Arthroscopic surgery of the knee is used to treat a variety of conditions. The doctor makes small incisions in the knee area to accommodate a tiny camera and access for other surgical tools to repair the knee. Open knee surgery is much more intrusive than arthroscopic surgery and may require a much longer recovery time. After the surgery, you will have to undergo physical therapy to return function to your knee.
Physical Therapy
Your physical therapy after knee surgery can begin as soon as the day after your surgery. Nurses in the hospital will help you get up out of bed and dangle your legs on the side of the bed. Arthroscopic surgery usually only requires a few hours of recovery in the hospital, but a knee replacement surgery will keep you in the hospital for a few days.
The physical therapist will begin with some strengthening exercises for the muscles surrounding the knee. Many of these exercises are done right in your hospital bed. Walking as soon as possible after surgery is a very important aspect of your recovery. Movement after a surgery helps to bring more oxygen to your bloodstream and prevents clotting.
Walking
The exercises that you perform at home are critical to your recovery. Walking is one of the best ways to speed your recovery from knee surgery whether it is a total knee replacement or a scope surgery. Immediately after your surgery, you may have to rely on a cane or walker. Keep your steps even when walking as much as possible. Take shorter strides and avoid putting all of your weight on the affected knee.
Start your walking routine in the house before you attempt a walk around the block. The progress of your program depends on how well your knee heals. Gradually increase your endurance.
Limitations
You may never be able to gain the full use of your knee after your recovery. It depends on the type of damage found in your knee. Each case is different, and you should discuss with your doctor what you can expect from your surgery. Severe damage or injury to the knee may limit your ability to jog or run to the extent that you were capable before the injury.
Daily Activities
You should be able to return to all of your daily activities within six to eight weeks after a total knee replacement surgery. Arthroscopic surgery requires much less time to recover. You should be able to drive as soon as you are able to bend your knees.
The doctor will monitor your progress after surgery, but keep in mind that a severe injury may never fully recover.
