Question - ACL Surgery (when can I walk without crutches?)

by Cesar
(Berkeley, IL)

I am going to get surgery on my ACL in 2-3 weeks. After the operation I know that i am going to need crutches I want to know if in 3 weeks I will be able to walk again. Because I know it's going to take a whole 7 month before I am able to play sports again. But just want to know if I will be able to walk in 3 weeks.

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Question - ACL Surgery (when can I walk without crutches?)

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Jul 09, 2008
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3 weeks and you should be walking...
by: Bart - SII

Hi Ceasar,

How about those Cubs - good team this year - I am a Cardinals fan myself...hopefully we will be playing each other in the NLCS this year!

Everyone progresses a little differently after an ACL reconstruction, and every physician and therapist has a little bit different time line for when they get their patients off of their crutches - so how I treat my patients may be a bit different from how your doctor wants to treat you.

My patients are usually on crutches for 10-14 days - so 2 weeks, give or take a few days. As soon as they can straighten the knee all the way out using their muscles, and can walk without too much of a limp, I get them off of their crutches - they still wear the hinged brace for support, but the sooner they can start walking normal, the faster they recover.

Some doctors want their patients off of crutches faster, others slower, it just depends on your doctor. So, make sure you ask your doctor what they think about how long you will be on crutches.

You can read more about ACL reconstructions and find information on the recovery timeline, what to expect the first week, early exercises, and more.

Hope this helps - and please come back to the site and post your ACL Story after your surgery - and more pictures would be great!

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Jul 09, 2008
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Submitted by: Bart - SII

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Hi Ceasar, How about those Cubs - good team this year - I am a Cardinals fan myself...hopefully we will be playing each other in the NLCS this year! Everyone progresses a little differently after an ACL reconstruction, and every physician and therapist has a little bit different time line for when they get their patients off of their crutches - so how I treat my patients may be a bit different from how your doctor wants to treat you. My patients are usually on crutches for 10-14 days - so 2 weeks, give or take a few days. As soon as they can straighten the knee all the way out using their muscles, and can walk without too much of a limp, I get them off of their crutches - they still wear the hinged brace for support, but the sooner they can start walking normal, the faster they recover. Some doctors want their patients off of crutches faster, others slower, it just depends on your doctor. So, make sure you ask your doctor what they think about how long you will be on crutches. You can read more about <a href="http://www.sports-injury-info.com/acl-reconstruction.html" target ="_blank">ACL reconstructions</a> and find information on the recovery timeline, what to expect the first week, early exercises, and more. Hope this helps - and please come back to the site and post your <a href="http://www.sports-injury-info.com/acl-surgery-stories.html" target ="_blank">ACL Story</a> after your surgery - and more pictures would be great!

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Aug 15, 2008
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Walking after surgery
by: Anonymous

Yeah you should be able to walk within 3 weeks. I had my surgery about eight days ago and I am walking without crutches, but it is imperative to do pre-surgical exercises to strengthen your quadriceps.

Aug 15, 2008
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be so careful after surgery!!!!!
by: Anonymous

All I have to say is, be so very careful. NO stairs, or pedal bikes (your foot can slip off the pedal and pull your knee) Listen to everything your doctor tells you. I had ACL reconstruction 13 months ago and 2 debridments, my knee will never be 100%. I have pain everyday and there are so many thing that I use to love that I am not able to do (running is one of them). I slipped on a step 11 days post op and it seemed to be stiffening up on me so I took it upon myself to ride a bike, my foot slipped off the pedal it was downhill, had a couple other pulls on my knee, slip on the ice. YEAH! Now I am to messed up in the head because of how my life changed, I don't even know where to begin to become the person I was before surgery. My best advise for someone having this surgery is no stairs and do what the doctor says. I was very active and in great shape before surgery, now I am nothing......

