Patient discussions
Patients should be advised to rest the affected leg, use ice packs and elastic compression bandaging around the knee, and elevate the leg above the level of the heart. This protocol, known as RICE, helps to reduce pain, minimise swelling, and protect the injured tissue, all of which help speed up the healing process.
As NSAIDs should be used for only short periods because of the negative effects on musculoskeletal healing, patients should be advised that paracetamol is the preferred drug for reducing pain because it acts centrally and does not interfere with the healing process.[52][53]
As symptoms allow, gentle, active range-of-motion and strengthening exercises may be instituted. Biking, treadmill walking, swimming, core stability work, and other low-impact exercises can be performed to maintain fitness. Activities should be pain-free.
Following a partial meniscectomy patients are advised to use crutches for the first post-operative week and progress to weight bearing as tolerated. Weight bearing after a meniscus repair is approached more cautiously, and full weight bearing should be delayed for at least 4-6 weeks after surgery to reduce strain on the repair site. In addition, all patients are instructed to avoid impact and twisting of the knee for 4 weeks after surgery. They are also encouraged to start upper body exercises and single, non-operative leg biking during physiotherapy as soon as tolerated.
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