The word surgery always brings chills to the person listening to it. But, not all the surgeries are painful. Some surgeries do not have a long procedure and do not demand lengthy post-surgical guidelines and precautions. Knee Arthroscopy is one such kind of surgery. It makes use of a camera that is inserted into the knee by making small cuts that are sufficient enough to allow the insertion of small surgical tools and a camera that helps in monitoring the affected area.
But like always every surgery comes with certain guidelines and measures to be followed after getting a discharge or while you are asked to stay to let your body give the recovery time it demands.
Here are some of the post-surgical guidelines that you should follow to recover soon.
1. Icing and Elevation:
- The icing is the best means to minimize the post-surgical pains.
- Doctors recommend for icing and elevating a little above the heart level all through the day and night.
- One can use icing agents or an ice machine every hour for at least 10-15 minutes. To avoid any inflammation it is advisable that you place a thin cloth between the skin and the ice pack.
2. Weight Bearing:
- After the surgery, your body might not be able to bear the body weight. Doctors may advise to help yourself and assist yourself in walking by using the crutches and stop using it when you regain the strength to walk on your own.
- Using crutches for a week after the surgery helps in controlling the inflammation and swelling, no matter how quickly you are recovering and walking.
3. Level of Activity:
Often after surgery, when people think that they are recovering well, they start the day-to-day operations and make the situation worse. It is advisable to restrict any possible motion like standing and walking for a week after the surgery to reduce the inflammation. The continuous movement may result in stiffness, contraction of muscles, pain, and scars. Avoid any knee twisting for a minimum of four weeks.
4. Strengthening Exercises:
- Before trying any strengthening exercises consult your therapist about the set of exercises that will help you in regaining your lost strength.
- While practicing the set of activities recommended by the physiotherapist, do not forget to follow the painkillers and medication prescribed by the doctor.
5. Visiting the Clinic:
- Your doctor will ask you to visit the clinic within fourteen days for a regular check up. The suture will then be removed depending upon the healing conditions.
- It is recommended that you consult a physiotherapist within three-day post surgery.
It is important that you take the guidelines given by the doctor seriously. Get proper rest, after all, you have just gone through surgery.