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All CollectionsS&N | Knee Repair Learn Content (IRL)After Your Surgery
Post-Op Questions & Answers
Post-Op Questions & Answers
Updated over a year ago

Post-Op Q&A

  1. Why have I still got swelling? It is essential to exercise, but it is also important to rest the leg. Sometimes ongoing swelling can indicate that you are overdoing your rehab exercises or that you should allow longer rest times between rehab sessions.

  2. What can I do about it? Reduce the amount of rehab that you are doing, rest more with the leg in an elevated position.

  3. Why is my scar warm? This is normal. In scars, the healing metabolism is heightened; therefore, it will be warmer.

  4. What are the signs of Infection? Redness, progressive effusion, fever, shivers, secretions from the wound secretion, soreness where the edges of your wound meet.

  5. How far should I walk? As far as feels comfortable. If the knee swells later in the day, the distance was too much. Reduce it for your next walk.

  6. Why do I get pain down my leg? This can have multiple reasons. But if the pain doesn't decrease over time, see a doctor.

  7. Why do I stiffen up? Stiffness can be related to not having enough rehab training. It can also be a sign of an arthrofibrosis scar formation in the joint. If you are experiencing increased stiffness with an increased skin temperature, you should contact your care team.

  8. Is it normal to have disturbed sleep? It’s not unusual. Sometimes this might happen after anaesthesia. Sometimes it’s stress-related – surgery and its aftermath can be worrying.

  9. I have a numb patch – is this OK? This is not something to worry about. This might be due to the swelling irritating nerves in the skin. Sometimes it takes as much as three months to pass.

  10. How long will my ACL/meniscal repair last? If your surgery has gone well, it should last the rest of your lifetime.

  11. Why does my joint click? As long as the clicking sensation is without pain, there is nothing to worry about. Most of the time, it will go away within weeks. It is likely caused by your synovial fluid, a thick liquid located between your joints that cushions the ends of bones and reduces friction when you move your joints.

  12. When should I stop using a stick/crutches? You should be able to stop using crutches after about two weeks. However, if you feel uncomfortable without them, it’s OK to continue to use them a bit longer.

  13. Will I set off the security scanner at the airport? No.

  14. Will it get better? In the vast majority of cases, yes. If you have problems or setbacks, your care team are there to help.

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