Does it get better!! Knee Arthroscopy (Chondroplasty/medial meniscectomy)

This is very strange.  I had a double meniscus tear in left knee(both cartridges on each side with a tear).  I never had any pain with it only that it would "buckle" on me at times.  So I had the arthroscopy done to repair and clean out knee.  I am a 74 year old female.  Dr really didn't want to do anything saying I needed a total knee replacement. I told him nothing hurt so why a TKR.  So he did a clean out. In and out of hospital one day.  I was walking on second day and back to normal within a few days.  Driving in three days.  Never did have any pain and still don't.  BUT I do have stiffness.  I do have orthoarthritis in knee and probably that is reason.  I go to Gold Gym and soak in 104 degree spa and do water exercises in that and the big pool three times a week.  It helps.  I think the stiffness is all part of the Arthritis.  No pain just stiff. Very aggravating.  I had both knees arthroscopied (sp) back when I was in my 50's and never had any probs. Was back at work in three days.  I would discuss with your doctor. But I would also try the hot tub. It does help and doing the exercises while in the pools. 

I'm sorry to hear you've got pain after an arthroscopy. I'm waiting to have one done for a meniscus tear too and my fear is that I'll still experience pain from arthritis afterwards. I've had a TKR on my left knee but after a fall have had trouble with my right one. The specialist said, after an MRI, that there was a tear there that he can trim and clean out. He also said there is arthritis there but doesn't think I need a replacement yet. I've also got arthritis in my hip on the same side which contributes to the discomfort I experience. I don't get any real pain when resting but walking is uncomfortable most of the time. I'd be interested to hear how you get on over the next few weeks and hope to hear that you improve. The trouble is, we're all different but I'd just like to know whether the arthroscopy is going to mean I get less pain! 

It is unreal how many people have different results after arthroscopy on the knee.  I am a 74 female and this was my second on left knee.  First was when I was in my 50's. I was lucky never any problems with either surgery.  First one was back at work in 4 days, second time last month was back driving and walking on 4th day. Never had any pain but now at 74 do have arthritis in knee causing stiffness off and on.  Had two tears second time and clean out.  Kneecap is bone on bone.  Dr says I should have a TKR but I said if no pain, Why?  I go to Gym 3 times a week, soak in 104 degree spa and exercise in pool.  Really does wonders for the stiffness.  I am also overweight, but large boned, 5'9" 220 lbs.  Do a lot of walking with my dog also. I think exercising really helps.  My knee was buckling at various times is why I had the surgery and Dr said he didn't know if it would help or not.  Well it did help cause knee does not buckle anymore.  I never did have any pain and don't have any pain now.  I hope you get better. 

You're so right - I've learned from these forums (I used them a lot after my 1st TKR) that everyone is different. You're very lucky not to get any pain and, I agree, exercise is very important. I use a stationary bike and do 20 mins of exercises/stretches every morning before breakfast. I also try to walk every day. I'm not a good swimmer and, unfortunately, haven't access to a warm spa which sounds good. I would just like the arthroscopy to result in less pain when I walk. I really hope I can recover as well as you did. Thanks for the encouragement.

Ahh, I feel for you. I wonder all the time whether my pain is caused by the meniscus tear or my arthritis. Did you have an MRI before your op? They must have thought the arthroscopy woul help or they would not have done it. All I can say is that from my experience of recovery from my TKR on my other knee that healing takes time and is very much a one step forward two steps back experience. Have you been given exercises to do? I think persevering with them is the best thing I did. Are you in the UK? I just wonder how long you'll have to wait for an appointment with your surgeon. I get depressed too but try to motivate myself to keep moving - even though it's uncomfortable and a big effort sometimes. Although it was a long, hard recovery and the knee is not perfect I'm glad I had my other knee done so I wish you luck whatever happens. I'd be interested to hear how you get on over the next few weeks. Good luck! 

Hi

I'm seeing him 14th sept I'm in the UK had op done on NHS at Nuffield private hospital. Had MRI 2 years ago because of right knee pain it showed torn meniscus ,pain was intermittent consultant advised leaving it till it was constant march this year it was constant had new MRI showed the tear had got bigger and moderate OA ,surgeon booked me in for arthoroscopy had this done July 20th .follow up appointment surgeon trimmed the tear and smoothed surfaces under the knee cap ,he confirmed I have severe arthritis and heading towards a partial knee replacement medial side.I do exercise have seen NHS physio have full movement ,but if what you say is right.through.your experience it is probably normal that the pain improves then goes back again, could be part of the healing process I dont know ? . I have read reviews on a cream available on prescription called capsaicin for arthritic pain .this is my second day of using it and knee does feel better, I really want to avoid a knee replacement, I have booked into water aerobic class next week as physio recomended it as excellent way of strengthening quad muscles to support knee .will update on this group everyone,it does help knowing there are others in same situation to discuss it thankyou

You seem to be doing all the right things! I did a rehab course at the hospital after my knee replacement and found the work in the pool was really good. I should follow your example and find a class. I've heard of capsacain but haven't tried it. Might look into it tho' not too sure my GP will oblige! It could be the cream but might be your knee is improving anyway. I go to a chiropractor regularly where I get acupuncture, ultrasound etc and I find that helps a bit but that's for my hip and back as well as my knee. It is good to discuss these things with someone going through something similar. I'm reluctant to keep moaning to my family and friends who, although are sympathetic, I'm sure get tired of hearing the same things! I hope your knee improves and you get some good advice from the surgeon. Goodness knows how much longer I'll have to wait for my arthroscopy! Been waiting since April now (I'm in Wales). 

Eileen I am 12 weeks post.op did see consultant again at week 9 as I still have pains he said I should be taking max dose anti inflamatories right through to week 12 as the knee will be inflamed for that long due to procedure I'm not happy at taking them bit they have stopped the pain,however I do have severe artharitis which is unreversable ,so now go to aqua aerobics to strengthen the quad muscles to help support the knee joint plus losing weight ,I'm heading towards a partial replacement but am doing everything I can to avoid it I'm 54

Good morning sue. Unfortunately not able to take anti inflammatory as had heart attack last year and have been diagnosed copd  last twelve years. I've been taking strong painkillers but no relief. Yes I was also told heading towards partial knee replacement but really don't want to go down that line. I also have arthritis in my knee which I think is contributing to the severe swelling. I'm 47 but feel more like 87. Got doctors appointment today so hopefully some advice. Thanks for your reply and taking the time to read my message. Hope your knee feels better soon. Eileen 

Hi two weeks post op is such early days it takes 12 weeks for the healing inside your knee ,elevate your leg with ice packs 3-4 times a day the swelling is contributing to the pain it needs to come down ,having artharitis like me we will always have some pain even after healing ,best thing we can hope for is to strengthen our quads to keep the knee stable ,low impact cycling on stationary bike no resistance ,just a sit down cycle is good for post surgery I got one from Argos,arthritic knees.like to keep moving plus pool walking is excellent ,you really need to get the swelling down first ,be patient you are Early days ,I've learned that it does take 12 weeks to heal ,confirmed direct from consultant and NHS physio ..you have been referred and seeing physio haven't you ?

Hi Sue. Have been elevating knee all the time when resting. Even when in bed. Also have been using ice packs but still swelling. The swelling and bruising came up suddenly 1week post op and was checked for dvt but was negative. Dr referring me back to surgeon as follow up isn't until 9th November. Hopefully the swelling will go down soon as can't bend the knee at all   Thanks for your advice