Knee arthroscopy Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about knee arthroscopy
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- What can I do to make my recovery easier?
- When can I start exercising again and what exercises are suitable?
- Will my knee recover completely?
What can I do to make my recovery easier?
You should try to be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation and prepare your home for when you return.
Explanation
If you're having knee arthroscopy it's a good idea to try to be as fit and healthy as possible before your operation to speed up your recovery.
You should stop smoking as smoking can increase the chances of getting an infection and slows your recovery. If you're overweight your doctor may recommend a weight loss programme.
You can exercise to strengthen your upper body. This will help you to get around after the surgery when using walking aids such as crutches.
If it's possible you should try to strengthen your leg muscles. Strengthening the muscles around your knee will speed your recovery and will make it easier to perform the exercises you will be given after your operation.
Your surgeon or physiotherapist will be able to recommend exercises for you.
It's a good idea to prepare your home for when you return from hospital. This may involve rearranging furniture to make it easier to move around and placing commonly used items at arm level so you don't have to reach for them. It's also a good idea to stock up on non-perishable food such as frozen or tinned items, so that you don't need to go shopping immediately after your surgery.
You may need someone to help during the first few weeks after surgery. It's a good idea to arrange to have a friend or family member stay with you for a couple of weeks after the operation.
Further information
- The Arthritis Research Campaign
0870 850 5000
www.arc.org.uk
Sources
- Preparing for joint replacement surgery. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org, accessed 6 February 2008
When can I start exercising again and what exercises are suitable?
You should exercise regularly to restore your knee's mobility and strength. Don't do any high-impact exercises, such as running, until you're fully recovered.
Explanation
You will need to rebuild the strength and mobility in your knee following an arthroscopy.
Your surgeon may recommend specific exercises for your knee. This may involve physiotherapy for several weeks.
To begin with you will need to take it very easy. You will need to do exercises at home for about two weeks and then you should be able to start gentle exercise such as walking. Always stop if your knee swells or if you feel any pain. If this happens you should:
- rest your knee
- apply a cold compress, such as ice or a bag of frozen peas, wrapped in a towel, to help reduce swelling and bruising; you shouldn't apply ice directly to your skin as it can damage your skin
- compress the joint by bandaging it to support the joint and help decrease swelling
- elevate your knee by resting it above the level of your heart and keeping it supported
You should be able to return to your usual levels of activity after three to eight weeks but you shouldn't do any high-impact exercises, such as running, or exercises that involve twisting, such as skiing, until you have made a complete recovery.
Your surgeon or physiotherapist will be able to give you more information about what activities are suitable for you.
Further information
- British Association for Surgery of the Knee
www.baskonline.com
Sources
- Knee arthroscopy exercise guide. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org, accessed 28 April 2008
- Knee arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org, accessed 28 April 2008
- Personal communication. Mr Steven Cannon, Spire Bushey Hospital, Bushey, 2 August 2008
Will my knee recover completely?
Your knee may not recover completely after the operation. Your recovery will depend on the damage to your knee and how healthy you were before the operation.
Explanation
A knee arthroscopy can be used to treat a variety of knee conditions but your recovery will depend on the amount of damage to your knee. You may have injured your knee in such a way that prevents it from recovering completely. For example, runners can completely wear away their cartilage over a long period of time.
Your recovery will also depend on your fitness before the operation. High-level athletes, such as professional footballers, may recover more of their original fitness than someone who does occasional exercise because their leg muscles are much stronger.
You should do all the exercises recommended by your surgeon or physiotherapist so that you recover as much fitness as possible. You shouldn't do any high-impact exercises, such as running, or exercises that involve twisting, such as skiing, until you have made a complete recovery. If you have seriously damaged your knee you may be advised to find an alternative form of exercise that is low-impact.
You should be able to return to your usual level of activity after about eight weeks. You shouldn't return to high-level or intense physical activity until your surgeon allows it.
Further information
- British Association for Surgery of the Knee
www.baskonline.com
Sources
- Knee arthroscopy. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org, accessed 28 April 2008
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Knee arthroscopy factsheet
Visit the knee arthroscopy health factsheet for more information.
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