meniscectomy meniscus surgery day

Month 1 Post Op Meniscus Surgery (Meniscectomy)

by Rashida Bealin Meniscectomy Surgeryon Posted on

The first month after my meniscus trim. Coming off of a second surgery in two years, this month was incredibly difficult for me. I had just recovered from ACL and meniscus surgery just to face a meniscectomy from a failed meniscus repair. This month was totally different from my first month after ACL and meniscus surgery, but it was very trying mentally. In this post, I share more about my first month of recovery after my meniscectomy.

For more information on my injury and surgery, head to this post. 

How I Felt 

This month was terrible for me. I just came off an 11 month recovery only to face another surgery soon after I started playing. I felt like I was starting all over, and was generally quite upset throughout this month. 

Unfortunately, I also had my surgery right when I was supposed to be leaving to play on a semi-pro summer team, so I was quite discouraged and concerned that I would now miss that whole season. I ended up going anyway and had to do my rehab on the sidelines while watching everyone else practice. 

How My Knee Felt 

compex for quad strength post ACL surgery

Of course, my knee did not feel great, but it felt totally different than my first month after ACL & meniscus surgery. It was still swollen and stiff, but I immediately had much more range of motion than after my ACL surgery. I could walk immediately after surgery. It was still painful, but not nearly as much as my first surgery. 

Major Events

  • Began walking the day I had surgery.
  • Left for my summer team. 
  • Could bike nearly immediately. 

1 Month Post Op Meniscectomy Exercises 

Main focus: Get swelling down, ROM, light strengthening. 

  • Light biking 
  • RDL
  • Squats
  • ISO lunge
  • Calf raises
  • Wall sits
  • SL glute ham bridge 
  • Leg raises 
  • Compex 

Meniscus Trim Surgery FAQs- 2 Months Post Op

When could you walk after meniscus trim surgery?

I could walk the same day as surgery with a slight limp. I could walk normally within the first month. 

Could you jog?

No. 

Was your knee swollen, stiff, and painful?

Yes. My knee was swollen, and would swell more with activity. It was also stiff, but not nearly as stiff as it was after ACL surgery. It was somewhat painful but was managed well with ice and rest.

My Full Meniscectomy Recovery

Month 2

Month 3