When can I stop using crutches after meniscus surgery?

After a trim, protocols use signs, not dates: no limp, a fully straightening knee, a straight-leg raise without sagging, little swelling. After a repair, often about 6 weeks minimum.

Can I drive while taking pain medicine after knee surgery?

MedlinePlus says not to drive while taking narcotic pain medicine, because it can make you too sleepy to drive safely.

Meniscus surgery · Weeks 0 to 2

Meniscus Surgery Recovery, First 2 Weeks: What’s Normal

You’re in the doorway on crutches, eyeing the mailbox, wondering how much weight that discharge sheet really lets you put down.

After a trim, walking on the leg right away and dropping the crutches within days is common, with a normal walk the goal by about week 2. After a repair, many protocols keep weight limited and crutches on for about six weeks.

What’s normal now

After a trim, most people can put weight on the leg right away and often stop using crutches within 2 to 7 days. Source
After a repair, many protocols limit weight and use crutches for about 6 weeks. Source
Days 1 to 2 after a trim: walk around the house, then rest with the leg up. Source
In the first few days, swelling can build before it starts to settle, per one NHS hospital. Source
After a right-knee scope, braking stayed slow for at least a week in a review of studies. Source

Free milestone map

Where are you in recovery?

Pick your surgery and your week. Your map opens right here: what’s normal now, what usually comes next, and the guides for each stage. No email needed.

What usually comes next

After a trim, the usual goal by week 2 is a normal walk with no crutches. Source
AAOS says people can typically drive 1 to 3 weeks after a minor scope; bigger repairs may take longer. Source

Questions to bring to your surgeon or PT

What does my discharge sheet say about weight bearing, and how much weight is allowed? Source
What should my knee be able to do before I drop the crutches? Source
When am I OK to drive, and can you put that driving advice in writing for work? Source

Don’t wait for your next visit

Calf pain, swelling or warmth can signal a blood clot. Call your surgeon. Source
A fever above 101°F (38.3°C) or chills, or redness, swelling or yellowish discharge at an incision. Source
Bleeding that soaks through the dressing. Source
A foot or toes that look darker than normal or feel cool to the touch. Source
Pain that pain medicine doesn’t ease, or that keeps getting worse. Source

Chest pain or trouble breathing: call 911.

Questions men ask at this stage

When can I stop using crutches after meniscus surgery?: After a trim, protocols use signs, not dates: no limp, a fully straightening knee, a straight-leg raise without sagging, little swelling. After a repair, often about 6 weeks minimum. Source
Can I drive while taking pain medicine after knee surgery?: MedlinePlus says not to drive while taking narcotic pain medicine, because it can make you too sleepy to drive safely. Source