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Category: Foot & Ankle Pain

ACL Surgery Recovery: Essential Information and What to Expect

The human body has the remarkable ability to heal itself, but when it comes to an ACL tear, natural recovery often falls short. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is essential for stabilizing the knee, and once torn, it rarely heals on its own. To alleviate knee pain, restore full range of motion, and regain knee function, surgical intervention is usually necessary. However, surgery is just the beginning. Understanding the recovery process is just as crucial as the procedure itself. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the critical aspects of ACL surgery recovery so you know exactly what to expect and how to set yourself up for a successful return to your active lifestyle. Understanding ACL Surgery ACL surgery is a procedure to repair or reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which is crucial for knee stability. The ACL may tear during high-impact sports, sudden twists, or trauma to the knee, leading to instability, swelling, and knee pain. Surgery is typically recommended when the tear is severe, and the knee becomes too unstable to support everyday movements or athletic activities. When is Surgery Necessary? Not all ACL injuries require surgery, but for active individuals with severe knee injuries or rheumatoid arthritis, surgery may be the best option to regain full knee function. Surgery is necessary when: The ACL tear is complete, and the knee feels unstable or “gives way" due to an unstable knee torn cartilage. Participating in sports activities has become one of the common causes of knee pain. There’s additional damage to other parts of the knee, such as the meniscus or cartilage, or anterior cruciate ligament injuries which also need repair. Your knee joint is not able to bear the weight of your body. The goal behind ACL surgery is to reconstruct the ligament using grafts from either your own body or a donor. It allows your knee to regain strength and ability while supporting full recovery which is crucial to return to normal activity. The ACL Surgery Recovery Process The road to recovery after ACL surgery is gradual but crucial for restoring knee function and regaining strength. The success of the surgery largely depends on a well-structured recovery plan that involves rest, physical therapy, and gradual rehabilitation. Immediate Post-Surgery Care After the procedure, the first 24 to 72 hours are critical. You may experience slight swelling and chronic knee pain, which is perfectly normal, but managing these symptoms properly can make a significant difference in your recovery. Managing Knee Pain and Swelling: Regularly applying ice packs and elevating the leg helps reduce swelling which prevents the symptoms that cause knee pain. Mobility Aids: If you have a severe ACL tear, you’ll likely need crutches or a brace to keep weight off the knee and stabilize the joint. It’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice on how and when to use these aids. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Physical therapy starts early, often within a few days after surgery. This is one of the most important aspects of your recovery, helping you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion. Early Strengthening Exercises: Initially, exercises focus on reducing swelling and gently restoring knee movement. Your therapist will guide you on how to move safely without over-straining the joint, as it can trigger knee problems. Gradual Progression: Over time, therapy will shift toward strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving knee joint stability. A well-planned rehab program includes exercises that target mobility. Also, you'd be required to wear knee braces or knee buckles for additional support while walking. Recovery Milestones Wondering when can I go back to school after ACL surgery or resume everyday activities? While every person heals differently, there are general recovery milestones to expect: Approx 1-2 weeks: The focus is on reducing swelling, gradually regaining knee motion, and walking with crutches. Approx 3 to 6 Months: Depending on progress, you’ll begin more advanced strength training and agility exercises. Approx 6 to 12 Months: Athletes or those aiming to return to high-level activities may start more intense sports-specific training. Patience is key throughout this process. Rushing recovery can increase the risk of re-injury, so it’s essential to follow the timeline set by your surgeon and physical therapist. 👉 Also Read: The Benefits of Orthopedic Physical Therapy: Insights from Alliance Orthopedics Tips for Faster Recovery After an ACL Surgery Recovering from ACL surgery requires time, dedication, and patience, but there are several strategies that can help you heal more efficiently and get back to your normal activities sooner. While everyone’s recovery timeline is different, following these tips can support a smoother, faster recovery. Follow Your Physical Therapy Plan Religiously Your physical therapy sessions are crucial to your recovery and relieve pain. Stick to the exercises and guidance provided by your therapist to rebuild strength and prevent knee pain. Be consistent with the recovery plan, and do not skip sessions, as it can slow your progress. Be Patient with Yourself It’s natural to want to return to your normal activities quickly, but rushing can lead to setbacks. Follow the recovery timeline your surgeon and therapist recommend. Listen to your body - if it’s telling you to take it easy, that’s a sign to do so. Healing takes time, and patience will pay off. Manage Swelling Effectively Swelling is a common response after surgery, but keeping it in check is essential. Regularly applying ice, elevating your leg, and using compression can help reduce inflammation. This not only alleviates the mild discomfort but also aids in regaining mobility. Eat a Balanced Diet What you eat plays a significant role in your recovery. Focus on a nutritious diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals to support tissue repair. Staying hydrated is also vital - drink plenty of water to help your body heal efficiently. Strengthen Surrounding Muscles While you’ll be focused on your knee, don’t forget to strengthen the surrounding muscles, like your quadriceps and hamstrings. These muscles provide stability and support, which is crucial during your recovery. Your therapist can guide you on effective exercises. 👉 Also Read: Sports Injury Recovery Tips for a Safe Return Your Journey to Smooth ACL Surgery Begins with Alliance Orthopedics If you’ve sustained a knee injury, surgery is essential for restoring stability and mobility to your knee. At Alliance Orthopedics, our expert team is dedicated to providing you with personalized care throughout your surgical journey. From pre-operative preparations to post-surgery rehabilitation, we’re here to ensure a smooth recovery process. Our highly qualified surgeons offer the best orthopedic surgery care in our state-of-the-art facilities. Therefore, you can recover faster and regain complete mobility without severe pain or other symptoms such as knee patellofemoral syndrome. If you are suffering due to a kneecap torn ligament, injury tendinitis, arthritis pain, or any other condition, book an appointment with us to take the first step toward reclaiming your active lifestyle! We provide ACL surgery, physical therapy, and other essential services to address major and minor knee pain all under one roof.

