Playing Soccer On My Birthday

by Ameer
(London, Ontario, Canada)

Playing soccer like I always do but this day was different a lot of friends and family there because it was my birthday. Jumped to hit the ball with my head and landed on one foot while the lower half of my leg stayed straight the top half twisted and heard two loud pops. Honestly thought I broke something but minutes after my friend said the pops were the acl and something else.

Went in for MRI and X-rays and found out the acl was torn really good and the meniscus was damaged as well. Had surgery 17 days ago now. Surgery went well as my surgeon told me, they used the hamstring graft to reconstruct the acl. I guess my hamstring graft was big and strong so knowing that will make rehab quick and successful.

Physio therapy been really good, I been pushing my self to the limit every single day as I want to go back to work and normal and soccer ASAP. 17 days after surgery and been off the crutches for 6 days now. Bending my knee at 106 degrees and extending it at 2 degrees. There isn't anymore pain but it more discomfort at night only when sleeping.

It's getting your leg straight that i find the hardest during this rehab. Bending been really easy but one thing I recommend for anyone that is going to have acl surgery or had already, when sitting down watching tv or even just laying there make sure you sit with you leg extended completely. Meaning the back of you knee should be flat as much as possible. I found that getting your leg straight will not only get you off the crutches early, but it will help you a lot with your range of motion.

Thanks for taking the time to read my story and good luck to anyone that is about to get the surgery done or already had.

Ameer