How much healing time is needed after arthroscopic knee surgery?

The knee typically heals within six to eight weeks after arthroscopic surgery, according to OrthoInfo. After this period, most patients are able to resume all physical activities. However, heavy manual labor or intense exercise should be avoided for a longer period.

For a few days following surgery, an arthroscopic knee surgery patient needs to keep the affected limb elevated and iced, advises OrthoInfo. Crutches are often used, and driving is avoided for one to three weeks. Therapeutic exercises are performed for several weeks to increase joint strength and flexibility. Rare complications, such as infection, blood clots and blood accumulation in the knee, can lengthen recovery time.