When can I put weight on my foot after ACL surgery?

Recovering from an ACL Tear

The good news is that, in almost all cases, you will be able to start putting weight on your leg within 24 hours of the operation and start rehabilitation exercises as soon as swelling and pain allows.

When should you start walking 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.

When can I stop elevating my foot after ACL surgery?

Elevate leg

Prop your leg on cushions or pillows so your knee is at least 12 inches above your heart for the first three to five days after surgery.

When can I stop using crutches after ACL surgery?

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. For example, if you have a meniscus repair, you may need crutches for six weeks.

What happens if you walk too early after ACL surgery?

Walking without support too early

However, walking without an assistive device such as a crutch or stabilizing brace may place too much weight on a knee that is still recovering, increasing the risk of reinjury. It may also affect your gait, causing pain in other areas of the body.

When can one straighten

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.

How can I speed up my ACL recovery?

What ACL graft heals the fastest?

The patellar tendon graft (PTG) has always been the gold standard for anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. Yet, most orthopedic surgeons prefer hamstring grafts for younger athletes and cadaver grafts for older patients.

How long should you stay home after 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.

When can you go up and down 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).

When can I take my compression sock off after ACL surgery?

You will have a compression stocking on your affected leg. You should wear this at all times for the first week. You should keep your leg elevated often to reduce swelling.

How long should I sleep with my foot elevated after surgery?

Swelling to some degree is common after surgery. To reduce swelling and promote comfort, elevation is very helpful. Elevate the foot/ankle above the level of the heart, using several pillows, for at least 14 days after surgery.

Can you elevate your foot too much after surgery?

Raising your injury too high can decrease blood flow too much. Elevating an injury for too long can also do this, and both of these issues can slow down your body's natural healing process.

How much can I walk 3 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 many days should I ice after surgery?

The inflammatory process is most active in the first 24 hours after a surgery, persisting for up to 2 weeks. We recommend that you continue the aforementioned icing routine for the first 2 weeks after your surgery. This is a very effective way to maximize your healing environment.

When is 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.

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.

When 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.

What hurts the most after ACL reconstruction?

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.

Which ACL graft is strongest?

The strongest option is the BTB graft. The graft incorporates more solid into the bone due to the bone plugs on either end of the tendon. However, BTB grafts have been known to have the slowest recovery time when it comes to meeting rehab milestones and returning to sport.

Can you damage ACL graft?

You are most at risk of tearing your ACL graft when you return to sport following your ACL reconstruction. Returning to sport within 9 months of ACL surgery puts you at a higher chance of tearing your ACL graft.

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.

What is the best sleeping position after ACL surgery?

Sleeping on your back is considered a good position as it allows you to extend your knee out as straight as possible. Sleeping on your side is a position that works well for many people. If you prefer to sleep on your side, try inserting a pillow between your legs with the bad leg on the top side.

How Long Does ACL repair pain last?

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.