Acl how long recovery

Infection rates for arthroscopic ACL reconstructions are among the lowest for surgical procedures, with average infection rates typically cited at 0. As for bleeding complications, the rates are much less than one percent, and consist mostly of isolated case reports.

Loss of motion following ACL reconstruction is the most commonly cited complication. This can range from minor and inconsequential to severe. Prevention is the first and most effective method for treatment of loss of motion. This is why compliance with post-operative rehabilitation is so vital to the outcome of the procedure, and why range of motion is started immediately post-operatively. Another risk of ACL reconstruction surgery is continued anterior knee pain post-operatively.

Anterior knee pain following ACL reconstruction also has been closely associated with loss of motion. Therefore, range of motion, quadriceps strengthening and patellar mobility are of primary concern during the first two weeks following surgery.

Need help? We will be delighted to assist you today, so please call us at We look forward to hearing from you. You'll be encouraged to continue with activities such as cycling and swimming but should avoid sports that involve a lot of twisting, jumping or turning. This is because you need to allow enough time for the grafted tissue to anchor itself in place inside your knee. Some people may need to take more time before feeling confident enough to play sports again, and elite athletes may need longer to return to their previous level of performance.

How quickly you can return to work after having knee surgery will depend on what your job involves. If you do any form of manual labour, it could be up to 3 months before you can return to work, depending on your work activities. Your GP can advise you on when you can drive again. This will usually be after 3 to 4 weeks, or whenever you can comfortably put weight on your foot. Page last reviewed: 14 June Next review due: 14 June These symptoms are temporary and should start to improve after about a week.

Rehabilitation Your surgeon or physiotherapist can advise you about a structured rehabilitation programme. Weeks 1 to 2 of your recovery For a few weeks, your knee is likely to be swollen and stiff, and you may need to take painkillers. Weeks 2 to 6 of your recovery Once the pain and swelling have settled, you may be advised to increase or change your exercises. The exercises will help you to: fully extend and bend your knee strengthen your leg muscles improve your balance begin to walk properly After 2 to 3 weeks, you should be able to walk without crutches.

Weeks 6 to 24 of your recovery You should gradually be able to return to your normal level of activity between 6 weeks and 6 months after your knee operation. Ava, I am sorry to hear you are in pain. Have you discussed this with your Surgeon or Physical Therapist?

It is normal to have some discomfort after ACL surgery, and more so when you exercise. Calf, shin and foot soreness can be normal because you may be temporarily walking different or using the muscles in an unusual way while you recover.

Sorry to hear that but I had a surgery a week ago and follow up everything with my doctor and physical therapy require me to do. I used to be an athlete until this happened. Therapy days after surgery. So now I have knee swelling constantly and still deal with the ACL pain that was my original complaint.

Go see another doctor and ask for an MRI to rule it out. Meniscus tears in my experience are much more painful than the acl. The meniscus tear would make my knee lock out and was extremely painful. The only way I was able to fix the meniscus issue was with surgery. I would get a second opinion for sure. I went to see my PCP because I was having difficulty walking and pain in my knee. He said I had all the classic signs of a torn meniscus.

I did physical therapy for 3 months and I still had pain and inflammation. Now I am seeing ortho and having surgery. Not something to be taken lightly at all , get the mri and get it taken care of!! Should I have pressure wraps on both legs? Thanks for your questions. Pressure wrap instructions vary by patient. As for the ice machine, we typically instruct our patients to apply the ice machine in 15 minute intervals.

Again, this is all subject to your medical history and your doctors specific orders. I tore my ACL in my right knee and am having pain in the top to the right of my knee where the graft is. Mj, Pain after surgery can be normal. Have your had a post-operative appointment yet? I would recommend voicing your concerns with your surgeon and they can give you detailed advice.

I had accident 10 April Acl pcl mil reconstruct took place on 2 May I am still not normal. Aged Or put too much weight as a normal person. How much time it take to be normal. With that type of injury and knee reconstruction it is going to take more than 8 weeks to recover. I would expect it will be closer to 6 months. Work hard on your range of motion and strength. They had me start re-hab prior to surgery and immediately after.

My range of motion is great, but I still have some pain and stiffness occasionally. Be patient. Is there any complication?? If Yes How??? There is some concern for such limited flexion after 2 months post op. Besides just passively moving your knee into flexion be sure to be working those hamstrings into flexion. A prone hamstring machine might be of benefit. It is going to take a lot of hard work to get to degrees in 20 days.

