In fact, as a general guide after meniscus surgery, there is no magic number of days that you have to wait before being allowed to bend your knee and resume normal activities.
What You Can Expect from Meniscus Surgery Recovery
Initial Restrictions:
After surgery, patients are generally instructed not to participate in rigorous activities like twisting, pivoting, squatting or deep knee bends for at least four months. These are necessary in order to allow the area to heal properly and to prevent further injury or delayed recovery12.
Gradual Rehabilitation:
The first several weeks (post-surgery) should be dedicated solely to reducing any pain and swelling, as well as to slowly regain mobility in the knee. Usually for about three weeks with the wearing of a knee immobilizer and restriction from weight-bearing on the affected leg using crutches. (34)
Early light exercises, such as ankle pumps and straight leg raises can be initiated after surgery to increase circulation and encourage muscle activation while minimally stressing the knee joint1.meniscus surgery recovery (ad)
Progressive Activity Levels:
After one month, most patients will be able to start some gentle range of motion exercises with the help of a therapist. Full weight-bearing with more high-impact activities are typically not allowed until after a minimum of 6 weeks post-surgery56.
The timed it takes for a patient to return translates anywhere from 4-6 months so long as these goals are reached such as pain free general movement and restoration of strength24.
Long-term Considerations:
Return to sports or high-impact activities at full speed is generally given the green light by six to eight months from time of surgery, provided all benchmarks for recovery are satisfied and the patient wants to do so .
In short, knee bending can start along with assistance from some exercises soon after surgery however these activities are greatly reduced for atleast 4 months to promote proper healing and recovery.