If you’ve recently had surgery to repair or remove damaged cartilage in your knee (meniscus surgery), you’re probably wondering how long you’ll need to stay off your leg and limit physical activity. Recovery time can vary depending on factors like the type of surgery performed, amount of meniscus removed, your age, and overall health. Here’s a look at the typical recovery timeline and what to expect as you regain strength and mobility after meniscus surgery.
Initial Recovery (1-2 Weeks)
In the first 1-2 weeks after meniscus surgery, you’ll need to keep almost all weight and pressure off your operated leg to allow the surgical incisions and repaired meniscus to heal. This means:
- Using crutches and avoiding putting weight on your leg when standing or walking.
- Wearing a knee immobilizer or brace to stabilize your knee when moving around.
- Keeping your leg elevated on pillows or rolled towels when sitting or lying down to reduce swelling.
- Focusing on gentle leg movements and exercises your surgeon or physical therapist recommends to start regaining mobility, such as quad sets, ankle pumps, and passive knee extension/flexion.
During this initial recovery period, you’ll likely have regular follow-up appointments with your surgeon to monitor healing. You can generally return to easy daily activities like eating, bathing, and working while seated with your leg up.
Transition to Weight Bearing (Weeks 2-4)
In weeks 2-4 after surgery, you can slowly increase how much weight you place through your surgical leg as pain and swelling subside. Your surgeon will let you know when you can start putting partial weight on your leg using crutches or a cane for support. Activities may include:
- Placing up to 1/4 or 1/2 of your body weight on your leg when standing or walking, progressing from there.
- Doing gentle leg strengthening exercises like mini-squats and calf raises holding onto a chair.
- Beginning regular physical therapy 2-3 times per week to regain range of motion and strength.
You may be able to stop using crutches during this time, but continue wearing your knee brace during the day for extra support and stabilization.
Continued Rehabilitation (Weeks 4-8)
In the 4-8 week period after meniscus surgery, you can place your full weight through your surgical leg and focus on gradually increasing your activity level and leg strength. Typical rehabilitation activities include:
- Walking normally without any assistive devices like crutches or cane.
- Riding a stationary bike to improve knee mobility.
- Doing leg strengthening exercises with resistance bands.
- Possibly beginning jogging or higher impact exercise towards the end of this period if approved by your surgeon and physical therapist.
You may be able to stop wearing your knee brace at the 6 week mark if your leg feels stable. Continue attending regular physical therapy sessions 1-2 times per week.
Return to Full Activity (2-6 Months)
Within 2-6 months following meniscus surgery, most patients can return to their full normal activities including sports, provided they’ve regained adequate leg strength, balance, and endurance. Your timeline for returning to specific sports will depend on:
- The type of meniscus surgery you had – Repairs generally require a longer recovery time than removals.
- Your rate of healing and progress with rehabilitation.
- Your surgeon’s assessment of your readiness to resume sports that involve pivoting, jumping, or contact.
Before returning to intense activities, make sure to discuss with your doctor and physical therapist. You can also consider wearing a functional knee brace during sports for added protection against re-injury.
Full Recovery (6 Months+)
It can take at least 6 months to make a full recovery after meniscus surgery, and sometimes longer depending on your individual case. At around 6 months, your knee should feel stable with close to normal flexibility, strength, and function.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that the meniscus itself likely won’t fully heal even after surgery. If any portion was removed, that tissue is permanently gone, which can increase your risk of osteoarthritis in the long-term. Talk to your doctor about ways to protect your knee joint over time through exercise, diet, supplements, and medical treatments if needed.
Conclusion
The typical recovery timeline after meniscus surgery includes:
- 1-2 weeks of keeping almost all weight off your leg.
- 2-4 weeks of gradual increase in weight bearing.
- 4-8 weeks of regaining range of motion and strength through regular rehab.
- 2-6 months to return to full activity including sports.
- 6+ months for maximum recovery.
However, your individual recovery will depend on many factors including the procedure performed and your rate of healing. Work closely with your orthopedic surgeon and physical therapist to ensure you allow adequate time for your knee to recover before resuming higher demand activities. With dedication to rehab exercises and proper protection of your knee joint, you can return to an active lifestyle after meniscus surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you stay off work after meniscus surgery?
Most people require taking 1-2 weeks off work after meniscus surgery to recover initially. If your job involves prolonged standing, walking, or other physical activity, you may need 2-6 weeks off or be placed on light duty with restrictions. Discuss with your surgeon when you can safely return to work based on your job duties.