If you live in the Park City or Salt Lake area I would be happy to demonstrate the exercises in person. John Flint. Do graston technique… it will give instant range of motion… i am 16 days post operation of my ACL surgery and i can bend degrees already without pain… i could bend 95 degrees just on the 14th day… believe me Graston technique is the best treatment ever.

Where did you have your surgery? I would love to know where I can get the Graston Technique performed. Thank you. Gage, If you are concerned about your range of motion I would discuss this with your physical therapist. They can help you work towards full extension and flexion. Exercise and movement are crucial during this time. Hang in there, were wishing you a speedy recovery! I had my acl and meniscus repaired 18 days ago. Not sure if this stuck feeling is normal or if I buggered up my meniscus.

Either way it is unlikely the meniscus. Keep working on range of motion. Sometimes the swelling in the joint can cause that feeling. Saroj, If you are having stiffness or pain after surgery, I would recommend following up with your surgeon. Knee stiffness can have many causes. If you are worried about your recovery after surgery you could also consider getting a second opinion.

Hope this helps. I am having my acl revision, during my first surgery hamstring graft was used but now BPTB is being used please can you tell me the bones taken from front of knee cap heals or not. Hi Aryan. The bone from the donor site in the patella typically fills with bone and scar tissue. Often a patient is unable to notice any defect or pain from the surgery in this area.

All the best! My best advice for anyone recovering is to take your PT seriously. Great advice, Mike! Thanks for your comment. I just want to know what my next couple of weeks are going to look like?

Pain wise. Justin, Pain can vary patient to patient. Your surgeon can give you a detailed plan of recovery and tell you what to expect. Complete recovery from ACL repair can take up to 9 months, but needs to be discussed and evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Only acl tears with minor lateral cartilage bruising. They legit Doctors of Physical Therapy with 4 years undergraduate and 3 years post graduate.

Hi, I am an avid hiker and pretty much do it everyday. I had a Right knee ACL patellar tendon with meniscus repair back in Everything has been well. Last week I was on a 13 mile hike and half way I felt a pop, crack lots of pain in my right knee. I was not doing anything! I had just stopped to get water and right knee extended turned and down I went.

I was in remote area and had to hike out for the remaining 6 miles. I have been icing my right knee, no swelling and it becomes sore with any amount of walking. Unstable on the inner knee medial side. I am scared to have surgery again. I figure a revision surgery is more complex. Do I need surgery? I am 58 and in physical condition.

I was also just diagnosed with Osteopenia is that going to be an issue? I have been researching surgeons that do knee revisions. That sounds painful, especially the 6 mile hike back out. A full exam by an orthopedic knee specialist would be recommended. Perhaps we can recommend an orthopedic surgeon specializing in revision for you to get a comprehensive exam and advice.

Hi — can I ask what you ended up doing? I just had second reconstruction and also the ALL was augmented. I am looking for advice on how NOT to get here again! I am Specialist said i tore my ACL. Had MRI done yesterday. Will see surgeon in 5 days. Question is should I keep trying daily to bend knee as much as possible. AND do i still need to keep leg elevated most of day?

As for moving and elevating the leg, we would recommend sticking with your surgeons instructions. They will give you guidelines on when it is safe to begin exercise the knee and what can be done in-between.

Wishing you a quick and full recovery! Let us know if you have any other questions. Roxy, We will try to answer any questions you have. If you would like to speak to a doctor about your questions, please call our office I injured my right knee from playing volleyball.

Xray finding is suspected lutency of arterior and proximity area. What does this mean? Hi Calvin. It is difficult to tell exactly what is going. A lucency is an area of bone on x-ray that is less dense than the rest of the bone. I would recommend seeing an orthopaedic surgeon for evaluation. All the best, Dr. I completely torn my acl 8 months ago now I do acl reconstruction surgery with patella tendon,my surgeon tell me not put weight, bend and not do exercise till one month.

Is that good for my knee? They typically have a protocol in place for optimal recovery. Once they have cleared your for exercise, they will often refer you to a Physical Therapist for a guided and supervised recovery plan. If you have concerns about the length of immobility, I suggest bringing up these concerns with your doctor. They can discuss your recovery plan with you and explain their recommendations.

Each patient needs a tailored recovery plan based on their injury and surgery. In my acl reconstruction surgery Only one pin is visible in one month post operative x ray. Pin is not attached to bone and there is no screw in lower bone. Is it successful operation? It is difficult to say without seeing your x-rays and medical records. I would recommend a second opinion, if you are worried about the information and outcome. Some physicians can give you a second opinion via telehealth appointments.

So far so good, just the discomfort and the new normal crutches, brace and all in between. I wish I can sleep on my side. But dunno how to do it…. Hey, just had my Acl and meniscus repaired today. I am having trouble sleeping. I was considering just going on my side and still keep it elevated with a pillow. Is this something I should try or do you have any ideas?

