Is it normal for my knee to swell after work weeks after a scope?

It can be. Swelling is part of healing, and one NHS leaflet says excessive swelling may mean you’re doing too much. Track it with a tape measure.

How long does knee swelling last after meniscus surgery?

Leaflets say often 2 to 6 weeks, up to about 3 months for some. A repair heals more slowly than a trim. Swelling that isn’t improving should be checked.

Meniscus surgery · Weeks 7 to 12

Meniscus Surgery Recovery, Weeks 7 to 12: What’s Normal

Your knee is fine at breakfast, but by the end of the shift it’s tight and puffy, and you’re icing it in the truck.

Swelling after a workday can still be normal now, especially with a heavy job; hospital leaflets expect it for up to about 3 months. Swelling that’s stuck or getting worse needs a look, and kneeling and deep squatting are usually the last things cleared.

What’s normal now

Hospital leaflets expect swelling for weeks after a scope, sometimes up to about 3 months. Source
A puffy knee at week 10 can be normal with a heavy job. Swelling that’s stuck or getting worse needs a look. Source
After a trim, some knees take 6 to 12 weeks or longer to settle, one NHS trust says. Source
NHS leaflets estimate 2 to 6 weeks off for manual work after a scope, and up to 12 weeks for heavy jobs. Source
After a repair, heavy or twisting work may take up to 12 weeks, per one NHS trust. Source

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Where are you in recovery?

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What usually comes next

Kneeling and deep squatting are usually the last things cleared, especially after a repair. Source
One NHS team says people who can’t avoid deep squatting at work may not go back until 3 months after surgery. Source
After a repair, one NHS trust says to avoid squatting past 90 degrees, pivoting and twisting for 3 months. Source

Questions to bring to your surgeon or PT

Was it a trim or a repair? Can I see the operative report? Source
If the swelling isn’t improving, can I get X-rays taken standing? Source
If the X-rays are clean, is an MRI worth it? Source
What strength target do you want before ladders, running or full duty? Source

Don’t wait for your next visit

A hot, red, swollen knee, especially with fever or chills. It can mean infection. Source
Pain or swelling in your calf or thigh. Call 911 for chest pain or shortness of breath. Source
A knee that locks or gives way. Source
A knee that swells up badly or changes shape, especially after a twist, or that you can’t bend, straighten or put weight on. Source
A leg that suddenly turns swollen, red, hot or painful. Source

Chest pain or trouble breathing: call 911.

Questions men ask at this stage

Is it normal for my knee to swell after work weeks after a scope?: It can be. Swelling is part of healing, and one NHS leaflet says excessive swelling may mean you’re doing too much. Track it with a tape measure. Source
How long does knee swelling last after meniscus surgery?: Leaflets say often 2 to 6 weeks, up to about 3 months for some. A repair heals more slowly than a trim. Swelling that isn’t improving should be checked. Source