Sep 28, 2008
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Don't let yourself down
by: Anonymous

I want to know your email. The one who is saying be so careful after the surgery

Jan 18, 2009
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acl tear
by: Candy Kahany

My son is 14 years old with a complete acl tear. Does anyone know someone who had acl tear surgery at this age? Please help. I need feedback ASAP. tY

Jan 30, 2009
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acl
by: Anonymous

i am 15 and had my acl surgery 4 months ago. i am doing fine your a little loopy afterwards but you will recover. i tore my acl lateral meniscus and my medial meniscus so i was pretty messed up. im doing good now

Jan 30, 2009
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ACL reconstruction
by: Skatergirl

I am 15 years old. I had ACL reconstruction surgery and both meniscus repaired when I was 14. My surgery date was June 23. I am now 7 months and I am back to full fledge figure skating. The surgery was fine. I was on crutches for 6 weeks and limped for about a month after. Now at 7 months It is sometimes is very sore after a hard core skating session and an hour at the gym. or when I work at my farm in the cold, I limp when I get home because it gets very achy in the cold weather. Other than that I think it was a sucess. Hope this helps

Jan 30, 2009
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7 months post op
by: skatergirl

actually...I want to know if anyone has had ACL and meniscus surgery too. Did your knee get sore after a hard workout? does it get sore in the cold? do you limp once in a while? if anyone has answers that would be helpful. I am 15 years old and it is 7 months post-op.

Jan 31, 2009
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acl reconstruction surgery
by: dgirl

hi i just had knee arethoscopy(acl reconstruction)surgery on jan 16,2009 i have been going threw hell.i needed 2 people to help me get up and go to the bathroom.when i would step down i had excruiating pain it has been 21/2 weeks now ad i still am useing crutches ans have to wear the brace for 4 to weeks,i cannot bend my knee onl when i use the cpm machine,i am still in pain and up with mucle spasms all night i just keep overdosing on pain killers.does anyone now how therapy will be or when will this discomfort and tighening end

Feb 18, 2009
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nervous
by: Anonymous

For people that arnt 100% done growing yet if u get the acl surgery can it stop the growing in the leg u get it in. Thats like my only fear im 17 and i dont want to have one leg shorter then the other for the rest of my life that would so suck.

Feb 23, 2009
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3 ACL Reconstructions, 4 surgeries
by: Anonymous

I am 22 and have had 4 surgeries on my right knee, three of them being ACL Reconstructions. I tore it when I was 17 got surgery, rehabbed, returned to soccer 9 months later. Played for a year then tore the same ACL again. I got xrays and MRI and returned to the doctor and he told me my bone grew into a bone spur and sliced my ACL in half. The doctor told me he would sand the bone down where it grew into the spur so it would not happen again and did another ACL Reconstruction. I rehabbed again and returned to soccer 9 months later again. I played for 6 months and down I went for the third time. I got MRI and XRAYS went back to the doctor and he retired. I switched doctors and he looked at my xrays and said I was missing to much bone in my Tibial Tunnel. (Was to much drilled out from the second surgery? you guys tell me.) He told me I tore my ACL and I need 2 surgeries. A Bone Graft first then a the third and last ACL Reconstruction. October of 2008 I get a bone graft which is he drilled the torn ACL out, Drilled my screws out, and filled everything in with a bone implant. The tunnel, screw holes, everything. I came outta surgery and wore a brace (I HAVE NO ACL NOW). I don't walk 3 weeks and go back every 2 weeks for XRAYS to make sure the new bone is adhering to my original bone. Its January and the bone graft healed good and I schedule my third ACL Reconstruction for February, making it my fourth surgery on the knee. On Feb. 17th 2009 I just got my ACL Reconstruction. Lets see how this one goes, I hope you all have better luck then me.

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Feb 23, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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I am 22 and have had 4 surgeries on my right knee, three of them being ACL Reconstructions. I tore it when I was 17 got surgery, rehabbed, returned to soccer 9 months later. Played for a year then tore the same ACL again. I got xrays and MRI and returned to the doctor and he told me my bone grew into a bone spur and sliced my ACL in half. The doctor told me he would sand the bone down where it grew into the spur so it would not happen again and did another ACL Reconstruction. I rehabbed again and returned to soccer 9 months later again. I played for 6 months and down I went for the third time. I got MRI and XRAYS went back to the doctor and he retired. I switched doctors and he looked at my xrays and said I was missing to much bone in my Tibial Tunnel. (Was to much drilled out from the second surgery? you guys tell me.) He told me I tore my ACL and I need 2 surgeries. A Bone Graft first then a the third and last ACL Reconstruction. October of 2008 I get a bone graft which is he drilled the torn ACL out, Drilled my screws out, and filled everything in with a bone implant. The tunnel, screw holes, everything. I came outta surgery and wore a brace (I HAVE NO ACL NOW). I don't walk 3 weeks and go back every 2 weeks for XRAYS to make sure the new bone is adhering to my original bone. Its January and the bone graft healed good and I schedule my third ACL Reconstruction for February, making it my fourth surgery on the knee. On Feb. 17th 2009 I just got my ACL Reconstruction. Lets see how this one goes, I hope you all have better luck then me.

