Tips To Recover After Meniscus Tear Surgery- Time, Diet, lifestyle changes, etc.

Timeline Of Recovery After Meniscus Tear Surgery

The recovery period after meniscus tear surgery varies based on the severity of the tear, the type of surgery performed, in addition to the patient’s overall health. Here’s a general timeline for recovery after meniscus tear surgery: 

• Week 1: In the first week after surgery, patients can expect some pain and swelling. Additionally, they may have limited mobility. The doctors advise patients to rest properly and avoid putting weight on the affected leg. The patients may require crutches for assistance in walking. 
• Week 2-4: During these weeks after surgery, patients will start physical therapy exercises to improve their range of motion and strengthen the knee. Patients will still experience pain and swelling, but these symptoms should start to improve.
• Week 5 & 6: At this stage, patients can start carrying weight on the affected leg and move to advanced physical therapy. They may still experience some pain and swelling, but the symptoms will continue to improve. 
• Month 2-3: By the second and third months after surgery, most patients are able to walk without crutches. The doctors raise the level of physiotherapy activities a step ahead to more advanced exercises in order to increase knee strength. Patients will experience more respite from the pain and swelling. 
• Month 4-6: At this stage, patients can easily return to most normal activities, including low-impact sports and exercises. However, high-impact activities may still be restricted.

Patients need to take the doctor’s advice at all stages of recovery. In addition, follow-up sessions at every stage of recovery are very important. 

Workout Routine After Meniscus Tear Surgery

• • In the next phase, the PT may include more high-impact exercises, such as running or jumping. However, these exercises should be introduced gradually and only with the approval of a doctor or physical therapist.While patients aren’t allowed to do intense exercise or workouts after a meniscus tear surgery, they’ll have to do some exercises suggested by the doctor to restore their mobility and get enhanced knee function. You will receive physiotherapy during the recovery period, and the intensity of PT activities and exercises will increase as you recover. 
    • In the initial weeks, the sessions will aim at reducing swelling and restoring the range of motion in the knee. Some commonly suggested exercises during this phase include ankle pumps and quad sets. 
    • The doctor may then move to the second phase, in which the doctor incorporates more strengthening exercises into the routine. Leg presses, lunges, step-ups, or similar exercises may be suggested during this phase. The PT may also ask you to do some low-impact cardio activities. 
    • In the third phase, the intensity of the strengthening exercises will increase, and more exercise to improve the range of motion will also increase. Exercises may include single-leg balance exercises, lateral step-ups, and hip abductor exercises.

  Note: You must be careful during exercises, and exercise only as much as your body allows. Increase the intensity of your exercise gradually, and don’t do too much in too little time. Exercising in an unmonitored manner can increase the risk of complications and affect the efficacy of the procedure.