Always wash your hands before removing the bandage or cleaning the incision. Keep the bandage dry. If you accidentally get it wet, change it as soon as possible. When you change the bandage, check the wound for signs of infection, which include redness and swelling or a smelly discharge. If you have any questions about whether it’s infected, call your doctor immediately and have them look at it.
Get a chair or stool that you can brace yourself with while you take a shower. If you’re not comfortable taking a shower or are afraid you’re going to fall, take a sponge bath for the first couple of weeks.
The typical brace locks in place to keep your knee straight and stable. If you unlock it, you can bend your knee while the brace is still on your leg. Not all doctors use braces, and not all surgeries require it. But if your doctor gives you a brace, follow their instructions on how and when to use it. [5] X Research source
Your doctor will have you test the crutches before you leave after surgery to make sure they fit right for you. They’ll also give you some pointers for how to walk on crutches as comfortably as possible. Even if you aren’t putting weight on your knee, however, it is important to move your leg as soon as you can after surgery. Typically, the faster you get your motion back, the faster your pain will start to decrease. [7] X Expert Source Jonathan Frank, MDSports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist Expert Interview. 1 October 2020.
In the first 2 weeks, there’s no such thing as too much RICE. Start with a minimum of 3 to 4 15-minute sessions a day, but don’t be afraid to do more if you feel like you’re getting benefit from them. [9] X Research source
If you have a manual occupation, it will likely be longer before you can return to full duty after your surgery. [11] X Research source However, your employer might have some desk work that you can do in the meantime until your knee heals.
Pain medication might be most helpful at night when you need to go to sleep. You’ll need it more in the first couple of days after surgery, but avoid taking it all the time — even if you’re only using over-the-counter drugs.
Being able to extend your knee straight is one of the most important things after ACL surgery. If you aren’t able to straighten it completely, you’ll end up walking with a limp. It might also impact your ability to compete in sports to the extent you did before surgery.
You’ll typically need to wear this for at least a week after surgery, although your doctor might recommend longer, depending on the extent of your surgery and the severity of your injury.
Coming off crutches is often a slow process. For example, you may start with not using crutches around the house but continuing to use them when you’re out in public.
If your knee hurts while you’re walking, you might want to go back to crutches for a little while. Remember to take it slow. Complete healing is more important than healing as quickly as possible. Be especially careful when walking on hills or inclines, as well as stairs. Going down stairs is typically harder on your knee than going up.
Don’t go on long road trips for another few months — your knee will get stiff if you sit in the same position for several hours. If you are making a longer trip, stop and stretch your legs every hour or so.
If you’re on your feet a lot at work, you might want to wait another week or 2 before going back unless your employer can make accommodations for you. For example, if you’re a cashier who normally has to stand at your station, your manager might allow you to sit on a chair or stool while you work.
If you were previously involved in a sport, talk to your coach as well. They might know sport-specific physical therapists or trainers they could recommend.
Your physical therapist will typically push you to go a little further, even if it hurts. At home, though, only go as far as you comfortably can. If a particular exercise is impossible for you to do without pain, tell your physical therapist so they can assess the situation.
Heel slides are a good way to ease into exercise. Lay on your back, then slide your heel up and down your other leg several times. [22] X Expert Source Jonathan Frank, MDSports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist Expert Interview. 1 October 2020. You can also start with quad activations, where you squeeze your quad muscle, then let it go. Once you have full motion and good quad activation, you can start progressing to the next step in your recovery process. [23] X Expert Source Jonathan Frank, MDSports Orthopedic Surgeon & Joint Preservation Specialist Expert Interview. 1 October 2020. Your physical therapist will give you a list of exercises to do at home to strengthen your leg. If you have problems with any of the exercises, let your physical therapist know and they’ll show you how to modify the exercise so you can do it effectively. Good form is important with these exercises to reduce excess strain on your knee. Usually, you’ll do them with your physical therapist first so they can correct your form. Exercising in front of a mirror when you’re at home helps you keep tabs on your own form.
Resistance bands are also helpful when you do stretches to increase the range of motion in your knee. Your physical therapist will give you specific exercises and show you what you need to do.
If you really want to start swimming early, talk to your physical therapist. They’ll let you know what you can do given the condition of your knee. Walking is always good exercise and will help you improve your gait. Continue to wear a brace on your knee while walking for exercise, especially the first 2 or 3 months after surgery.
Even if your knee feels fine after a few months, it’s important to continue to follow your physical therapist’s instructions. Let them know how you’re feeling or if you think an exercise is “too easy” — but if they tell you to keep doing it, keep doing it.
Avoid climbing on ladders and scaffolding for another month, as these activities put more stress on your knee.
You might also talk to your coach about drills you can do. Chances are you aren’t the first player they’ve coached who’s had ACL surgery, so they probably have some good ideas. If your sport is currently in season, talk to your coach and physical therapist about going back to practice with your team, even if you’re not yet ready to play in games. Even this far out from surgery, it’s still a good idea to continue to wear the knee brace to protect your knee during sports, particularly if you’re playing a contact sport.
