Tips for recovering from an ACL Surgery
This article first appeared in Orthokinetics Blog. Adapted with permission.
Acute Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery can be a complex and challenging recovery process. From pre-surgery planning to incorporating physical activities and maintaining a healthy diet, these tips aim to ease the journey of patients toward successful knee surgery recovery.
Undergoing any type of surgery can be a daunting experience, and surgery related to bones, muscles, or the heart can pose significant challenges that you must manage for the rest of your life. Knee surgery, in particular, requires a great deal of attention and care. Acute Cruciate Ligament (ACL) surgery, in particular, presents a unique set of challenges that require you to follow your physician's advice and get creative with your recovery plan to ensure a speedy and successful recovery.
In this post, we offer practical tips to help ease your journey as you undergo ACL surgery.
1. Pre-Surgery Planning
Before the surgery, you must plan ahead to ensure that you have the necessary support and equipment post-surgery. Depending on the extent of the surgery, you may require the use of crutches or a brace, and you may need assistance with daily tasks such as driving or mowing the lawn. It's crucial that you are informed about when to seek help and that you have a support system in place to assist you during this period.
2. Do Some Homework
Living with crutches can be challenging, particularly for athletes who don't want to compromise their performance. However, you can take steps to make things easier:
For bathing, use a detachable shower chair and showerhead
Use a backpack to carry necessary things
To avoid hits and strikes, better to move things from the way for crutches
Use a wheeled chair to move around the home
Get rid of all exposed cords and throw rugs to avoid any accidents after knee surgery
3. Add Some Physical Activities to Your Lifestyle
Maintaining a good workout routine is one of the best ways to ensure a successful recovery after knee surgery. You can work with your physical therapist to develop a post-surgery plan that focuses on strengthening the knee to prevent the risk of re-injury.
4. Fuel Up with a Healthy Diet
Considering the severity of knee pain and the recovery period, it's important to fill up the kitchen with healthy meals that are easy to prepare and rich in nutrients.
In addition, incorporating high-fiber foods can help to support the digestive system and keep it things moving smoothly. Constipation may be common after knee surgery due to reduced mobility and the use of pain medication post-surgery. One can add berries, bran, peas, and apples to boost the fiber intake. You should avoid alcohol and caffeine, as they may interfere with your medications.
5. Have Adequate Rest
You should avoid performing intense physical activities right after ACL surgery, as it can be risky. Focus on engaging in sedentary activities that keep the brain active, but not the knee. You can involve yourself in mind work or activities that do not require physical exertion. Give their knee enough time to recover with adequate rest and appropriate physiotherapy.
6. Keep a Close Eye on the Knee
After a successful ACL surgery, it's important to keep a close eye on the recovery process to ensure that there are no complications. If you experience moderate pain, excessive swelling, or fever for a few days, you should visit an orthopaedic surgeon. The sooner a problem is detected, the better the chances of a successful recovery.
7. Be Patient
The recovery process takes time, and the duration varies depending on the extent of the ACL surgery. Some patients may recover in a few weeks, while others may require a month or more. You must be patient and follow your sports doctor's recommendations to ensure a successful recovery. It's important not to put too much pressure on your knee joints, which are still weak after surgery.
In conclusion, ACL surgery recovery can be a complex and challenging process, but with the right planning, support, and care, you can achieve a successful recovery. These practical tips can help you ease your journey toward a successful knee surgery recovery.