How long do you have to stay off your leg after ACL surgery?

It can take from a few days to a few months to be ready to return to work. How soon you return to work will depend on the kind of work you do. It often takes 4 to 6 months to return to your full level of activity and take part in sports again after surgery.

How long do I have to keep my leg straight after ACL surgery?

For the first 4 days, it is very important that the leg not be left in a hanging position such as the typical sitting position with the foot on the floor. – After knee surgery, the circulation in the leg is not normal and blood can pool in the leg, causing a blood clot, which is potentially fatal.

How long after ACL surgery can you walk again?

It's important to start walking within a day or two after ACL surgery, but only a little. Walking for a minute or two can help reduce swelling, but you shouldn't walk any more than that. After two weeks, you can start walking around unassisted without crutches for short periods of time.

How long should I take off work for ACL surgery?

If you sit at work, you may be able to go back in 1 to 2 weeks. But if you are on your feet at work, it may take 4 to 6 weeks. If you are very physically active in your job, it may take 4 to 6 months.

How much bed rest is required after ACL surgery?

Rest: 0 to 2 weeks after ACL surgery

For the first couple of weeks after surgery, you will need to rest and care for the incision site. Prop your leg — at the calf or ankle — on a couple of pillows four to six times a day. This helps reduce swelling.

ACL Surgery: Part 4 - After Your Surgery

Can you be alone after ACL surgery?

It would be most helpful to have someone living with or near you for the first 3-5 days. This is very important for your safety and health that you have around-the-clock care. If you have pets, especially dogs, consider boarding them for a few days.

What should I avoid after ACL surgery?

Don't work your quadriceps early on because this can stretch the ACL graft. Stationery bike riding or lightweight leg presses are recommended during the first three months after surgery. These exercises strengthen the quadriceps while using the hamstrings to protect the ACL graft. Don't swim or run for five months.

Can I drive 3 weeks after ACL surgery?

You should not drive as long as you are taking narcotic pain medication. If it is your left knee, you can resume driving when you feel your reaction times are back to normal (typically 1 week). If it is your right knee, usually allow driving 4-6 weeks after surgery.

What is the quickest ACL recovery time?

An ACL tear recovery time is generally eight to nine months, though some people may recover in six months.

What happens after 24 hours of ACL surgery?

Rest and elevate your leg (above the level of your heart if possible) for the first 24 hours by placing a pillow under your calf and/or ankle. Do NOT place a pillow under your knee as it will keep you from straightening your knee. POSSIBLE. Start physical therapy (PT) within the first week after surgery.

How painful is ACL surgery?

Most people have some surgery-related pain and discomfort for the first week or so. Not surprisingly, pain from knee surgery decreases with time. By the end of a week or two at the most, you should have very little discomfort. Swelling and bruising are also relatively common, and like discomfort, they're temporary.

How much does ACL surgery cost?

If you have health insurance, it will cost you $800 to $3,000. This cost includes hospital admission fees, post-surgical visits to the doctor, and other expenses that may come along. However, the rest is covered by the insurance company. People without medical coverage have to part with a lot of money.

How can I speed up my ACL recovery?

How soon can I bend my knee after ACL surgery?

Knee flexion is restored more gradually, with about 90 degrees achieved at 1 week and full knee flexion gradually advanced and achieved by week 4-6.

How long will I be on crutches after ACL surgery?

You should start physical therapy as soon as possible after surgery. How long will I be on crutches? Most likely, you'll use crutches for about a week, then switch to a cane for two weeks. Keep in mind that this varies depending on the extent of the injury and your recovery.

Can I sleep with my leg bent after ACL surgery?

Sleep in whatever position makes you comfortable after ACL surgery.

Can you walk 2 weeks after ACL surgery?

Walking unassisted and the timeline for recovery

Patients walk unassisted within 2-4 weeks, but for short periods. After 10-12 weeks, expect brisk walking, light jogging, and even plyometric exercise. Full recovery on ACL reconstruction is 6-12 months, or more with physical therapy.

What happens 1 week after ACL surgery?

Pain and swelling are at their peak in the first week after ACL surgery. 1 It is especially important to apply cold therapy during this period to help reduce swelling and naturally control pain.

How do you sleep after ACL surgery?

You can sleep on your back or side. Do not rest your knee with a pillow/towel under. It is very important to keep your knee straight. You will need a walking aid after your operation as you are likely to have a reduced weight-bearing (partial weight-bearing) capacity through your operated leg for two weeks.

What hurts the most after ACL surgery?

Kneecap pain (patellofemoral pain) is the scourge of ACL rehabilitation. Sometimes the kneecap is damaged with the original injury but more often than not, the kneecap pain is a secondary event because of tightness of the tissues on the outer half of the knee and weakness of the quadriceps which develops after surgery.

How fragile is ACL after surgery?

Conclusion: An ACL graft after a reconstruction surgery is initially stronger, but over time becomes weaker, and eventually is almost as strong as your original ACL. These changes occur as a result of the body's natural reaction to the new ACL graft.

What can I do 2 weeks after ACL surgery?

Phase II: 2-6 weeks after surgery

Phase two is also where you will begin to work on strengthening your knee. Your physical therapist should begin introducing you to exercises such as the stationary bike, stair climber, and elliptical machine.

Can I go up stairs after ACL surgery?

Answer: Immediately after surgery you will learn to climb stairs safely using crutches. As recovery continues and you work on flexion and extension of the new knee, you will be able to climb without crutches. With the help of physical therapy and building up the quadriceps muscles, stair climbing will be a breeze.

What do I need at home after ACL surgery?

You may need to wear special support stockings to help prevent blood clots from forming. Your provider will also give you exercises to keep the blood moving in your foot, ankle, and leg. These exercises will also lower your risk for blood clots. You will need to use crutches when you go home.

Do you sleep during ACL surgery?

Most ACL reconstructions are done under general anesthesia. So you'll be asleep during the surgery and not feel anything. The surgery usually takes 2 to 2½ hours, and you won't need to stay in the hospital overnight.