Rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy

If arthroscopy of the knee joint is performed, rehabilitation after the operation is in importance at the level of the most minimally invasive surgical intervention. Intensive restorative treatment associated with the cruciate ligaments, meniscus, allows you to return the most complex and durable anatomical structure of the body to physical activity. A full return of functions to the lower extremities is possible with proper care of the operated legs, the implementation of a set of procedures and exercises under the clear guidance and supervision of the attending physician.

Understanding Arthroscopy

Arthroscopy of the knee joint is prescribed by a doctor, he refers to an operation to examine and cure the problem joint. For a minimally invasive method of treatment, establishing an accurate diagnosis, and correcting the pathology, a medical instrument is used - an arthroscope.

An arthroscopic examination is performed to find out the presence of disorders and injuries in the knee:

• articular cartilage;
• cartilage shock absorbers;
• pathological displacements in Keneg's disease;
• ligament damage;
• chondromatosis;
• synovitis;
• gonarthrosis.

The operation helps to determine the controversial diagnosis, to answer questions in case of complaints about the knee joint. When performing a meniscus resection - surgery with partial or complete removal, the patient is discharged in a day. Cruciate ligament arthroplasty is a more complex procedure, the patient is observed for 3 days with a long 3-month recovery period.

Rehabilitation after knee arthroscopy will not take much time if the patient follows the instructions recommended by the surgeon. Regardless of the complexity and speed of the patient's discharge from the hospital, the operation was performed. The result of the work carried out by a group of doctors is affected by the rehabilitation regimen and its strict observance.

Stationary surveillance

Recovery after knee arthroscopy begins in the hospital. The surgeon prescribes a set of procedures:

• the introduction of antibiotics with a wide range of effects;
• applying an elastic bandage to prevent thrombosis;
• carrying out cryotherapy, hardware or manual lymphatic drainage;
• fixation of the leg with an orthopedic orthosis;
• taking anti-inflammatory drugs;
• the appointment of physiotherapy exercises (exercise therapy);
• compliance with the motor regime;
• applying cold compresses.

To achieve the result, the leg is kept in position on the advice of a doctor.

Recovery depends on a combination of indications:

• age characteristics;
• type and location of injury;
• compliance with the rules and high-quality performance of medical classes.

Exercise therapy after knee arthroscopy in the hospital consists of slow movements of the ankle joint and the sequence of tension in the hip muscles. Passive wiggling of the knee, you can get out of bed the next day after the operation. They move around the ward or for natural needs on crutches.

The first warm-up is carried out lying on a bed:

• represent the joint in an active state and only in thoughts begin to move it;
• strain the gluteal and femoral muscles;
• raise carefully and slowly not bent leg;
• begin to move in the ankle joint.

If the attending physician considers that the patient's condition is normalizing, he will allow standing.

Rules for homework

Regardless of the complexity of the surgery, rehabilitation after arthroscopy of the knee joint is needed. Resection of the meniscus is carried out with the sole purpose that a person does not lose the ability to move the organ. When the patient is discharged from the hospital, the doctor develops complex measures that are a continuation of inpatient treatment and contribute to the full restoration of the functionality of the joint. For recovery, the patient should be interested in medical recommendations, compliance with all requirements, then complications will be prevented.

In the list of general rules, without taking into account the specific patient and his condition, there are simple conditions:

• the injured leg is kept in an elevated position, placing a pillow under it, a sofa cushion;
• the doctor will establish a regimen for water procedures, you will have to bathe at a strictly allotted time;
• the bandage on the leg must comply with sanitary requirements;
• the change of the fixing material is carried out according to the developed regulations;
• do not ignore medical examinations, come to the clinic at the appointed time;
• take prescribed medications;
• perform a set of exercises after arthroscopy of the knee joint, which were developed and handed over to the recovering rehabilitation specialist.

This includes the effect on the body:

• soft massage;
• physiotherapy;
• electrical stimulation.

At first, during outpatient treatment, the leg is practiced in a supine position, loads are added with caution:

• passively move the joint, without tearing off the heel, gradually increase the amplitude;
• create muscle tone;
• start training on a stationary bike.

When edema appears, they are removed by massage after a medical examination, finding out the causes of swelling. When the negative symptoms and contraindications are removed, they continue to work with the knee joints, achieve their recovery after surgery with the help of exercise therapy.

Physical education is capable of:

• eliminate the inflammatory process;
• normalize blood flow;
• prevent contractures;
• consistently resume motor and support functions.

In the exercise therapy scheme, the appointment of high-amplitude loads is excluded.

It is recommended to practice 3 times a day:

• static muscle tension;
• foot movement in different directions and in a circle;
• bending and unbending the knees in the prone position so that the heels have an emphasis on the surface;
• slowly raising the leg, stretching out the sock, holding the limb for some time on weight and lowering it onto the bed.

The increase in loads, the complication of exercises is carried out according to medical regulation.

