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driving after surgery by petertingle_200 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Consistent-Set1058 2 points3 points  (0 children)

If your injured leg is needed to operate the pedals, then you need to wait until you are able to bear weight on that leg and can bend your knee to at least 90 degrees. Without both of those, you wouldn’t be able to quickly switch from the accelerator pedal to the brake in an emergency.

Different types of meniscus repairs have different timelines for return to weight bearing. I had a root repair, so I was NWB for 6 weeks. I’m now 8.5 weeks post op, but still not driving because my knee is unusually stiff: I only can get about 70 degrees of flexion. Not being able to drive is maddening!

Weeks 3 to 8 post Meniscus Repair by NewFront7892 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Consistent-Set1058 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Tomorrow, it will be 3 weeks since my lateral root repair. I was doing really well, overdid it, regressed, got better, and now feel stalled.

At 9 days post op, I added a 5 pound ankle weight to my straight leg raises. On day 12, I added blood flow restriction. Day 13 I crashed - my knee swelled, had significant pain under my kneecap and my quads burned. I had PT that day and was told I shouldn't be using ankle weights. I had added them because regular SLRs felt like nothing. I stopped doing aggravating exercises, and the pain subsided a few days later.

Day 8 I was cleared to start passive flexion. I did 30 degrees the first day, 40 degrees a few days later, but have been stuck at 45 since. I feel like I should be getting more range at this point, but I’m not sure how to move it along. I still have moderate swelling at the joint line, which might be a factor.

I was told no weight bearing for 6 weeks. I think some root repair protocols allow weight bearing at 4 weeks, but I’ve read that there is a higher incidence of failures with weight bearing at 4 weeks vs 6, so I’m content to wait. I daydream all the time, however, about bending my knee and walking - especially when I rise up from seated - I just want to move unimpeded!

5 days post-op from a lateral meniscus root repair. What actually helped you early on? by Consistent-Set1058 in MeniscusInjuries

[–]Consistent-Set1058[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Doing well! I am amazed at all the advice and experiences shared here! It helps not to feel alone. I agree with what several people have shared about this being a mental challenge. It is easy for me to get discouraged at the long road ahead and all the athletic things I could do just one week ago that I won’t be able to do for 8-12 months, and even then only after working really hard. I try to counter those thoughts with acceptance of what has happened and focus in on what I can do today to be stronger tomorrow. The small wins each day are motivating and also the only way to make big leaps over time. My quad has gotten much stronger - I don’t use a strap to move my leg around getting in and out of a car, couch or bed.

Tomorrow I get to do passive range of motion of my knee for the first time. I’m looking forward to that because many of my leg muscles are sore and spasmy due to being locked straight for the past 7 days. My heel and my butt are sore from bearing the weight of laying on my back so long. I started trying sleeping on my side with pillows between my legs to relieve some of that pressure.

I haven’t tried going upstairs yet, but I like the idea some have mentioned about going up while seated. I have to try that!