When can you drive after meniscus surgery?
You can generally resume driving 2-4 weeks after meniscus surgery as long as you are no longer taking prescription pain medication, can fully weight bear on your leg, and feel you can safely control the pedals and react in an emergency. Discuss with your surgeon when it is safe for you to drive again.
When can you bend your knee after meniscus surgery?
Your surgeon will have you start gently bending your knee soon after surgery while keeping weight off your leg. You should be able to regain close to full knee flexion within 6-8 weeks with dedicated rehab exercises, although your range of motion can remain limited for up to 3-4 months after major repairs.
Can you walk up stairs after meniscus surgery?
In the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, you should avoid stairs and use crutches or a cane when needed. After that, you can slowly resume going up and down stairs one step at a time keeping weight on your good leg. Use handrails for stability and continue to avoid stairs until your leg feels stronger.
How long is rehab after meniscus surgery?
Formal physical therapy typically lasts 6-8 weeks after meniscus surgery but you will need to continue rehab exercises at home for several months after to fully regain strength and function. Most patients can resume normal activity after about 6 months of rehabilitation.
Can a meniscus heal without surgery?
Small meniscus tears may heal with 6-8 weeks of rest and physical therapy. However, most significant tears require arthroscopic surgery to repair or remove the damaged tissue. Meniscus repairs have the best chance of healing, but any removed portions will not grow back.
How painful is meniscus surgery?
Meniscus surgery is typically not very painful thanks to minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques. However, you will likely experience moderate knee pain and swelling for several weeks after surgery until the tissues heal. Prescription medications and ice can help relieve postsurgical pain.
Can you sleep after meniscus surgery?
Sleeping can be challenging for the first 1-2 weeks after meniscus surgery since you need to keep your knee straight in a brace or immobilizer. Side sleeping with a pillow between your legs for support is often the most comfortable position. Pain medication can help you sleep better.
How do you shower with a brace on after surgery?
To shower after surgery, make your dressing waterproof with plastic wrap and keep your brace on for stability. Use a shower chair, handheld showerhead, and liquid soap that won’t slip. Keep your leg out of the direct water stream. Pat the skin dry after.
What are the signs of infection after meniscus surgery?
Signs of a postoperative knee infection requiring urgent medical care include: increased knee pain and swelling, redness around incisions, fever, drainage or foul odor from incisions, and flu-like symptoms. Contact your surgeon right away if you notice any infection signs.
How much does meniscus surgery cost?
The cost of meniscus surgery can range on average from $5,000-$15,000 depending on the type of procedure, hospital/facility fees, health insurance coverage, and geographical location. Talk to your providers about estimated costs for your specific surgery.
Will my knee be normal after meniscus surgery?
Most patients can regain close to normal knee function within 6-12 months after meniscus surgery with dedicated rehabilitation. However, since the meniscus itself may not heal completely, you may continue to experience issues like stiffness, achiness, or activity limitations long-term.
Can a torn meniscus heal itself?
Small peripheral meniscus tears with a good blood supply have some potential to heal on their own with rest and physical therapy. But most significant tears require arthroscopic surgery to have the best chance of healing properly, especially complex tears in avascular regions.
How do you strengthen your knee after meniscus surgery?
The best way to regain knee strength after meniscus surgery is through exercises like leg raises, wall squats, lunges, leg presses, calf raises, and more under the guidance of a physical therapist. Low-impact training such as cycling, swimming, and using an elliptical can also help over time.
What happens if a meniscus tear goes untreated?
If a torn meniscus goes untreated, the damaged tissue can fray and degenerate further which leads to locking, buckling, swelling, and ultimately osteoarthritis over time. Surgery is highly recommended to either repair or remove torn meniscus tissue before it gets worse.
How do you sleep with a torn meniscus?
The best sleeping positions with a torn meniscus include lying on your back with a pillow under your knees for support, or on your side with a pillow between your knees to keep your legs aligned. Avoid sleeping on the affected side with the tear.
Can you return to sports after meniscus surgery?
Most people can gradually return to sports after meniscus surgery within 4-6 months following adequate rehabilitation. Your timeline will depend on the procedure and your rate of recovery. Contact sports or pivoting sports may require a longer recovery before it is safe to resume participation.
Will I need crutches after meniscus surgery?
Crutches are typically necessary for the first 1-4 weeks after meniscus surgery to avoid bearing weight on your surgical leg while it heals. Your doctor will advise when you can discontinue use of crutches based on your recovery progress.