Question about arthroscopic knee surgery?!
Question: I am scheduled to have lateral release surgery on my knee in a few weeks. My doctor told me that I would basically not have an issue walking right after the surgery and can go about my business as usual pretty soon afterwards. However, a friend of mine had arthroscopic surgery (not sure if it was lateral release or something else) and she told me that she was on crutches for at least 3 weeks afterwards. I am concerned about that because I am supposed to go on a weekend trip 3 weeks afterward where I might do some walking (which by the way, my doctor said should be fine).
I want to hear other experiences. How long until you could walk normally again? How long until you could drive a car? How long until you returned to work?
Answers: I am scheduled to have lateral release surgery on my knee in a few weeks. My doctor told me that I would basically not have an issue walking right after the surgery and can go about my business as usual pretty soon afterwards. However, a friend of mine had arthroscopic surgery (not sure if it was lateral release or something else) and she told me that she was on crutches for at least 3 weeks afterwards. I am concerned about that because I am supposed to go on a weekend trip 3 weeks afterward where I might do some walking (which by the way, my doctor said should be fine).
I want to hear other experiences. How long until you could walk normally again? How long until you could drive a car? How long until you returned to work?
i had arthroscopic knee surgery for a torn meniscus/torn cartilage. i was able to walk out of the surgery but did use a cane for about a week. *you should not use crutches/baby your knee any more than you have to. i didnt drive for like 1-2 weeks. you are allowed to drive when you feel comfortable standing on one foot (your bad leg obviously). also, while you can walk up a set of stairs after a few days, down is about 3x as hard. overall i was in phys therapy for about 3 mths (you could prob finish sooner but i was an athlete and wanted to be back to full potential)
I've had two arthroscopic surgeries. On my right knee, yyes, I was on crutches for about 3 weeks because my thigh was extrememly weak, and so was my knee. I had to use a can and my brace too. But with my left knee, things were totally different. I was walking around with the knee imobilizer one when I got home,and only had to use a can for about 1 week, two max. When you return to work depends on what you do. If you have a desk job, you may be able to return with in a week of the surgery. If you have manual labor job, or a job that involves walking alot or standing, it may be even longer. Talk to the surgeon and see what they say about it, and remember, do t he exercises they give you, and go to PT! That will help tremendously!