Is arthroscopic knee surgery painful?

It depends: Arthroscopy means the procedure is done through small incisions, but it doesn't tell us what is done. It could be debridement of a small mensical tear (mild pain) or a major ligament reconstruction e.g. Acl repair, (which would be more painful). It also depends on how tight your knee is, if a tourniquet is used and if so, for how long, and your tolerance of pain. Typically its not too bad.

Not particularly. : Most arthroscopic knee surgery is not too painful and can be controlled with mild narcotics, anti-inflammatories, ice and rest. Arthroscopic acl and PCL reconstructions are more painful but still routinely done as outpatient surgery.