When preparing yourself for knee surgery, its a good idea to fully understand the type of procedure that you will be undergoing. The three basic forms of knee surgery are arthroscopy, arthroplasty and full knee replacement surgery. Each type of surgery will have different recovery times and post-operation requirements.

Post-Operative Pain Management

As far as personal comfort goes, pain management after your surgery is the first concern. For in-patient surgeries, it is common to be given heavy anesthetics for the first two days following the operation. These may be administered either through an implanted epidural or a patient-controlled fusion pump. From the third day, after the epidural is removed (if one was used), your doctor will prescribe a narcotic such as Percocet to relieve the pain for the remaining duration of recovery. Remember, it is not a sign of weakness to choose to take pain medication if it is needed. Major surgery can cause a great deal of pain during the initial stages of rehabilitation.

Rehab and Physical Therapy

It is best to begin working with a physical therapist as soon after surgery as possible. Given the uniqueness of each individual’s circumstances, it is advisable to consult with your doctor for an accurate understanding of what will be most beneficial for you. Physical therapy can begin as early as the day after surgery, with very gentle once a day exercises. After several days, rehab therapy can increase to twice a day for as long as an hour each session. Physical therapy plays a crucial role in helping your knee to regain its full strength and flexibility.

Take Your Time

Recovery from knee surgery can seem like a slow process. It is important that you take your time and not try to rush your healing by doing too much too quickly. Depending upon the type of surgery, it may be anywhere from two or three weeks to a year before your knee is fully recovered. Go slow, be gentle, keep it elevated as much as possible and use ice whenever needed. Crutches or a cane may be helpful for a time. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from family or friends until you are comfortably mobile.