Hermine, You can try switching to your side with a pillow between your legs, if that helps relieve the pain. Unfortunately, sleep disruption after ACL surgery is common. The first few days are the toughest though, so hang in there. I use a pillow between my legs and roll my whole body as one unit to lay on my side. Trust me I completely understand the discomfort. Top of my knee is still swollen like a softball.

Hi dr I had my acl surgery on 22 nov And before I was walking ok and now when I walk normal as well my middle of foot is paining near my ankle and I cant walk properly why is that.

Sometime I feel ok and sometime I feel pain in my foot. My doctor have recommended me to walk using one crutches but, while walking I feel instability. Is this a problem or it happens in initial period of walking? Nashath Instability is common after surgery — your knee brace can help immensely here. Have you started Physical Therapy? Beginning a PT program can also greatly help you regain mobility and strength after surgery. Though instability is common, listen to your body and gradually increase your mobility to avoid injury.

Im more confused now. Angie, Some people can avoid surgery after an ACL tear with modified physical activity and rehabilitation therapy. Physical therapy has been shown to ease the symptoms of a torn ACL and strengthen the muscles to help stabilize the knee joint.

This is usually the case with minor tears though, whereas full ACL tears almost certainly require surgery. We are unable to recommend surgery or PT without seeing the imaging of your knee.

Each tear needs to be evaluated by an Orthopedic Surgeon to determine the best course of treatment. Ultimately, we would recommend getting a second opinion to help clear up any confusion. Wishing you the best! I had acl reconstruction done 5 days ago second time, first one was 10 years ago and then I recently fell and prob twisted my knee on impact. Surgery went well,no pain. Not needing crutches for 2 days but using ice machine and brace while walking.

Is it ok to use only brace, no crutches? Thank you for your question. Some surgeons will recommend full weight bearing with the brace locked in full extension within a few hours of going home.

Other surgeons will recommend gradual weight bearing as tolerated. There are exceptions to these recommendations, where weight bearing needs to be restricted for several weeks. In general, you should be fine walking with the brace as tolerated. Wishing you a quick recovery! Please guide me doctor what will be the next step to heal them. If surgery thn how many? And after surgery how much time it will take to start walking?

Avreet, We would be happy to give you a doctor recommendation, if we know one in your area. Where are you located? They reconstructed my ACL. After a year , my knee was unstable. So they fixed an anchor to keep it stable.

After 4 months of physiotherapy it got better. But eventually it gradually started to loosen up. Now my question is can I continue my sports long jump. My knee is unstable right now. Would my injury actually get cured? Benita, You should be evaluated by an orthopedic knee specialist before returning to sports if your knee is currently unstable, to ensure you will not do more damage to the knee.

Hello, i have mri after injury on 4th march Report is acl tear near tibial attachment site. Partial disruption of medial patellar retinaculum. I was wearing brace while i walk till 22nd march. Today on 2nd April i have pain while i bend my leg, while i wake up from bed or chair, while i walk i can not walk with my injured leg. I have to just drag it with next leg.

Swelling and sharp pain when i squats little. What i do next? Monika, Our next step recommendation is to find an orthopedic knee specialist and set up an appointment.

I got injured my knee a year back and took rest for 3weeks after the incident. I did not realise that it is a knee injury so i continued my routine life. But i observed that my knee is unstable and getting pain while doing the quick actions. I contacted doctor and went for MRI scan.

Doctor confirmed that i had an ACL tear and needs surgery as my knee is not unstable. I am taking good care to avoid such knee unstable causing actions now and doing all of my daily routines without any problem. My only worry is that its been so long from my knee injury happened. Will it give the good results if i go surgery now? As long as you have maintained your knee strength you should have a good outcome with surgery even though it has been a few years since your injury.

There are lots of on-line knee strengthening programs. Thanks for the response. Can i avoid surgery if i maintain good knee strength?

My doctor did not say about the knee strength excersice. As per doctor, my ACL Is complete tear and getting pain while making the quick actions so needs to go for the surgery. These would be good questions to ask your doctor, including where you can find knee strengthening exercises. Or you can search for exercises on YouTube or contact a Physical Therapist.

Hi, i am 3 weeks post op from a ruptured acl reconstruction. My knee barely even touches the 0degree mark when I push down on it and is always at a five degree bend. Is that something to worry about that will go over time, or is there something I have to do about it? Raul, At 3-weeks post op, your knee should only keep improving. If you are seeing a Physical Therapist they will help you work towards full extension, with time.

