Take it easy for at least the next 2 to 3 days. Do not take part in strenuous activities until your health care provider feels you are ready. If you have a torn meniscus that has not been repaired or removed, it may sometimes swell, lock, be stiff, or hurt during activities. After surgery, you will have rehabilitation. Everyone recovers at a different rate, depending on the severity of the injury and their general health.
Many people return to their previous level of activity within a month or so after surgery.
Unfortunately, most injuries to knee cartilage occur during accidents that are not preventable. When skiing, be sure that your ski bindings are set correctly by a trained professional so that your skis will release when you fall. Written by Pierre Rouzier, M.D., for Clinical Reference Systems.