Knee Surgery Recovery Time

Knee joint is the major load bearing joint in the human body. We subject it to a lot of wear and tear throughout our life. Naturally, knee problems such as arthritis are a common ailment among the aging population. If the knee problems are of severe nature, that they cannot be cured with medications, then knee surgery is the ultimate option to improve the function of knee surgery. Besides, many sportsmen also undergo a knee surgery if the knee problem jeopardizes their performance. Depending upon the problem, there are several types of corrective orthopedic surgeries. The recovery time post-surgery also varies for each of these surgeries.

Arthroscopy
Arthroscopy is a type of knee surgery that is performed on an outpatient basis. It is mainly performed to diagnose knee problems and treat torn cartilage or remove broken fragments of bone. It is also performed to repair the ligaments. The surgery includes making an incision in the knee through which the surgeon operates. The average recovery time for this types of surgery is 6 to 8 weeks. You'll need to place the leg in an elevated position and apply ice, during the first few weeks of surgery. Although, healthy people can be expected to walk on their own after post surgery check-up, some people may have to take support of a cane or crutches before they are able to walk on their own.

Arthroplasty
Arthroplasty is also called as re-constructive knee surgery and is pretty complicated to perform. It involves replacing the damaged knee joint cartilage with a metal or plastic substitute. The surgery requires a person to stay in hospital for 7 to 8 days. Within a week, the patient is expected to get out of bed and walk with the help of crutches. The knee can resume its function of load bearing, within 3 weeks of surgery. However, extensive post surgery care is recommended for this kind of surgery. The person must keep his leg elevated whenever possible and apply ice to reduce swelling. A person may have to undergo physical therapy in order to attain full recovery.

Knee Replacement Surgery
Knee replacement surgery is often followed by arthroplasty. Recovery from knee replacement surgery takes a long tome and stretches over a year before a person is able to resume a normal active life. During this time a person is required to undergo physiotherapy exercises, to improve the knee function. Also, he needs to make frequent appointments with the surgeon to keep a watch on the improvement of the condition of the knee joint. This goes on for about a year, after which the surgeon may give a green signal to perform strenuous knee exercises.

Knee surgery requires extensive post surgery care and a lot of dependency on other people. A person may have to rely on his family members to help him perform his daily tasks. Knee surgery recovery time also depends upon the individual health of the patient. Also, it is important that the person does not exert his knee too much and get himself injured again. It is important to follow the advice of the surgeon and adhere to the exercise regimen recommended by him.