Arthroscopic knee surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves an arthroscope—a long, thin surgical instrument with a tiny camera attached to the end. The arthroscope is inserted into the knee joint through a small incision, providing the surgeon with detailed live images of the joint space. Arthroscopic knee surgery can be performed to diagnose a condition by gaining a clearer picture of the knee, or it may be used to treat certain knee conditions in a minimally invasive manner.
While knee arthroscopy reduces disruption to healthy tissues and doesn’t require an extensive recovery period, there are still steps you should take to facilitate healing after surgery. One such step is—believe it or not—exercise! Performing low-impact exercises (with your physician’s or physical therapist’s guidance) is vital to restoring knee strength, improving range of motion, and getting back to your everyday routine.
The best exercises for you will depend on your knee health, why the knee arthroscopy was performed, and your activity levels. Your surgeon may recommend one or more of these gentle exercises:
Straight Leg Raise
- Lay down on your back on a flat, comfortable surface.
- Bend the knee of the leg that was not operated on while keeping this foot flat on the surface.
- Gently lift the operated leg about six inches off the floor while keeping it straight.
- Hold for about five seconds.
- Slowly lower the leg, take a breath, and repeat 10 more times.
Quadriceps Contraction
- Lay down on your back on a flat, comfortable surface.
- Roll up a towel and place it beneath your ankle.
- Tighten your thigh muscles and press down as if you were trying to touch the back of the knee to the ground.
- Hold for five seconds.
- Relax your thigh muscles, take a breath, and repeat 10 more times.
Hamstring Contraction
- Lay down on your back on a flat, comfortable surface.
- Bend your knees while keeping your feet flat on the floor.
- Pressing your heels down, tighten the muscles along the back of the thigh (hamstrings).
- Hold for five seconds.
- Relax, take a breath, and repeat 10 more times.
Am I a Candidate for Arthroscopic Knee Surgery?
Only your physician can determine if arthroscopic knee surgery is right for you. Nevertheless, there are a few scenarios that can indicate the need for surgical treatment. For example, knee arthroscopy may be a viable option if your knee pain or stiffness does not respond to non-surgical treatments such as:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Bracing
- Injection therapies
- Pain relievers or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Our Approach to Arthroscopic Knee Surgery
Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group—a division of Florida Medical Clinic and the longest-operating orthopedic practice in the area—is a trusted provider of joint pain solutions like arthroscopic knee surgery. Our team includes Dr. Daniel Murphy, a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon who utilizes minimally invasive techniques to achieve the best possible results for his patients. If you’d like to consult with a knee surgeon about your treatment options, contact us today to request an appointment.