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Mar 16, 2009
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ACL
by: Norb66@comcast.net

I had ACL surgery for my ACL, Menicus and MCL 13 weeks ago. I felt great until... No problem with my Rehab.. My son had a fathers-son ice hockey game two weeks ago which I played in. My doctor and PT said to not play. I deccided to play and tried to play passively. It lasted about 5 minutes, It felt great to skate with him and I am not sure whether I over-did-it. It felt okay the next day but the past 14 days the knee felt weird and unstable. The slight pain seems to come from the front of the knee cap. I am still able to rehab, bend, etc.. I am concerned I did something to it. I see the surgeon in a week. Anyone have a similiar situation.

Norbert

Apr 07, 2009
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ACL Surgery
by: Jeff

I also had ACL reconstruction on my knee. I am now 11 days out and have begun walking without my crutches, but in a hinged brace. The brace only allows me to bend at 50 degrees, so I still have some support. My physical therapist said a good way to test if you are ready to walk without crutches it to be able to do 10 leg lifts while lying down and if you can do this without too much fatigue or leg shaking, you should be okay. But of course to be very careful. I tore my acl in my other knee 5 years ago and remember it also taking about 2 weeks to be off crutches.

Apr 10, 2009
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Ouch!
by: Anonymous

First a comment about the growth issue. Its not the surgery that stops the growth of the leg, its the injury. My father has one leg 1" shorter then the other. Bones grow at the ends, not in the middle (Just Like A Tree). If you damage the end of the bone you may risk having a short leg. My father had the surgery at 21 he grew another inch after surgery.

I am going in for surgery next Thursday and am quite nervous as I have never even been put under. I am a tough guy and I will do just fine. The Doc says about 9 months before I can get back into my Martial Arts. I was about to reach a teaching level, but now that seems a long way from today. I know how that guy who is being all down on himself is feeling. I want nothing more then to teach martial arts. But in a year I should be able to get started again. My best advice is to make yourself see what you want to see. I may specialize in an upper-body form of Martial Arts versus a full body form. That means close combat, not too many schools really specialize in that.

As I said, I am nervous and scared of what the future may hold as I am very active, but you guys got better, I know I can to. (And sad guy, dont try to make the best of it, do make the best of it.)

Apr 23, 2009
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my own call for advise
by: curtis mackall

i had acl and miniscus reconsructive surgery and i was wandering what it is like to walk after? i really want to be normal after so i can get back to my sport (basketball) so if anybody has anyadvice for me or no what im going threw or can help i would appreciate it thanks.

May 14, 2009
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Its been four weeks and my knee will not lock. Whats up?
by: Anonymous

I had my ACL surgery on April 14, 2009. Four weeks later I am having a hard time getting the knee to fully extend. I can bend it fine, walk fine, however, I can not get full extension. Physical Theripist has been working on it but knee will just pop back up after PT session. What gives? Any ideas?

May 15, 2009
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acl repair
by: Anonymous

my got my ACL repaired last Monday May 4 2009 it is know 11 days after and my doctor said I don't need to wear a brace and I am walking fine straight and up and down stairs pretty well. Doctor said I am a month and half ahead of where I should be. Does anyone know how long it might take to start running and be able to play football again?

May 17, 2009
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Careful now...
by: Anonymous

Just be careful on doing everyday things, i.e. climbing stairs.

May 21, 2009
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PLEASE ANSWER
by: Ondi J

I am going to have ACL reconstuction this summer (I am driving to/from NY in July so I have to wait til after that trip) but I need to know how long until I can do stairs since I have an upstairs apartment. I mean I know I will have to be out of work for like 2 weeks, but my question is can I stay at home for those two if I literally just go up them once and then down after the two weeks? Please help. Thanks!

