Ways to reduce swelling in the knee?

Question

I had surgery on October 10th, It was a microfracture and some drain thing on the side of my knee.
Well since then, this is the last week of my recovery and I am very worried because its already thursday and my swelling hasn't gone all the way down. I have it compressed but haven't tried icing it alot. Is there other ways to reduce the swelling? Such as pills or exercise? As well I cannot bend my knee more than 0 to 80 degrees (Totally stinks)
Thanks

Answer 1

Post-surgical swelling can take *many* weeks to completely recede. However, I'm frankly surprised you weren't given instructions to use "ice" on your knee as part of your home recovery. I would suggest applying a wrapped ice or cold pack at 20 minute intervals for 2 hours at least 3-4 times per day.

As well, I would advise that you keep the knee elevated as much as possible when you are at rest. As for meds, this is an issue you will need to take up with your physican if the swelling persists, and typically, physical-therapy will as well be part of your long-term recovery.

Best of luck in your recovery.

Answer 2

First you have to accept it will take time. The older you are, the longer. You should keep it elevated when not walking, and should be ice packing it. Talk with the doctor about therapy to get the motion back. As the swelling goes down the range of motion will increase. At 38 when I had surgery, I had some problems off and on for several years if I was on my feet too long. Learn the position that is comfortable so as to use it instead of any type of drug. There are some good anti-inflammatory on the market so talk with the doctor.

Answer 3

ice it for about 15-30 minutes a day and then heat it if you want its your choice. Keep your knee above your heart as much as possible don't put any weight on it or do anything that causes it pain.Once the swelling goes down then if can if you want to try to walk on it but if it still hurts to walk I would stop or do not do it very often.But you still want to excercise it and stretch it or it will take longer to heal you have to feel pain before you feel relief hope I helped.

Answer 4

Yes, you may be able to try something like Tylenol to try and help ease the swelling but because of the not being able to bend the knee more than about 80 degrees I would recommend seeing your doctor for further evaluation of the situation.

Answer 5

Also try a side-effect free,natural Cox-2 inhibitor.
It is called Zyflamend, and when I used it to replace Viox, I found that it worked even better.
Just get it at a good Natural Foods store, and be sure to eat with it.
Also, never, ever underestimate the power of ice!!!!
Do it faithfully (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) and you will be amazed.
Return to your Dr., don't mention the Zyflamend unless you wish to be laughed at, but do get a note for more time off if needed.
Blessings on you as you go through this difficult phase of recovery.
Be kind to yourself, nurturing yourself as well as you would if it was a child you were caring for:)