Surgery is sometimes needed to treat tears to the knee’s
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). If you are considering ACL surgery, concern
about the recovery period is understandable. Below, we will take a look at what
patients can expect when recovering from ACL surgery, as well as some steps
patients can take to minimize their recovery time.
ACL surgery can normally be performed arthroscopically; that
is, the doctor operates on the knee by making tiny incisions, through which a
camera and small tools are inserted. One of the greatest advantages of
arthrosocopic surgery is the fact that it minimizes the recovery time.
No hospital stay is required with arthroscopic surgery, and
patients can return home the very same day. For the first few days, activity
will be quite limited, and most patients will only be up to walking for a few
minutes each day. Every day after surgery, you will feel a little bit better.
The majority of patients are able to return to a desk job
within a week. Patients with more physically strenuous jobs may need to stay
away from work for 6-8 weeks. It can take even longer until full knee function
is regained, and athletes may have to wait several months until they can start
training as usual.
Although the recovery time from ACL surgery can be
significant, it is important to consider the recovery time in light of the
alternative. Without treatment, recovering from an ACL tear would not happen at
all, making the recovery time from surgery relatively short.
Some recovery time is unavoidable, and recovery time can
vary from patient to patient based on individual healing times which are
impossible to control. However, patients can take steps to ensure that there is
nothing in the way of recovering as quickly as possible. Some steps you can
take to minimize your recovery time include:
- Eat a healthy diet for several weeks before and after the
surgery
- Get plenty of sleep
- Avoid smoking for several weeks before and after surgery
- Have some meals readily available for the first few days
after surgery
- If you have young children, arrange for child care during
the first few days after surgery
- Avoid over-exerting yourself
- Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations regarding
how active you should be, such as walking around for a few minutes on the first
day
- Attend and fully participate in physical therapy
If you have a knee injury, Dr. Howard Marans would be happy
to hear from you. To schedule your consultation today, please click below and
enter your information or call OC Orthopedic at (714) 979-8981.
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