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.

What are the most painful days after ACL surgery?

The First Two Weeks After ACL Surgery

It's when you are likely to experience the most pain. However, ACL surgery recovery pain is manageable. Icing and elevating your knee can help reduce your pain, and your doctor will also prescribe pain medicine.

Where should it hurt after ACL surgery?

Immediately after injury and surgery, when indicated, the patient will experience pain and swelling around the knee.

How long does pain after ACL surgery last?

For 1 to 2 weeks, your knee is likely to be swollen and stiff, and you may need to take painkillers. Your surgeon or GP will advise about the type of pain relief that's best for you.

Why am I in so much pain after ACL surgery?

ACL surgery can cause damage in many different parts of the knee. This damage can happen due to removing stem cells that the knee needs to stay healthy, damage to the ligaments that hold the meniscus in place, and damage to the knee tendons. These areas of surgery-induced damage can also cause pain after ACL surgery.

Knee Pain After ACL Surgery

Do you get pain killers after ACL surgery?

Toradol 10mg (Ketorolac) for pain and inflammation. You may take one tablet every six hours. This medication should be taken ONLY for the first two days. Then you should take Advil or Aleve for the next 2-3 weeks after surgery to help minimize soreness, aching and swelling.

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 long are you bed ridden 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.

Is ACL surgery very painful?

knee pain – affects some people who have ACL surgery and is more likely to occur when the patellar tendon is used as graft tissue; you may have pain behind your kneecap or when kneeling down or crouching. knee weakness and stiffness – some people experience long-term weakness or stiffness in their knee.

Can I sleep on side 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 not to do 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.

What is the first week like 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 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.

When is the ACL graft weakest?

ACL grafts are weakest 5 to 12 weeks after surgery. You may feel stronger, but your knee is months from full recovery. Remain cautious.

How do you poop after ACL surgery?

You will want a stool to rest your leg on while you use the toilet to keep your knee relatively straight. Again, you will not know how difficult it is to get to the washroom before you try. It would be good foresight to have a care provider nearby for the first time and see how it goes.

What is the fastest ACL recovery?

Although some exceptional athletes can return to sports in six months, a more realistic scenario after an ACL tear is a recovery time of at least eight to nine months.

How painful is PT after ACL surgery?

“That first day can be rough,” Moore says. “We try and get patients moving and walking as soon as possible. The first goal is to return to a full range of motion while also getting the swelling and pain under control.” For most patients, the pain is temporary and only lasts for about one week.

How severe is ACL pain?

Moderate-to-severe pain is very common. Initially, the pain is sharp and then becomes more of an ache or throbbing sensation as the knee swells. Since the ACL is the major knee stabilizer, an injury to it will cause the knee to give out or buckle when a person tries to walk or change direction.

Is ACL surgery considered major?

ACL Reconstruction Is Major Surgery

You're given general anesthesia. This means you're unconscious for the procedure. You'll have pain, swelling and stiffness after the surgery. It can be two or three weeks before you walk without crutches.

Should I sleep with my ACL brace on?

You need to sleep with your brace locked in extension for the first two weeks. You will discontinue the brace once you have full ROM and good quadriceps control. This usually occurs between 4 and 6 weeks post-op.

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.

Why is it hard to sleep after ACL surgery?

The pain and the immobility of your knee as it heals can affect your ability to get a good night's rest.

How many days do you ice after ACL surgery?

This will help decrease swelling and pain after your surgery. Use the ice machine as much as possible when you get home at intervals of 20 minutes on and off. You should keep the ice machine for approximately two weeks.

Can you drive 4 days 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 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.