If you are not working with a PT, we highly recommend you start. As always, follow your doctors specific protocol for post-surgery rehabilitation for optimal recovery. We hope the surgery went well. Please let us know if you have any additional ACL questions! Best of luck. I consulted a Chinese bone setter and applied Chinese liquid medicine on both sides of the left knee. Please advise.

At the very least, you may need x-rays to assess the injury. I had surgery on my acl almost exactly a year ago. It tends to happen following a day where I do some strengthening exercises for my knee and lasts a couple days and only hurts when straightening my knee. Extension was pretty good per PT. Told to go ahead and weight bear as tolerated, full WB ok as long as I had my brace on. No need to use crutches or crutch if I am at home WB with brace. I did everything as instructed.

Doing my HEP. Today I fell while wearing my brace locked in extension. It simply gave out. Felt like a noodle and I fell. My knee is very swollen now and feels hot. Did not feel a pop. Going to PT tomorrow. What are your thoughts? Marissa, My suggestion would be to let your PT know about the fall and get in to see your doctor. Your doctor will want to re-evaluate your knee and possibly get more imaging. Wishing you a quick recovery. Pain-free and full mobility. Since , my activity levels dropped, making the protection of my muscle less sufficient.

In Nov , I began to experience some nagging medial knee pain, I suffered a few flare-ups from certain movements, but they never got to be too much or last more than a week so I never got medical help. Since you have started Physical Therapy already, I would discuss recovery expectations with your Physical Therapist. I am 6 weeks post ACL repair using a cadaver tendon as replacement. I only have pain when I sleep.

It can be sharp shooting pain when I am turing over in my sleep or it can feel like all the muscles are locking up or tightening. Is this normal or is there something wrong?

Lareina, 6-weeks post op is still pretty early after surgery. I would recommend voicing your concerns with your doctor and continuing with rehabilitation. First I was prescribed 40x- 5mg Oxycodone but the pharmacy only filled I had to call the doctor after 4 days to get more. This time I only received Do I call for another refill? Am I taking to many? Depending on my pain at night 1 or 2 before bed. My other issue is cramping. It just extremely still all the time now.

Stretching just seems to make it worse. I think this is due to the brace? It would be best to call the pharmacy for an explanation. You could also try calling your doctor for clarification on the prescription. As for the brace, let your doctor know it is causing your leg to cramp. They may be able to adjust the brace. First my Surgen prescribed me 40pills but the pharmacy only filled I had to call the surgeons office for refill. This time pharmacy only gave me Should I call for a refill again?

I feel this is excessive. My next question is am I taking to many. I was taking 2 ever hours. Now I take 2 in the morning one in the afternoon and 2 before bed. My last question is cramping. My hamstring and quad on my operated leg keeps cramping I think mainly due to the brace. My neck is extremely stiff from rough sleeping and my shoulders feel like they have rocks in them. Any advice would be great!

Joshua, It would be hard for us to determine if you are taking too many pills as each person has a different pain tolerance. If you feel it is excessive, or that you are running out too soon, this is definitely a discussion you need to have with your physician. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any new medications though. As for your last question, heat or ice can be helpful for stiff neck muscles, along with gentle range-of-motion exercises.

Sleep should improve as your healing progresses. I had ACL reconstruction surgery in Feb with using a donor graft. I am regretting it now. This is with 50 physical therapy sessions and home exercises.

Is this common with a donor graft? I should have used my own tendon graft. Two weeks ago, my surgeon advised on a manipulation surgery to clear out some of the scar tissues which will help me with my leg extensions. Do you think this will help? Also, not being able to walk normally, is creating very bad lower back pains.

Please advise your recommendation. The expectation after surgery, regardless of the graft used, should be to regain full range of motion and strength. Manipulation can help in many situations, if physical therapy has failed to restore full range of motion. Hello, I had ligament injury in Nov Took 2 months rest and was able to walk properly. Could not undergo surgery for some reason till date. As on 10 Sep 20, am able to walk properly, cycle, run started 1 wk before — 1.

Yesterday, a friend of mine told its not good to run with a ACL tear. So, wanted to ask, is it recommended to run or not? Am not having pain while running or post run. Rupi, If you had surgery you should follow your physicians guidelines for return to activity. Your Physical Therapist can also guide you through safely returning to sports.

Is there any other procedure I should do? Carl, At this point, considering your surgery was in February, one option to try is aggressive ROM therapy. Overall, I would suggest following your doctors recommendation for treatment. If you are concerned, consider getting a second opinion for treatment options.

Wishing you the best. Hello, back in May I injured myself on a motocross dirt bike track.