Top 5 Tips about Meniscus Tear Surgery Recovery

In the baseball world, everyone is familiar with Los Angeles superstar Mike Trout. Breaking news debunked that he has undergone surgery to fix his damaged meniscus. While he might return to the field in four to six weeks, attention turns to the critical phase of post-surgery care. In this article, we will provide top tips for meniscus tear surgery recovery.

From initial post-operative care to return to normal activities, here's a roadmap to optimize meniscus repair recovery.

Understanding Meniscus Tear and Its Surgery

The meniscus is a C-shaped cartilage that functions as a protective pad in the knee joint. Two menisci in the knee help dampen the impact and facilitate smooth knee movement.

Causes and Symptoms

• Accidents, such as twists, upper foot-turns, or impacts, can result in tears in the meniscus.
• Degenerative changes with aging can also lead to tears in the meniscus.
• Activities like sports or heavy lifting can also damage knee cartilage.

These tears can cause pain, swelling, and limited mobility that require adequate diagnosis and treatment. Other symptoms include difficulty straightening the knee fully or a feeling of the knee locking. To diagnose a meniscus tear, a doctor examines the affected area physically and may employ imaging tests such as:

• MRI
• X-rays
• Arthroscopy

Who Needs to Have Meniscus Surgery?

Meniscus tear surgery is not always the first line of defense. However, it becomes necessary for specific individuals, depending on their overall knee health. The healthcare provider makes the surgery decision depending on:

• Severity and type of tear
• Location of the tear
• Age and activity level
• Persistent symptoms of pain, stiffness, buckling, or locking

Guidelines for Immediate Post-Surgery Care

Meniscus tear surgery recovery requires careful attention to immediate post-surgery care. It ensures optimal healing and prevents complications. Here are key guidelines to follow during this critical period:

Pain Management

For a smooth recovery from meniscus tear surgery, understanding pain management techniques can significantly aid in repairing the damage. By combining medication with proven methods, such as the RICE principle, patients can effectively alleviate discomfort.

The essential pain-reducing strategies for quick meniscus tear surgery recovery are:

RICE Principle

RICE principle is a self-care technique that helps to ease pain and speed up healing. The following steps can be taken to manage distress after facing meniscus tear surgery.

• Rest: Give your knee sufficient time to heal. You can do this by restricting activities that put a strain on it. Avoid walking or standing for extended periods of time. Also, spend most of your time resting.
• Ice: Apply ice packs to the surgical site for 15-20 minutes daily. It helps to alleviate inflammation and numb the area, thereby lessening pain.
• Compression: Cover the injured knee area with an elastic bandage. It helps to prevent fluid buildup and reduces pain.
• Elevation: Keep the leg elevated above heart level. It alleviates pain and aids in recovery from meniscus tear surgery.

Prescription Pain Medications:

Follow your doctor's instructions to get the proper medication. It may include post-surgery pain medications that help with your meniscus tear recovery.

• Opioids for severe pain
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for inflammation
• Ibuprofen or naproxen
• Acetaminophen

Resting the Knee and Avoiding Weight-Bearing Activities

• Avoid such activities that put pressure on the affected leg.
• Use crutches or braces that can help stabilize your knee joint.
• Spend most of your time in bed.
• Limit movements to necessary activities.

Using a Knee Immobilizer to Protect the Surgical Site

A knee immobilizer plays a promising role in providing support during the post-surgery period. It offers comfort and safety in the surgical area. Keeping the knee in a straight position alleviates the risk of accidental movements.

Use the immobilizers as your doctor suggested. They accelerate the healing process and ensure the knee remains stabilized.

How to Use Assistive Devices

Assistive devices can help mitigate knee strain and facilitate a smoother recovery from meniscus tear surgery. Let's examine some devices that can be deployed after surgery.

Knee Braces and Supports

Knee braces are medical devices that keep your knee in the desired position. They are frequently used to accelerate healing during meniscus tear surgery recovery. Some of the common types of knee braces and their proper uses are discussed below:

• Post-Operative or Rehabilitative Braces: These knee braces are commonly used right after surgery. They stabilize the knee and limit movement to aid healing. According to the doctor's recommendation, these braces are worn only for a specified period. They provide a range of motion control and immobilization following surgery or injury.
• Functional Braces: As the name suggests, these braces help patients safely move their knees after surgery. They prevent further injury while allowing the patient to regain mobility.
• Prophylactic Braces: These types of braces are primarily used in contact sports and athletic activities to support the knee joint. Athletes with a history of knee injuries often wear them as a preventive measure to reduce the likelihood of future knee injuries.

To ensure a proper fit, test your mobility and comfort level. A properly fitted brace will feel secure without causing discomfort. If you are looking for post-surgery support, Fivali knee braces are an excellent choice. By providing comfort and knee joint stability, they are ideal for meniscus repair recovery.

Crutches and Canes

Crutches provide a walking aid by transferring weight from the legs to the upper body. People often use them to support their weight during recovery from meniscus tear surgery. If you are partially weight-bearing, you can place some weight, but not all, on your leg. To keep the full weight off your leg, you should push through your hands on the crutches.

Likewise, if you are non-weight-bearing, you must avoid placing any weight on your foot. To achieve this, push through your hands on the crutches and ensure that your foot remains off the ground as you walk.

Can you use only knee braces without crutches?

You might wonder if you can use knee braces without needing crutches for support. The answer depends on the severity of the injury and the level of support required during recovery. In some cases, where you feel no discomfort with weight bearing, you can walk with knee braces locked in full extension.

However, in more severe cases, crutches may be necessary to offload weight from the injured knee and prevent further damage.

When crutches are necessary:

• During the immediate post-surgery period
• More severe injuries

When knee braces may suffice:

• Minor injuries
• Later stages of recovery

Meniscus Repair Recovery Timeline

The recovery time after meniscus surgery depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury, the surgical technique, and the patient's overall health. Here is a general meniscus repair recovery timeline, as follows.

Other Tips about Diet, Sports, and Exercise

• Focus on nutrient-rich food and stay hydrated to support soft tissue repair.
• Before resuming sports or strenuous activities, consult your physician.
• Consider physical therapy, stretching, and strengthening exercises recommended by your physician.

By incorporating these tips into your meniscus tear surgery recovery, you can expedite your healing journey. So, if you want to stay active and injury-free, connect with Fivali. We offer exceptional fitness and sports products that help you stay healthy. Our knee brace range helps you with post-surgery recovery and aids in your return to daily activities.