Knee Arthroscopy Recovery

Knee surgery is done to treat physical conditions such as arthritis or to repair damage due to injury. While traditional knee surgeries are quite involved procedures, knee arthroscopy and arthroplasty are much faster, requiring much less recovery time.

Arthroscopy is primarily a diagnostic procedure where one or more incisions are made around the knee to insert an instrument known as the arthroscope. This instrument enables the surgeon to see into the inner knee to get a better idea of the condition of the knee. Sometimes, the procedure is also used to remove fractured bone or cartilage or to repair damaged ligaments. Unlike arthroplasty which is a more involved inpatient procedure, arthroscopy is a simple outpatient procedure, where the patient can go home the same day within a couple of hours.

Complete knee arthroscopy recovery might take anywhere from 6 to 8 weeks. The patient is however required to follow a recovery regimen comprising of four steps abbreviated as RICE - rest, ice, compression and elevation. For effective knee arthroscopy recovery, the patient has to take good rest. Icing is another procedure that aids recovery. As part of physiotherapy, compression and elevation of the leg can help in regaining full mobility of the joint.

Nutrition also plays an important role in knee arthroscopy recovery, by strengthening and rebuilding exiting ligaments, muscles and cartilage. A protein rich diet consisting of chicken, beef, pork, fish and legumes are good for providing energy and regenerating red blood cells in the body. They are also a good source of vitamin B. The diet should also include vitamin C as proteins and vitamin C together help make collagen which actually binds cartilage and ligaments together. Collagen supplements can also be added to ones diet in either capsule or powder form.

Krill oil contains omega 3 essential oils which are known to reduce inflammation and pain. Krill oil further lubricates the joints and helps patients move more easily. A combination of Glucosamine, MSM and Chondroitin is known to decrease inflammation and promote healing in the joints.

Apart from nutrition, patients would also have to make behavioral changes to facilitate knee arthroscopy recovery in the shortest time possible. Smokers need to quit their habit as smoking enhances inflammation giving rise to pain and stiffness in the joints. Smoking can also delay the healing process and increase the time needed for complete knee arthroscopy recovery.

Excess weight can sometimes be a major cause of joint problems. Overweight patients should try to decrease or at least keep from putting on weight during the knee arthroscopy recovery period.

Proper rest, a nutritious diet with proper health supplements and a good physiotherapy regimen can help patients who have undergone arthroscopy to recover completely within a relatively short period of time.