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Knee Rehab After Meniscus Surgery

Posted By GertJr (Madison, AL) on 05/20/2025

In February, I had surgery on my knee to snip off the torn part of my meniscus. I am still doing rehab on my own, but the part behind my knee and halfway down my calf stays so tight and sore. Any suggestions to get it back to normal? I do stretches and fascia massage, keep moving as much as possible but, seriously, after 5 minutes in bed it's so sore and stiff I struggle to sleep. Heat/ice/massage/stretch - what else can I try? I realize it takes time, but this is very bothersome.

Replied by Hollyhock (America ) on 05/20/2025

Gertjr, have you tried magnesium oil, or try a castor oil wrap with applied heat. I use infrared (red light therapy) on my painful knees, it helps a bit.

Replied by GertJr (Madison) on 07/03/2025

I had partial meniscectomey surgery mid-February. I still have swelling and off-and-on pain, not always in the same place. I was told to continue the PT exercises on my own when they cut me loose, and I have done them daily since. Any idea when I'll be whole again? The stiffness from swelling and then the random pain are so annoying and I don't trust my knee to not give out. At what point do I go back to the dr about it? I've been told it can take a long time, but how long is too long? I'm 67, female and in good general health.

Replied by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/04/2025
Dear Gertjr,

I think you are doing great - keeping up with your home PT (essential! ) and I know you take care of yourself. I think after surgery it can take a long time for everything to settle down, even up to a year.

Some things to try for swelling and stiffness would be apple cider vinegar or castor oil wraps overnight. Hot/cold therapy (surprisingly effective! - alternate cool and warm applications, 1 minute each, starting and ending with cool. Use two bowls of water and two clothes.)

Also, check out Youtube videos for strengthening feet and hips. The stronger feet, legs and hips are, the less stress there will be on the knees.

~Mama to Many~

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