How Long After ACL Surgery Can You Walk

Contents

ACL Surgery

Are you wondering 🤔 how long it will take you to walk again after your ACL surgery? 😭

I get it. ACL injuries are tough, and you want to get back to your active lifestyle 🏃‍♀️ as soon as possible.

In this article, I’ll answer your question and give you the best solution for a speedy recovery 💯.

So if you’re ready to get back on your feet 👣, keep reading!

How Long After ACL Surgery Can You Walk

How long after ACL Surgery can you Walk

The amount of time it takes to be able to walk after ACL surgery depends on a number of factors, including:

  • The type of surgery performed
  • The age of the patient
  • The weight of the patient
  • The activity level of the patient
  • The compliance of the patient with rehabilitation

Immediately after ACL surgery, you will not be able to walk without assistance. You will need to use crutches or a walker to get around.

In the first 1-2 weeks after surgery, you will only be able to walk for short distances. You will also need to use crutches or a walker.

In the 2-3 weeks after surgery, you will be able to walk for longer distances, but you will still need to use crutches or a walker for some activities.

In the 4-6 weeks after surgery, you should be able to walk without assistance. However, you should still avoid activities that put a lot of stress on your knee, such as running and jumping.

It is important to note that everyone’s recovery timeline is different. Some people may be able to walk without assistance sooner than others. If you have any questions about your recovery timeline, be sure to talk to your doctor.

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Factors that affect the Recovery Timeline

The following factors can affect the recovery timeline for ACL surgery:

  • Type of surgery: The type of surgery performed will affect the amount of time it takes to recover.
  • Age: Younger patients typically have a shorter recovery time than older patients.
  • Weight: Heavier patients typically have a longer recovery time than lighter patients.
  • Activity level: Active patients typically have a shorter recovery time than inactive patients.
  • Compliance with rehabilitation: Patients who comply with their rehabilitation program typically have a shorter recovery time than patients who do not.

What can I expect During my Recovery

Your recovery from ACL surgery will involve a few different phases:

  • Immediately after surgery: You will likely be in the hospital for a day or two after surgery. You will be given pain medication and will need to keep your knee elevated to reduce swelling.
  • Early recovery (0-6 weeks): During this phase, you will be using crutches and will be limited in your activities. You will start physical therapy to help you regain range of motion and strength in your knee.
  • Late recovery (6-12 weeks): You will gradually start to put more weight on your knee and will be able to participate in more activities. You will continue physical therapy to help you regain your full range of motion and strength.
  • Full recovery (12-18 months): It takes about 12-18 months to fully recover from ACL surgery. During this time, you will gradually increase your activity level and return to your previous activities.

Related Post:  Does Medicare Cover Cataract Surgery Cost

Tips for Speeding up your Recovery

There are a few things you can do to speed up your recovery from ACL surgery:

  • Follow your doctor’s instructions: This is the most important thing you can do to ensure a successful recovery.
  • Attend physical therapy regularly: Physical therapy will help you to regain your strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
  • Do your home exercises: Your physical therapist will give you specific exercises to do at home. Be sure to do these exercises regularly.
  • Stay positive and motivated: A positive attitude will help you to stay motivated during your recovery.

conclusion

The amount of time it takes to walk after ACL surgery varies from person to person,🤓 but most people are able to walk with crutches within a few days of surgery and without crutches within 2-4 weeks😄.

It’s important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard. Recovery from ACL surgery takes time, so be patient and don’t rush it 🚶‍♀️🚶‍♂️.

I hope this article has answered your question about how long after ACL surgery you can walk. If you have any other questions, please feel free to leave a comment below👨‍⚕️.

Thanks for reading! 😊 I hope you find your way back to your active lifestyle soon!

Visit our Website at surgery-costs.com for Additional Details.

How Long After ACL Surgery Can You Walk – FAQs

When can I start walking after ACL surgery?

Most surgeons encourage patients to start walking on day 1 after ACL surgery, with the aid of crutches. 

Can I walk without crutches after ACL surgery?

Some patients can walk without crutches as early as 7-10 days post-op, while others may need crutches for a few weeks.

How much weight can I put on my leg after ACL surgery?

Patients are encouraged to take as much weight as they feel comfortable with and to try to walk normally.

How long do I need to use crutches after ACL surgery?

Most people are off their crutches by two weeks, but the duration of crutch use can vary from one person to another by a couple of days to a few weeks. 

How long does it take to fully recover from ACL surgery?

The full recovery timeline depends on several factors, including the extent of the injury, age, weight, and degree of aftercare.

Can I walk normally after ACL surgery?

Patients are advised to try to walk normally as soon as possible after surgery. To walk normally, strike the ground with your heel and lock your knee upon impact with the ground.

How can I manage discomfort and swelling after ACL surgery?

Patients can manage discomfort and swelling by using crutches and resting, applying ice and elevating the leg.

What are the critical goals in Phase 1 of post-surgery ACL rehabilitation?

The two most critical goals in Phase 1 are to be able to fully straighten your leg and walk normally.

When can I stop wearing my brace after ACL surgery?

Individuals are often cleared to stop wearing their brace while walking around the house 6 weeks after surgery if they’ve achieved appropriate quad control.

What is the ACL reconstruction rehabilitation protocol?

The emphasis of the first 6 weeks of rehabilitation is on decreasing knee effusion, developing quadriceps control, and regaining full knee motion, specifically full knee extension within the first 2 weeks.

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