 8/6/2012 8:13 PM (GMT 0)
hi,
i had knee arthroscopy about 9 weeks ago. i was able to put my weight on it almost right away and was back driving within 3 days. I continued with the exercises the physio recommended and things appeared to be healing ok. I am ok walking, no pain at all, but i still experience pain (occassionally), when i put excess weight on it, like walking up stairs. I didn't need physiotherapy but should i have pushed for it? Will it help even now, or is something still wrong?

Should i go back to the doctor or consultant who operated, or will this 'weakness' improve? Sometimes it is fine, then other times still painful.

What should i do?
Posted 8/8/2012 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Stem cell and PRP injections after meniscectomy(or before) are great alternatives to another surgery, as well as pain.
Posted 8/9/2012 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hello

I had TKR and problems from the start. My range of motion (ROM) would not come back and therapists tried everything. Eventually they had to do a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). eventually my insurance changed and I could no longer see the surgeon. My knee was the size of a softball and painful. My family doc kept prescribing oxycodone drugs like Percocet and Oxycontin but my trolerance kept going up. Plus emotionally and mentally I began breaking down from the pain killers. Eventually when I got suicidal I went to a clinic and detoxed off oxy meds usung Suboxone. They kept me on Suboxone for my knee pain. Two ortho surgeons recommended revision surgery but there are no gaurantees. I choose to stay on meds than risk surgery again. Technically surgery was good but my knee or prosthetic or whatever would just not get right.

All I can say is take physical therapy very serious and do not let scar tissue build up. It sucks being dependant on medications but even the ortho surgeons said revision surgery is an order of magnitude more traumatic than the original TKR.

Posted 8/12/2012 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi,
I'm a newbie here myself, but have had 30 plus orthopedic surgeries in my life.
I am 59 and had my right knee scoped this past Thursday.
I can tell you in any surgery, "listen to your body". It may be normal or you be be overdoing.
If you have any questions, I always go back to asking the dr. I never rely on chat rooms.
We are here for support but in the end, your doctor know your case.
All the best,
Charlotte
Posted 8/15/2012 9:11 PM (GMT 0)
I am 46 and had a scope of my knee(1st Surgery) for a lateral meniscus tear and it turns out I have grade 3 arthritis but I was walking fine the next day and back in the gym within 5 days. 4 months later I am still playing basketball although the arthritis can be painful at times
Posted 8/15/2012 9:38 PM (GMT 0)
That is good that you are youngish and grade 3. Just remember, the more active you are
the more wear and tear on the joint.
Good luck
Charlotte
Posted Today 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
I had arthroscopic knee surgery 9 days ago. I had a partial tear in my meniscus and cartilage that needed to be cleaned up due to a fall and arthritis. I think I have been doing really well. As of yesterday, I am no longer using crutches. I feel if I keep my leg up, I am fine. Once I start walking around, say cleaning up the kitchen or doing wash, it starts to ache or swell. Going back to work on Monday ( Doc thought 2 weeks) and going back to my doc on Tuesday. Swelling seems to me mostly around one of the incisions. Not in terrible pain but some. Any advice? Also have not tried stairs or driving yet.. thanks
Posted 11/29/2012 7:17 PM (GMT 0)
wow...I guess I have been overdoing it.  I had surgery on 11/9 in the a.m. and I was shopping at target at 4 p.m. that same day.  I did not do any PT and I was at work that following Monday.  I figured I could handle that from home.  As of 11/25, I started experiencing some serious pain.  On Monday 11/26, I could barely walk at work.  I went in to see my doctor on Tuesday.  They did the oil shot and removed 2.5 vitals of liquid.  That definitely relieved some of the pressure and pain but not all.  If I sit too long and then get up, I'm in pain until my knee warms up.  I hurt & limp now where I didn't the weeks after surgery.  By the way, the removal of the liquid was freaking painful.  It was in spurts but OMG.  I am scheduled to have another on 12/5 and I really don't want to so I am doing everything I can not to put pressure on my knee.  Any suggestions on what I can did to improve?
Posted 11/29/2012 7:44 PM (GMT 0)
Yup, I think you did!! I was told not to even be on it and have it elevated for 2-3 days. After that I was on crutches for 5 days. I now can do about anything, but if I am on it for more than 10 minutes it starts aching and swelling. I will go back to work on Monday ( two wks). If you can when you are sitting keep your leg elevated with support under your knee. Did they have you do any exercises? I had three that I did from the beginning right after the day of surgery! Be careful.
Posted 12/2/2012 5:19 AM (GMT 0)
After reading all of this, I am definitely rethinking the whole arthroscopic surgery thing. I think I will just put up with the pain I've got for a little bit longer before inflicting totally new pain. I didn't expect it to be this intense.
Posted 12/11/2012 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
I had arthroscopic knee surgery done 6 days ago. I can't take the pain medicine they described because of the side effect of constipation. What is the best medicine to take over the counter for this kind of pain after surgery? I have tried Advil and then Tylenol. They both just take the edge off.
Posted 12/12/2012 6:34 PM (GMT 0)
Ok I am a 36 year old male and have had a two repairs a lateral meniscus tear on my right knee and a bucket tear on my left knee. I rested as much as possible for the first week then went straight back to work. I was given a strict set of strengthening exercises which will followed even although they hurt more than the surgery. I booked in a physio within a week and then every week for the 1st month. I avoided pain killers and took cod liver oil and another joint supplement. This was in March and I'm pleased to say I have been lucky enough to have a full recovery I can run, cycle and swim as pre op. obviously everyone is different but I was back to the gym within 2 weeks. Good luck!
Posted 12/12/2012 6:36 PM (GMT 0)
I was told to take ibuprofen and glucosamine make sure you elevate and ice as well.
Posted 4/15/2013 6:02 PM (GMT 0)
This is for member MA10 post regarding not having Arthroscopic Knee Surgery.
I just had my third repair last Wednesday 4-10-13 and although this time going a little slower it is going well and will be back to work (office work) tomorrow.
My first was in 2009 right knee two torn meniscus and some misc clean up back walking unsupported in 5 days and working out in 2 weeks. i did have pain and was concerned that they would last but eventually pain free (exercise helps!).
Second was just 3-13-13 right knee again torn meniscus and a calcified piece of scare tissue removed. I kept it elevated and did not put but minor weight on it for the first two days but it felt so good on day three i did some walking and moving about putting 70% weight on it, So needless to say day four was no walking and elevation. I was back to work walking unassisted in 6 days (mostly office) then a lot of standing and walking for work within two weeks this was a mistake lots of pain and it did not help either that my left knee was in total pain. So last two weeks i cut back and right knee doing very well.
Third was as i mentioned last week 4-10-13 i have tried to be smarter and did not start putting weight on it until yesterday (day 4) walk less and keeping it elevated. Today walking with cane or crutch but putting weight on it and it is feeling good, planning on work tomorrow but with crutch or cane (unlike last time).
So what i am saying if you have a good Doctor and if don't rush things it will be well worth it.

I do have significant loss of meniscus and arthritis in both knees and left knee has bone on bone so Dr. says total knee replacements in the future (i'm 51 and Dr says to young since life span of knee replacement is only 15 to 20 years) but we will put that off until we can no longer fix or repair or stand the pain.
Posted 4/17/2013 3:15 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Conanmat. Have you considered receiving a hyaluronic acid injection in your knee, such as Synvisc, Euflexxa, or Orthovisc?
Posted 4/18/2013 10:25 AM (GMT 0)
Actually tried Euflexxa injections in both knees before surgery's and felt no change or relief or benifit.
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