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If you have recently injured your knee, follow these first-aid steps to reduce pain and swelling:

• Rest and reduce activity. Avoid motions or positions that cause discomfort. Depending on your injury and pain, your doctor may recommend crutches and a brace.
• Put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours for the next 3 days (when you are awake) or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin.
• Elevate your knee higher than your heart.
• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen to relieve pain and reduce swelling. (Anyone younger than age 20 should not take aspirin because of the risk of Reye syndrome, a central nervous system complication in children and teenagers.)
• Follow your doctor's instructions for rest and rehabilitation of your knee.

If the tear is minor and your symptoms go away, your doctor may recommend a set of exercises to build up your quadriceps and hamstring muscles and increase flexibility and strength. It's important to follow your doctor's guidance to avoid a new or repeat injury.

Every recovery is different and depends on many factors, including your doctor's particular preferences. But here are some typical times for returning to activities after surgery.