A common question of most of the patients to their doctor is how long after meniscus repair can I walk.
So, the best answer will be, it’s completely dependent on their body muscles and their daily routine.
Like, they are taking their medicines timely or not, performing some physical therapy, etc.
Although, there are some peoples whose body muscles are weak which resulted in taking more time to repair the meniscus.
However, let us first get some idea about meniscus tear, how it causes, symptoms, and its diagnosis.
Contents
What is a Meniscus Tear?
The meniscus is a bow-shaped pad of cartilage placed in the knee that helps balance and cushions the joint.
Meniscus tears are normal injuries that generally occur from sports injuries or aging.
What Are Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear?
There are several symptoms that you can observe to identify whether you have a meniscus tear.
However, these symptoms are as mentioned below:
- Knee Pain.
- Knee Swelling.
- Complications in Bending and straightening the leg.
- A Popping or tearing sensation at the time of injury.
- The feeling of locking or catching in the knee.
- The Knee “Giving Out”.
- Realizing that your Knee is not moving properly.
- Can’t do the Squat or Kneel.
Similarly, to identify the meniscus tear issue you must observe these symptoms, whether you have them or not.
However, it would be very beneficial for you to consult an Orthopedic Doctor in Patna so that they can help you regarding this.
What Causes a Meniscus Tear?
Meniscus tears are generally caused by rotation or twisting of the knee.
This regularly happens in sports that include fast changes in speed and direction such as:
- Basketball
- Football
- Soccer
Broad squatting or heavy lifting may also result in a damaged meniscus.
It may also appear from falls or other injuries to the knee and from regressive changes that are a result of aging.
How is a Meniscus Tear Diagnosed?
A meniscus tear is diagnosed with a history and physical tests.
At the time of physical exam, a doctor may ask you to perform some tests to help you find out if a tear is present, including:
- Thessaly test affects the loading forces placed upon the knee.
- McMurray maneuver to determine joint motion and meniscal injury.
- Apley test to resolve where the pain is localized.
- Bounce home test to help resolve the presence of a meniscal tear.
Similarly, there are also imaging tests used to help diagnose a meniscal tear including:
- X-rays
- Ultrasound
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
However, arthroscopy is also the best option, which is a minimally nosy surgical process in which a small breadth with a camera on the end is inserted into the patient’s knee to see the constructions.
Although, you must consult Dr. Ramakant Kumar, the best Ligament Doctor in Patna because there are meniscus removal side effects also.
What is the Treatment for a Meniscus Tear?
In the early stages of your meniscus tear you can take these conservative and essential treatments which are as follows:
- Rest
- Ice every 15 minutes in every 4-6 hours
- Compression with an ACE wrap or sleeve
- Elevation of the leg
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) for pain.
- Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin)
- Naproxen (Aleve)
- Use of crutches if the pain is severe
- Use of a knee brace if knee “gives out”
- Physical therapy includes straight leg raising exercises without weights, once the pain begins to diminish.
However, if the meniscal tear is serious, surgery may be needed.
Surgery to reconstruct a meniscus may be performed arthroscopically through small lacerations, or open, with a larger laceration.
There are several types of meniscus surgery which are as follows:
- Partial or total meniscectomy {removal of the meniscus}
- Repair of the meniscus tear
Although, many patients face long-term problems after meniscus surgery because of not following proper instructions from the doctor.
However, you must ask your doctor about How to Sleep After Meniscus Surgery to avoid damage in that area.
How Long After Meniscus Repair can I Walk
How much you will take to walk after meniscus surgery completely depends on whether the surgery was open or arthroscopic.
Whether it was a limited or total removal of the meniscus, or whether the meniscus was repaired.
In any case, patients are commonly considered to stay off their feet and the use of crutches may be considered for at least some days.
A knee brace may also be suggested. It may take a few weeks for walking after arthroscopic knee surgery comfortably.
However, it will take several months before they have revived adequate to return to sports.
Similarly, weight-bearing after meniscus repair generally requires several periods.
It commonly takes about 4-8 weeks for patients to increase weight-bearing and range of motion.
Although, many patients can walk without a knee brace and crutches in about 2-3 months.
Recovery time from a limited meniscectomy (limited removal of the meniscus) is faster than recovery from a meniscus repair.
Patients are commonly considered to use crutches for a few days and take it easy for 10-14 days.
However, patients can increase their activity levels at their comfortable time after do not experience any pain.
But, the persons who have strenuous occupations may take 6-8 weeks to completely resume the physical activities demanded.
Many peoples also ask their doctor about What is the Fastest Way to Recover from Meniscus Surgery.
How Long After Meniscus Surgery Can I Drive?
You must wait for 2 weeks or unless your doctor allows you to drive a car.
After that, you can now comfortably drive when you are not using crutches or a knee brace, not taking prescription pain medicine, and have some control over your knees.
However, this complete process will take 1-2 weeks.
Conclusion
In the above article we focused on symptoms, diagnosis, treatments, and how long after meniscus repair can I walk.
Because of Dr. Ramakant Kumar, Meniscus Tear Treatment in Patna becomes convenient to needy people.
Always remember, to follow the instructions as well as take prescribed medicines from your doctor for recovering as soon as possible.
Although, you need complete rest, healthy food, proper guidance, and physical exercises to start your daily life soon.