May 22, 2009
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ACL and Recovery
by: Zarizi

Hi guys,

I had my ACL reconstructed last April 16th. Now, it has been almost 5 weeks post surgery and eventhough still on crutches, i am feeling fine. I have seen some people improving faster than mine. It baffled me a lot as i am quite athletics my self, training futsal 3 times a week (where i tore my ACL),going to the gym and watched what i ate. So i was told by my surgeon that a good recovery does not mean speedy recovery as you need to take good care of your knee. Never put too much pressure and need not to move too much to the extent that you put risk to your knee. Nowadays, doctors are using bioscrew, which is not as tough as those titanium but much better as it dissolve naturally.

So, i my case, walking is adviseable after 6 weeks, physiotherapy is a compulsory daily routine. The stonger the muscle, the faster the recovery.But as i say, you dont want to rush things out. Being impatient will only cause the tendon that replaced your ligament to loose.If it become loose, its preety much like not having the surgery at all only to feel all the agonizing pain and suffering on top of it.

I will be off the crutches next week, on cycling regime after that. Starts jog around after 4 months and intensives mascular training after 5 1/2 months.Should be active again after 7 months.

Those who will undergoing the surgery, rest assured if you follow the instructions, you will be fine. The knee will heal and most of the time, it will be you last ACL repair. JUST DONT BE RUSH. No point becoming the first person to get off the crutches but jeopardizing the healing process inside your knee cap.

Regards

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May 22, 2009
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Submitted by: Zarizi

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Hi guys, I had my ACL reconstructed last April 16th. Now, it has been almost 5 weeks post surgery and eventhough still on crutches, i am feeling fine. I have seen some people improving faster than mine. It baffled me a lot as i am quite athletics my self, training futsal 3 times a week (where i tore my ACL),going to the gym and watched what i ate. So i was told by my surgeon that a good recovery does not mean speedy recovery as you need to take good care of your knee. Never put too much pressure and need not to move too much to the extent that you put risk to your knee. Nowadays, doctors are using bioscrew, which is not as tough as those titanium but much better as it dissolve naturally. So, i my case, walking is adviseable after 6 weeks, physiotherapy is a compulsory daily routine. The stonger the muscle, the faster the recovery.But as i say, you dont want to rush things out. Being impatient will only cause the tendon that replaced your ligament to loose.If it become loose, its preety much like not having the surgery at all only to feel all the agonizing pain and suffering on top of it. I will be off the crutches next week, on cycling regime after that. Starts jog around after 4 months and intensives mascular training after 5 1/2 months.Should be active again after 7 months. Those who will undergoing the surgery, rest assured if you follow the instructions, you will be fine. The knee will heal and most of the time, it will be you last ACL repair. JUST DONT BE RUSH. No point becoming the first person to get off the crutches but jeopardizing the healing process inside your knee cap. Regards

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May 27, 2009
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worst knee tear
by: Anonymous

hey i am really sorry about your acl ya i know how it feels i tore my acl,mcl,and my manaics it was really bad my knee popped out of place and everything this kid ran into me at the ymca and it took me 5 weeks on cruches and one more week til i got out of my brace but hope everything goes well and i can start playing at 5 1/2 months good luck.

May 28, 2009
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3 Days
by: Ringletchk

I just had ACL reconstruction surgery on 5/18/09 and on 5/22/09 I was walking without crutches. I still have the brace on and limping but no pain at all and walking just fine.

All comments online says there is major pain after ACL surgery but I had NONE except for a little discomfort and I would kinow since I'm such a baby about pain.

Jun 02, 2009
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Walking
by: Ahmad

I had my ACL and MCL surgery on the 12th of May 2009, and I was wondering, how long can I walk for? Is there a limitation, maybe say like certain amount of miles? I don't use the crutches anymore and I feel comfortable walking around the mall sometimes. I did the hamstring graft surgery for my ACL. Thanks.

Jun 02, 2009
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No Pain No Crutches
by: Anonymous

I just had my ACL surgery on May 18th and on May 21st I was walking without crutches and in 10 days I was walking without the brace.

