Arthroscopy is a surgical procedure used to diagnose and treat different types of joint issues. Knee arthroscopy is commonly used to diagnose and treat different types of knee issues because it is less invasive than other types of knee surgeries. With knee arthroscopy, the incisions are smaller, there is typically a lower risk of infection, and the recovery process is shorter compared to the recovery from other invasive knee surgery options. However, if you undergo knee arthroscopy, it is important to be prepared for the recovery period. Use the following tips to help you recover properly from knee arthroscopy:
Utilize Ice
After knee arthroscopy, the area may be tender and swollen. One of the simplest ways to control swelling and discomfort is by regularly applying ice packs to your knee for several days following the procedure. To maximize the effectiveness of the ice pack, make sure that you keep your knee elevated. Even if you are not experiencing a lot of discomfort or pain, it is still a good idea to continue to use an ice pack a few times a day to help keep your knee from swelling.
Give Yourself Time to Rest
Knee arthroscopy may be considered a relatively minor form of knee surgery, but your body will still need time to heal after the procedure. If you want to promote healing and help prevent complications, it is very important to give yourself plenty of time to rest. If your knee arthroscopy included one or more procedures to treat problems with your knee joint, you will need to give your knee time to stabilize and fully recover before you resume normal activities. Resting as much as possible will help ensure that you don't damage your knee or extend the amount of time that it takes to fully recover.
Use Crutches
It is very important to follow all of your surgeon's instructions after knee arthroscopy. The majority of patients who undergo knee arthroscopy are told to use crutches and avoid putting weight on their knee. You will need to use crutches to help you walk until you have had a follow-up appointment with your surgeon and they can determine whether it's safe to discontinue the use of crutches. Failure to use crutches while you are recovering from knee arthroscopy can cause complications, and putting weight on your knee prematurely may cause damage to the joint.
Learn more about arthroscopy and whether it can help your joint pain by visiting websites like https://www.towncenterorthopaedics.com/.