Tips for Recovering from ACL Surgery

Doctor William C Lloyd Healthgrades Medical Reviewer
Medically Reviewed By William C. Lloyd III, MD, FACS
Written By Sarah Lewis, PharmD on September 17, 2020
  • doctor-holding-up-model-of-knee
    8 Ways to Make Recovery After ACL Surgery Easier
    ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery repairs a torn anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. It involves using a graft to reconstruct or replace your injured ACL. ACL surgery is a minimally invasive laparoscopic procedure and you will likely go home the same day. Recovery after ACL surgery takes time. It’s an exercise in patience. Make it a less anxious time with these eight ACL surgery recovery tips. 
  • Terminal Knee Extension
    1. Work with your doctor on specific recovery goals.
    Your goals during recovery are to manage your symptoms and regain pain-free knee strength and function. It will probably be six months before you are fully healed and ready to return to all your activities. Talk to your doctor from the beginning about the best strategies for reaching these goals and what to expect with recovery after ACL surgery.
  • Bottle of pills
    2. Take your pain meds so you can focus on physical therapy.
    Some swelling and pain are common after surgery. Your doctor may recommend icing your knee and elevating your leg to help reduce swelling. And you will likely go home on a narcotic pain reliever. Controlling pain is one of the most important ACL surgery recovery tips because it helps you complete rehabilitation and recover. Keep in mind that it’s easier to prevent pain from getting worse than it is to control it once it’s bad. Take your pain medicine when you feel the pain coming back and before your physical therapy exercises.
  • Gait training physical therapy
    3. Wear a brace or use crutches if your knee feels unstable.
    Physical therapy is vital to the success of your ACL surgery. You may also wear a knee brace and use crutches for a few weeks after surgery. Initially, therapy will focus on range of motion exercises for your knee and keeping your kneecap mobile. Eventually, it will include strengthening exercises. These activities can be painful at first. Talk to your doctor or therapist about managing the pain so you can reach your recovery goals.
  • Knee in brace
    4. Start out slowly and you’ll gain momentum in time.
    Returning to normal activities can take several weeks to months. And returning to sports can take up to six months, sometimes longer. Follow all instructions for wearing your brace, using your knee, and bearing weight. Doing too much too fast can cause a setback in your recovery after ACL surgery. Ask your doctor when it’s safe to return to daily activities, driving, work, and sports or other leisure activities.
  • group-of-bandages
    5. Take care of your incision.
    Wound healing takes about two weeks after ACL surgery. Follow all instructions for covering and dressing the wound, keeping it dry, and showering. Avoid soaking the wound—bathtubs, swimming pools, and hot tubs—until your doctor clears it. At your follow-up visit, your doctor will remove your stitches. Call your doctor if your wound is red, swollen, warm, draining excess fluid, bleeding, or starting to open.
  • using-smart-phone
    6. Don’t hesitate to call your doctor for unexpected symptoms.
    It’s important to be aware of possible complications while your knee heals. Call your doctor right away if you have fever, more swelling than expected, or increased pain. These could be signs of a complication. You should also call your doctor if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or your leg is cool or pale. Coolness and/or a change in color can be a sign of a blood clot in the leg.
  • physical-therapist-stretching-patients-leg
    7. Strengthen your knee to prevent future problems.
    Your physical therapist can show you strategies to prevent future ACL injuries. Your therapist will teach you safe ways to use your knee and exercises to strengthen it. It may also be necessary to develop a sports-specific training program to strengthen and stabilize your knee. Following your therapist’s tips for reducing stress on your knee can help you avoid future problems.
  • Male athlete sitting on track
    8. Remember to rest your knee if you feel pain.
    An ideal ACL recovery is one that returns you to your sports and activities without pain. Many people can achieve this. Remember to start slow and go slow. Putting too much stress on your knee too soon can cause problems. And if you feel pain with an activity, it’s time to rest. Your doctor will check your progress as your knee heals.
Tips For Successful Recovery After ACL Surgery
ACL Surgery
  1. ACL Injury: Does It Require Surgery? American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00297
  2. Your Care at Home After ACL Surgery. Ohio State University Sports Medicine. http://sportsmedicine.osu.edu/patientcare/sports_injuries/the_knee/acl_injury/home_care_after_acl/
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Last Review Date: 2020 Sep 17
THIS TOOL DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the site. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.