Meniscal cyst recovery time

[Gzsimo]

I am trying to decide whether to have surgery. I have an excellent doctor and feel very comfortable with his skills. I had MRIs of my knees and I have a meniscal tear with a cyst on one of them. Can anybody tell me what to expect the first week?   In other words, how long before you are able to drive, go to the store, and do simple housework?  By the way I am a relatively fit 47-year-old woman.  I also think that this was from just wear and tear andidegenerative in nature.

[Gzsimo]

Okay, I have the surgery and had some tears shaved off plus I had a cyst cleaned up. Well, the first week was overall pretty good. Later around the first day or two by day three I was able to walk around a bit. I have been going to PT twice a week. I don't know what I did different but over the weekend, it started to swell more.  Not hot to the touch and I can still do a few things baron mind I've been having to take Aleve twice to pills  in the morning and two in the evening Per the doctor's orders.    A little more pain but nothing unusual. Just the swelling has Limited my range of motion.  Would you happen to know if this is normal?    I am 12 days post op.  My main complaint is the swelling. Any suggestions would be welcome thank you!

[Sunsetsandwich]

The first week you may want to have a pair of crutches handy. The knee can have some swelling from the surgery that gradually resolves over the next 3-6 weeks. As everyone reacts a bit differently from surgery, you would want to plan a fairly light week of activities.  Driving should be well tolerated after a few days, assuming you are not needing much in the way of pain meds. You can usually do some easy walking & shopping after 2-3 days. Most folks are back to all regular activiites by 4-6 weeks.