Knee arthroscopy is a common surgical procedure that orthopedic surgeons recommend for people whose knee injuries are no longer responsive to any type of nonoperative treatment.
If you’ve discussed knee arthroscopy with your orthopedic surgeon, they might have told you that what you do during your recovery is just as important as the procedure itself.
In this blog post, we’ve provided a few tips to help you quickly and successfully get back on your feet after your knee arthroscopy.
Tip #1 Stay Off of Your Feet.
Staying off of your feet during the first few days after your surgery is crucial for ensuring your knee gets ample time to recover.
To get around, use a walker or crutches to avoid putting stress on your knee.
Your orthopedic surgeon will tell you when it is safe to stand and put weight on your feet and knee as well as how often and how much you can move your leg and knee.
Tip #2 Keep Your Leg Elevated.
Elevate your leg and keep it straight out in front of you, particularly above the level of your heart, as much as possible while resting. This greatly helps alleviate the pain and swelling, as it takes the pressure off your veins and improves blood circulation to your knee.
Tip #3 Take Your Pain Medications as Prescribed.
Did you know that postoperative pain management has benefits that go beyond keeping you comfortable during your recovery? Managing your pain following your knee arthroscopy helps you recover faster and reduce your risk for complications, such as blood clots and chronic pain.
Your orthopedic surgeon will prescribe a combination of medications to help you keep your pain under control at home. Take them as prescribed.
Tip #4 Work Closely with Your Physical Therapist.
Exercise may seem like a tall order when you’re in pain, especially when you’ve just had surgery, but it is what you need to bounce back.
To help you learn how to move and exercise safely after surgery, your doctor will likely recommend physical therapy.
Your therapist will carefully assess your condition to craft an individualized program, which incorporates a combination of safe exercises, patient education, and therapeutic modalities.
Working closely with your therapist is crucial for successfully restoring the normal function and strength of your knee and preventing complications, such as muscle atrophy, decreased range of motion, and delayed healing.
Tip #5 Keep Your Incisions Dry and Clean.
Make sure that your bandage stays in place and your incisions are clean and dry. Watch out for signs of infection, such as the following:
- Red, inflamed, and/or weepy skin
- Increased pain and swelling
- Bright red blood seeping through your bandage
If you notice these, contact your orthopedic surgeon right away.
Knee Arthroscopy Near Me in Dover, New Jersey
At Orthopedic Associates of West Jersey, our orthopedic experts take pride in their commitment to being always at the forefront of surgical innovations. Whether you need knee arthroscopy or any other orthopedic procedure, you can rest assured that you’re working with one of the most highly skilled and trusted providers in the region. You can count on us to guide you every step of the way, from your initial consultation right through your recovery, and help you achieve your goal: to get back to living your best life.
Make an appointment with one of our board-certified orthopedic surgeons today. Call us at (973) 989-0888 or fill out our appointment request form now.