Everyone says the pain is horrible after the surgery but I didn't have any pain at all.

It's going to be ok and don't worry about the pain or crutches thing.

Sue

Jun 02, 2009
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What type of ACL Surgery
by: Ondi

I am reading everyone's comments here which are great, but I am curious to what type of reconstruction you chose.. allograft or autograft?

Jun 02, 2009
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What type of ACL Surgery
by: Ondi

I am reading everyone's comments here which are great, but I am curious to what type of reconstruction you chose.. allograft or autograft?

Jun 02, 2009
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Test Bank ACL Reconstruction
by: Anonymous

ACL restruction the surgeon used a tendon from the tissue bank. He is the chief of sports medicine at my hospital and said this was the best for the least amount of down time, quick healing and strength for me knee.

I'm so happy I finally got it done. But he says I wont be water skiing this summer but I'm doing everything else (walking, jogging, going to the gym already).

Jun 08, 2009
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New ACL Surgery Question
by: Old Man

I had an Allograft ACL Surgery. Did not need a pain medication even the first night. I started walking with an immobilizing brace with a cane instead of crutches the next day.

4 days later, I can straigthen my knee (almost) totally and I can bend little more than 90 degrees with not much of a pain.

Is this normal or I should question if the surgery "really" happened as it should?

Jun 08, 2009
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ACL reconstruction Recovery
by: Ringletchk

I know what you're saying. My Dad says they only took me into surgery and didnt do anything (just kidding) since I did so well and needed no pain meds.

I start PT tomorrow and dont think I really need it because I can straighten my leg completely and can bend the knee completely after doing the required exercises at home.

Jun 08, 2009
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allograft surgery
by: shari

I am 50 and had my ACL fixed (finally) following a ski accident when I was 21. I was a little sore the first day home, but not enough to even think of pain meds. I started PT after 10 days and can straighten my leg, bend to a little past 90 degrees and walk without crutches three days before the 3 week post surgery mark. I have been walking around with a slight limp and am not sure how much walking is too much. My knee gets swollen if I am walking and standing for more than an hour. Yesterday I heard a pop in my knee - it didn't hurt but felt like a tendon or cartalidge moved, my knee was swollen at the time, right before icing. It hasn't hurt or felt unstable since the pop - but has anyone else had that happen? How much walking at three weeks post-op is too much walking? I know everyone's time-line is different but I wish I had a better idea of what is too much.

Jun 09, 2009
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ACL Post Op
by: WillieBman

I am 2 weeks exactly post op tomorrow from my ACL ReCon (June 10th) and so far i have been a step ahead of the curve it seems like in everything (so my PT and OS tell me) but the one thing i still have alot of trouble with is walking. My OS told me to ditch the crutches if i wanted to today so i tried but i just cant bear the weight needed to walk correctly. Instead i have more of a hopping type of limp and it puts alot of stress on my good leg which keeps me from going more than a few feet. I just hope this is normal and not bad news because i seem to read about alot of others walking within that 2 week window. Maybe it will just take me some more time because like i said, im driving a car, riding the bike, ROM is 110 and about 5 of ext.

This is a neat site though, nice to read others feedbacks and experiences. Thanks!

Jun 10, 2009
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WillieB
by: Ahmad

Don't worry about it, you will get past the pain as soon as you put weight on the leg. Make sure you are taking your pain medications and if you cant handle the pain just try one crutch while walking around instead of two. I'm four weeks post-op and can only get my leg to a 95 degree flexion and 1 cm to 0 cm extension. I'm walking around the house without a brace but when I'm out I put it on for long distance walking. With time everything will heal, its different for everyone, its how your body heals and how fast.

Jun 13, 2009
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Rapid recovery
by: TrevS

I'm 60 and discovered only recently that my ACL had been destroyed as a result of a rugby injury many years ago. I decided to have the reconstruction because my doctor said that it would resolve the instability issues I've had for years. I was nervous about how well I might recover at my age. Surprisingly, I came out of the theatre with no pain and still haven't had any. Its now three days since surgery. I've been able to straighten the leg easily from the start and can bend the leg to about 110 degrees. The knee feels really good in the circumstances and I have abandoned the the crutches around the house. I was not given a brace. I am conscientiously doing all the exercises I was given but I seem to be way ahead of the norm. I'm pleased about the progress but I know I have to be very careful to protect the surgery until it heals. I think the fact that I have been a very active cyclist right up to the day of the surgery has really helped - I went in with a very strong knee minus ACL.

