What should I do for a better and faster recovery after an MCL reconstruction?
Once the pain goes away, you would normally begin physical therapy.
After your MCL reconstruction surgery, it is necessary to follow your doctor’s instructions for a smooth and fast recovery.
Things to do for better recovery after an MCL reconstruction:
- Rest - Your body needs time to heal after this surgical procedure. The more rest you can get, the faster you will recover.
- Medication - Your doctor may prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain medication to help control swelling. Take your medications as prescribed and consult with your doctor if you feel pain.
- Ice and compression - You can manage swelling and pain without medications with cold compression therapy that can help reduce inflammation and pain.
- Joint support - Use the brace and crutches keeping weight off the leg for a period after surgery as your doctor recommends it.
- Physical therapy - At a certain point during your recovery, you will need physical therapy to help strengthen and stretch the muscles surrounding the knee. This also improves the range of motion. Once you begin your exercises you should proceed slowly and listen to your body's response to this added effort. It is important to allow the ligament to heal sufficiently, otherwise, you may be exposing yourself to re-injury.
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
Related Questions About Hip and Knee
A torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL), and a torn meniscus are very common injuries regarding the knee. They appear during sports activities that involve twisting, bending or fast changing of direction.
See full answerYou will be able to kneel as soon as you feel comfortable doing so. It’s important however to try avoiding this position if you feel it puts too much strain on your leg.
See full answerAfter hip surgery, crutches are necessary as a walking aid. You will probably need crutches during the first weeks after the surgery.
See full answerDue to the technique deployed in this surgery, anterior hip interventions entail a series of benefits for patients.
See full answerThe goal of the meniscus repair procedure is to preserve as much healthy tissue as possible. A meniscus tear requires a blood supply to heal.
See full answerAccording to a recent study published in the New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM), physical therapy was proved to be as effective as surgical treatment in patients with meniscal tears and osteoarthritis of the knee.
See full answerAny surgery has its risks. Meniscus repair is considered a safe procedure with a low chance of complications.
See full answerSince arthroscopic meniscus repair is an elective procedure, the patient’s situation can be optimized for a successful surgery.
See full answerPatients are usually required to follow physical therapy after this procedure. That’ll help to strengthen the muscles and ligaments.
See full answerOnly a small percentage of these injuries are caused by direct contact with a person or object.
See full answerOften, there could be slight pain for a certain period of time after the ACL reconstruction procedure. You may experience pain associated with swelling around your knee.
See full answerPossible complications associated with this procedure may include infection, bleeding, blood clots, viral transmission.
See full answerThe symptoms of an MCL injury are very similar to those of other knee problems.
See full answerIn most cases, the prognosis is favorable regardless of whether surgery is needed or not.
See full answerOnce the pain goes away, you would normally begin physical therapy.
See full answerUsually, MCL injuries happen when a strong force hits the knee, resulting in torn or stretched ligaments inside the knee.
See full answerAs with any surgical procedure, there are potential complications that may be associated with MCL reconstruction surgery. These include a risk of infection, formation of blood clots, injury to the blood vessels and nerves, and scar tissue formation that requires further treatment.
See full answerKnee replacement surgery is an option for people with pain and disability in the knee. Osteoarthritis is the most common condition treated by knee replacement surgery.
See full answerAs with any surgical procedure, complications can occur. The replacement knee joint may not work as intended or it may become loose, raising the need for a secondary surgery in the future.
See full answerIt is highly recommended to try to get in shape before the knee replacement surgery so as to make your recovery faster.
See full answerFollowing your procedure, you will be taken to the recovery room where you will remain until your vital signs are stable. You will be moved to a hospital room where you can expect to remain for several days.
See full answerYou will be discharged home or to a rehabilitation center. In either case, your doctor will arrange for continuation of physical therapy until you regain muscle strength and a good range of motion.
See full answer