What is ACL surgery?
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery is done to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament. It reconstructs the damaged ligament with new ACL graft tissue. It is one of the major ligaments in the knee. You may encounter an ACL injury if you are an athlete engaging in sports or while engaging in fitness activities that involve sudden jerks or changes in direction (basketball, football, soccer, volleyball, tennis, or gymnastics).
What is recovery?
The process of recovery is the time required for your injured knee to heal completely from the damage it has experienced. The recovery timeline is almost the same for everyone, irrespective of the way the damage has occurred. Post-ACL surgery, full recovery may take several months. Physical therapy is the cornerstone of your recovery process. The doctor may recommend you start your physical therapy within a week of your surgery.
Initial Phase
Initially, you may need crutches for two to three weeks, and also wear a brace after the crutches are removed. The braces will only be removed once you regain your thigh muscle strength. But you can engage in low-impact physical activities such as brisk walking within one or two months after the surgery. Once you have removed the crutches and demonstrated adequate functioning and mobility, you can also drive.
Recovery period
As you progress through the recovery phase, you will be recommended to take part in exercises and increase the intensity of the physical therapy. If you are an athlete, the initial months may be quite challenging and demanding for you. Your pain and swelling post-injury may remit spontaneously after the surgery, but complete healing takes several months. Activities that involve exertion on the knee should be avoided. If you participate in high-intensity activities during the recovery phase, it may lead to reinjury or even delay and prolong the recovery process.
What should you do with a knee ligament injury?
You should always consult with your doctor to find the right balance between the intensity and type of activities and the amount of rest needed. It is estimated that the length of recovery post ACL surgery may range from 2 to 9 months. Your recovery time largely depends on your age, the severity of your injury, your strength levels, and your movement ability, all of which can vary from one individual to another. For queries related to Knee Ligament Injury kindly consult our experienced orthopaedician Dr. Jaya Krishna Reddy and receive the best medical treatment.