How much bed rest is required after ACL surgery?

What should I expect for life after ACL surgery? You should expect to recover slowly and reduce your activity to a minimum. You'll be mostly bedridden for the first week or two, so it's important to have a support system in place to help you however you need it.

How long do you have to be off work after ACL surgery?

How soon you can go back to work depends on your job. 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 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.

Do and don'ts 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 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.

ACL Surgery: Recovery Time by Dr. Pankaj Walecha at Apollo Spectra Hospitals

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.

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.

How long should it take to walk 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 should I do the first week after ACL surgery?

How long does it take to climb stairs after ACL surgery?

It should take about a month to be able to climb stairs comfortably following surgery. Most patients have returned to a normal daily return with no pain or swelling after the first month (and often sooner).

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.

Can you walk 2 days after ACL surgery?

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 can I speed up my ACL recovery?

Can you walk 2 weeks after ACL surgery?

After 2 to 3 weeks, you should be able to walk without crutches. As well as specific exercises, activities that do not put much weight on your knee may also be recommended, such as swimming for fitness and cycling.

How long until ACL surgery pain goes away?

How long does pain last after 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.

How many times a week do you go to PT after ACL surgery?

Expect to go to physical therapy 2-3x /week for four weeks, then 1-2x/week for an additional 4 weeks. We will replace the ace wrap on your surgical leg with one of the long white stockings which. Wear that white stocking on your surgical leg as much as possible for one more week.

How long are you 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.

What is the best food for ACL recovery?

Read below for our top recommendations. Protein – soy, dairy, beans, eggs, cottage cheese, poultry, fish, meat, and nuts are all excellent sources of protein. Make sure you incorporate some into each meal to allow your bones and muscles to rebuild and help your immune system stay strong enough to fight off infection.

How common are blood clots after ACL surgery?

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) after ACL reconstruction may present clinically as symptomatic or asymptomatic deep venous thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE) and postthrombotic syndrome[1-3]. The incidence of VTE after ACL reconstruction varies from 0.2%-14%[1,2,4-11].

When should I start physical therapy after ACL surgery?

In most cases, ACL surgery is performed on an outpatient basis, meaning you will be permitted to go home the day of surgery. For the first two weeks, expect to take it easy. In most cases, you will be allowed to bear weight as tolerated, and to start physical therapy immediately.

Can I climb 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.

Can you go home same day after ACL surgery?

After the procedure

Once you recover from the anesthesia, you can go home the same day. Before you go home, you'll practice walking with crutches, and your surgeon may ask you to wear a knee brace or splint to help protect the graft.

How do I shower 2 weeks after ACL surgery?

When you do shower, it is important to cover your knee with a waterproof cover (like a garbage bag), to keep the wound dry. This is because moisture can slow down the healing process. You should also consider using a non-slip mat and a shower chair to avoid the risk of falls.

What not to do after ACL surgery?

How important is sleep after ACL surgery?

In addition and more specifically, deep-sleep has been shown to be essential for injury recovery and for accelerated healing [5]. Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is the most common major ligament injury in athletes for which ACL-R (ACL- Reconstruction) is routinely [6].