The human body has the remarkable ability to heal itself, but when it comes to an ACL tear, natural recovery often falls short. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is essential for stabilizing the knee, and once torn, it rarely heals on its own.  To alleviate knee pain, restore full range of motion, and regain knee […]

Treating Bunions: Traditional vs. Minimally Invasive Bunion Surgery

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When bunions first appear on your feet, they might seem like nothing more than a minor cosmetic concern. However, with time, these small bulges can start making everyday activities like walking and wearing shoes a painful challenge. If you are struggling with bunions, you’ve two choices – traditional surgical treatments or minimally invasive surgery. While […]

Lifestyle Factors and Spider Veins: Unraveling the Connection

why do i have spider veins

Wondering why you have spider veins? Most people with spider veins blame their genetics for those pesky red or purple lines on their legs. However, several lifestyle factors impact the occurrence of new spider veins. While this venous disorder might not be painful every time, it can be a source of frustration and may lead […]

The Role of Orthotics In Treating Foot Pain

the-role-of-orthotics-in-treating-foot-pain

Foot pain is an all-too-common ailment stemming from various causes such as sports injuries, daily activities, or age-related factors. Among the myriad of treatments available, custom orthotic inserts stand out as a prominent solution, offering both relief from pain and treatment of any underlying causes. If you are dealing with foot pain, it’s essential to […]

Hiking Safety: Protecting Your Knees and Ankles

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Hiking is a popular summer activity that offers a multitude of benefits, from cardiovascular fitness to mental health improvements. However, like any physical activity, it comes with its share of risks. Hiking safety is especially crucial when out on the trails. Among the most common dangers are injuries to the knees and ankles. These joints […]

The Anti-inflammatory Diet for Healthier Joints

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Did you know your diet can play a pivotal role in managing joint inflammation? The foods we eat can either fuel inflammation or help to combat it. At Alliance Orthopedics, we firmly believe in a holistic treatment approach that incorporates not only world-class medical care but also lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, such as an […]

Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization for Pain Relief and Faster Healing

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Instrument-assisted Soft Tissue Mobilization (IASTM) is a revolutionary tool used in physical therapy to reduce pain and promote healing. With specialized tools to enhance massage techniques, IASTM helps break up scar tissue, provide added circulation, and restore mobility in affected areas. This all-natural therapy is an excellent alternative for pain relief without medications or surgery. […]

Tips to Help You Recover from a Sprained Ankle

Foot & Ankle Pain Treatments

When you injure your ankle, it can put a real damper on your physical activities. It is estimated that every day nearly one ankle sprain occurs per 10,000 people, making it one of the most common problems seen in acute medical care. A sprained ankle may severely limit your range of motion and make everyday […]

Top 5 Plantar Fasciitis Exercises to Help You Find Relief

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Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common reasons people visit a sports medicine specialist. This foot condition is said to show up in about ten percent of the population and is most prevalent in those who are active runners and dancers. Additionally, plantar fasciitis may also be found in people who are overweight or […]