Features of the therapeutic gymnastics program

Exercises after knee arthroscopy are prescribed for everyone, but the schemes are developed with an individual approach. Classes are divided into stages, the duration of which depends on the elapsed time after the operation and the physical fitness of the victim.

The increase in loads occurs in the sequence:

• at the first moment, with a fixed knee, they are handled carefully only slightly unbending the joint to engage the muscles of the thighs;
• at the second stage, the load is increased, classes are carried out after discharge from the hospital to increase joint mobility;
• a month later, the number of developments with a load installed on the lower leg increases;
• for the fourth stage, classes are provided with an emphasis on the operated leg with bends and turns around the circumference, they are allowed to walk on foot.

An example would be doing the following:

• to develop the joints, they lie on the sofa, put a roller under the elongated, straightened legs, after 5 seconds the emphasis is removed;
• slightly raise straight legs above the surface in turn;
• the diseased limb is kept straight, the healthy one is bent at the knee;
• they stand near the chair, lean on the back with emphasis on a healthy limb, bend the injured leg, the hand grabs the foot, pulls it to the gluteal muscles, lowers it to the floor;
• squat, holding on to a chair, focusing on the non-operated leg.
• standing straighten up and in turn stepping transfer the weight of the body from one leg to another.

When the last stage of recovery comes, they are allowed to exercise on an exercise bike, add loads, create artificial resistance. The use of block simulators, the use of strength training begins at the final stage in order to restore endurance to the organs, restore the previous volume of motor functions.

Do not forget about the lost balance and ability to coordinate your movement. You have to learn how to walk freely without a cane. It is forbidden to sharply, rudely wave the limbs with high amplitudes. To ensure blood flow in the system, you need to rub and massage places that have been in complete calm for a long time. Even when a successful recovery is achieved, constant massage does not hurt anyone.

After arthroscopy of the knee joint, rehabilitation provides for the cessation of exercises in the event of contraindications, pain. The doctor may advise you to reduce the load on the joint or free you from classes for a while.

What is the essence of physiotherapy

According to medical statistics, arthroscopic examinations are not accompanied by severe complications. The operation cannot go completely without a trace, intervention in the organs will be with swelling and pain, and the normal functionality of the knees will decrease.

To alleviate the condition, the attending physician refers to a consultation with a physiotherapist. A specialized specialist will develop a program where physiotherapy of the knee joint after arthroscopy will remove the negative consequences.

The complex of procedures, depending on the exacerbation, consists of the impact on the affected areas:

• magnetotherapy;
• laser therapy;
• electrical stimulation;
• UHF;
• electrophoresis;
• lymphatic drainage massage.

Treatment is carried out in conjunction with other medical measures. Appointment by type, quantity and frequency is determined depending on the severity of the surgical intervention, the degree of complications and the individualization of the victim. Usually, physiotherapy is prescribed after complex operations, if torn ligaments and damaged tissues are restored.

Dietary restrictions

Any disease requires you to follow specific diets, give up bad habits, use alcohol and tobacco products. It is necessary not to disturb the sleep and wakefulness regimen. You can not constantly lie in bed, for this they develop various exercises with physical activity.

You have to follow the diet, the menu of which should contain:

• proteins;
• calcium;
• fatty acid;
• selenium;
• sulfur.

For the recovery of ligaments, joints, bone tissues, the patient needs to include in the menu:

• dairy products;
• fresh and condensed milk;
• eggs;
• seaweed;
• dried fruits;
• fish;
• rich meat broths in jelly or jelly;
• kissels, compotes, fruit drinks;
• mineral water without gas.

The diet is based on the weight of the patient. People prone to obesity set food restrictions. Foods with a high calorie content or with carbohydrates that are quickly digested are excluded from consumption. All the weight rests on your knees. The victim should not eat unrationed and without control, increase body weight.

There is no strict prohibition for patients with a normal physique, the body must receive all the necessary nutrients for recovery. Calorie control is also superfluous, thin people do not have an increased passion for food, but you need to choose foods rich in useful substances to recover from injuries, wounds, and torn ligaments. Calcium can be bought at a pharmacy, but the best healing effect is achieved by obtaining the substance naturally from natural products.

When will it all end?

A return to normal life is the goal of any exercise and treatment.

After full recovery from arthroscopy, physical activity should not be stopped:

• walk on toes;
• run short distances
• jump.

Cycling strengthens the legs, a healthy lifestyle will protect against complications, brittle bones and weak joints.

Pain in the knees will pass only after six months, if it increases due to physical activity, you must immediately stop the activity. Perhaps age does not allow excessive zeal, ligaments in older people are less stable than in a young body. Fluid accumulates in the joint capsules, discomfort and discomfort appear. But only a doctor can understand the intricacies. Self-treatment must be completely excluded so as not to lose the blessings bestowed by nature - to walk on your feet.