Care at Home After an Arthroscopic Knee Surgery

How You Might Feel After Your Procedure

• Your may experience increased joint swelling and discomfort for a few days
• You may have a slight temperature for 2 days

Incision Care

• Remove your dressing after 48 hours
• If you have steri-strips on puncture sites, leave them on until they fall off
• If you have sutures, they are dissolvable and will not require removal
• You may shower after 2 days,
• Continue to wear elastic support until swelling is relieved in your knee

Pain and Medication

• Take the pain medication that is prescribed by your surgeon as needed
• Elevating your leg on pillows and applying ice packs around your knee will help reduce swelling and discomfort
• Follow your surgeon’s advice on resuming your routine medications

Nutrition

• If diabetic, follow your surgeon’s instructions regarding diet and medication

Activity and Exercise

• Rest for the first 24 hours after your procedure
• Avoid squatting and twisting for 2 weeks
• Be as active as you can within the limits of your discomfort- continue with exercises as directed by your surgeon
• Check with your surgeon regarding return to work

• Call for a follow up appointment with your surgeon within 1 week

You need to call your doctor if you have:

• Fever that persists after 2 days
• Bleeding or foul drainage from your puncture sites
• Numbness, tingling or colour changes in your leg
• Leg or knee pain that is unrelieved by pain medication