The knee is one of the most important joints in your body. It helps you run, walk, stand, bend, sit, lift, and ride a bicycle. You can’t do much at all when suffering from knee pain due to arthritis or a sports injury. Being unable to use your knee as it’s intended can put a lot of stress in your life. You should consult with the experienced and trusted surgeons at OrthoBethesda in Virginia to determine the best course of action for your knee pain.
We will first suggest conservative treatments for your knee pain before looking towards surgery or any other type of minimally invasive procedure. Joint replacement, such as total knee replacement, might be on the table based on what the surgeon finds during your exam at our Arlington center. Conservative treatment methods include medication and physical therapy for your injuries.
Arthroscopic Knee Surgery Explained
This orthopedic surgery is minimally invasive. The surgeon will use a device called an arthroscope, which is a thin tube that has a camera and a light attached to one end. The device is inserted into your knee using tiny incisions made by the surgeon. Multiple incisions are made so that the surgeon can see different areas of the knee and the injuries that are causing you trouble. The repairs can be made using orthopedic arthroscopy in Virginia if they are not too severe.
When Do You Recommend Arthroscopy?
Orthopedic arthroscopy is recommended by the OrthoBethesda surgical team in Northern Virginia when any of the following are present or needed:
- Removal of the infected joint lining
- Removal of bone fragments in the knee joint
- Treatment of mild rheumatoid arthritis
- Repair of different sports injuries
- Repair of a damaged kneecap
- Reconstruction of a ligament after a tear
Arthroscopy is one of the most used treatment methods for sports injuries at our Arlington, Virginia, center.
What are the Benefits of Arthroscopy?
The benefits of arthroscopy, by our surgeons in Arlington, include the following for any patient:
- Very limited bleeding
- Less damage caused to tendons, ligaments, and muscles
- Lower risk of developing an infection
- Tiny incisions that leave behind small scars
- A short time to recover
- Reduced pain following the procedure
- Ability to gain mobilization at a much quicker pace following the surgery
- Less painful rehab during physical therapy at our center
Recovering from Arthroscopy in Arlington, VA
If you are not undergoing joint replacement, knee replacement, knee joint surgery, or another type of invasive orthopedic surgery and instead opt for arthroscopy, you will want to know what the recovery time is like for this procedure in Northern Virginia.
Recovering from arthroscopic sports surgery at our center will not be as intense as any of the surgeries mentioned earlier. This is an outpatient procedure, which means that you will be able to return home the same day as the procedure. The first few days following arthroscopic surgery will involve limited mobility and activity as you heal.
Be sure to rest, apply ice, and limit your mobility the first few days after leaving the center for care from this surgical procedure. You should be able to get back to work within a week and can start with physical therapy once you have mobility in your leg. It could take anywhere from one to six months to resume any involvement in sports or other strenuous activities.
It is important that you follow the instructions provided by your surgeon in Arlington so that you do not suffer any setbacks. This includes taking any medication prescribed by your orthopedic doctor. Whether you have undergone reconstruction or a minor sports medicine procedure with a surgeon in Arlington, VA, the prescribed medication can make your recovery from knee joint surgery much more bearable. Let our Virginia sports medicine team take care of your knee today.
Schedule Orthopedic Care Today at OrthoBethesda in Arlington, VA
The experienced and trusted surgeons at OrthoBethesda in Arlington, Virginia know that issues involving your knees can limit your daily activities. If you have suffered an injury, it is important to seek medical care as soon as possible. If you are in the Arlington area, call our center at (301) 530-1010 to schedule an appointment at your earliest convenience. Our sports medicine team can evaluate your injuries, determine the best orthopedic treatment, and provide you with the best care for our neighbors in Arlington and throughout the surrounding area.