Arthroscopic knee surgery is a procedure in which a surgeon inserts a small device into your knee to help repair damage to the cartilage or other structures in your joint. Knee arthroscopy often involves the repair of torn cartilage or the removal of debris that has collected in your joint and is preventing the free movement of your leg. This surgery often requires rehabilitative exercises to help restore strength and mobility to your knee, but do not perform any exercises without the express direction of your doctor.
Lying Knee Flexion
Lie down on your bed with your legs bent slightly and your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Use your hamstring muscles to pull both knees at the same time toward your buttocks. Continue this movement until your heels are as close as possible to your buttocks without serious pain. Hold this contraction for a couple of seconds, and then use a gentle and controlled movement to return to the starting position. Repeat as directed by your doctor.
Quadriceps Contraction
Lie down on your stomach with a rolled-up towel or pillow placed under the lower shin of your injured leg. Tighten the muscles on the front of your thigh and push down on the towel with your shin as hard as you can without serious pain. Hold this contraction for about 5 seconds and then relax. Repeat 10 times, or as directed by your doctor.
Ankle Pumps
This exercise is designed to help stimulate the flow of blood to your leg. Lie down on the bed on your back with both legs extended and your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Begin gently pumping your ankle by as if you were tapping your toes; be sure that you are pressing your toes down as far as they will go. Pull your toes back as if you were trying to touch your toes to the front of your shin. Repeat this exercise 10 times every hour, or as directed by your doctor.
Straight Leg Raises
Lie down on your back with your injured leg straight and your toes pointing toward the ceiling. Bend your unaffected knee, and place the sole of the foot on the bed. Gently lift your injured leg straight up and off the bed about 6 to 12 inches. Hold this position for about 5 seconds and then gently lower your leg. Repeat 10 times. As your condition improves, your doctor may suggest that you add a light weight to your ankle to help improve leg strength.
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