Jun 13, 2009
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Update William
by: Anonymous

This is just a follow up to my first post. I am now 17 days post op and have reached 134 degrees flexion, still right on the edge there of having 0 extension but my PT says it will come, just gotta keep doin those hangs when i come in to see her. In regards to my walking issue, i have since progressed to using just one crutch which the first couple of days has been difficult but im getting used to it. One thing i did notice since walking with one crutch is that i seem to have some increase in swelling around the top of my knee, im guessing just from the pressure and walking motions ive been putting on it? Ive started taking ibuprofen again to maybe help a lil with that. Well thats it for now, ill update as i come along.

Oh and just wanted to throw in my 2 cents to the guy Trev who posted. You no doubt must be recovering so fast due to the fact that your knee and leg has been like that for years and as a result youve built up lots of strength which means the surgery hasnt taken quite as bad a toll on you as most of the rest of us. Lucky haha

Jun 14, 2009
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ACL reconstruction and meniscal tear
by: City Girl

I just had reconstructive ACL surgery using my hamstring 3 days ago 6/11. My meniscus was so shredded that they could not fix it, just clean it out. I tore my acl over 20 years ago playing volleyball, and have been running on it and playing softball/volleyball for years on it and just favored the bad knee. I kept very active, but at age 43, I thought I better fix it now before I get too old. Needless to say, surgery went well, but my foot is so swollen, it looks like a huge burrito. I had a cathiter/pain pump which gave me a steady flow of pain medication for the last 2-3 days. I removed it this morning. My question is did any of you have massive swelling in the ankle and foot. Also, if you are female, how in the world did you use the restroom? Just curious..... I hope to be up and around soon. Need to keep up with the teenage kids.

Jun 15, 2009
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my experience with ACL/MCL repair
by: Anonymous

I had ACL and MCL reconstruction 5/29/09. I tore them both when I crashed a dirt bike (not going very fast, I am just a spaz), put out my leg (bad idea), and when I landed, my leg snapped almost 90 degrees to the left. I could not put any weight on the leg or it would buckle out to the left.
To the lady asking about swelling - my foot and ankle were also extremeley swollen for about the first week. I had very little feeling, or pins and needles feeling in that foot. I kept the leg elevated (2-3 pillows under it) and kept icing it, and now it's normal size again.
For others waiting for sugery, everyone is different, but here's my experience. Allograft for the ACL, hamstring autograft for the MCL. They did a spinal block on that leg, so the leg and foot were completely numb the first 24 hours. Next day had some pretty bad pain, but once I got caught up with my pain meds, I had no pain at all. Trying to reduce prescription meds, some pain, but nothing worse than a headache.
Saw the doctor four days after surgery, expecting to start PT the next day, but he said to come back in three weeks and he will re-evaluate before starting PT. He doesn't want me to start stretching too soon because the ligaments stretch too far and have no stability. Not sure if that is due to the extent of the injury, or because I've always been very flexible, to the point of having weak joints.
Some advice (check with your doc first) - before surgery, I did some light weight training and pilates to increase upper body and core strenght, as well as a lot of leg lifts on the OPPOSITE leg so I would be able to get up and down more easily. Glad I did, I can get up a lot more easily than I could right after the injury.
2 1/2 weeks post surgery, I am still on crutches and in a brace, set at 30 degrees. Sharp pain and swelling at the end of the day if I put too much weight on the knee, so I use the crutches to keep that pressure off the knee. Some days I experience a LOT of fatigue.
Oh yeah, as for using the restroom, it was a little awkward at first. Sorry for others if this is TMI, but I sit down and if it's too uncomfortable, I use my other hand to lift the braced leg up.
I hope this helps, I was looking for this type of info before my surgery, so I just thought I'd add my experience. Just don't stress out from other people's horor stories. Everyone is different, and my doc said mine would be very difficult, but other than the fatigue it really hasn't been too bad.
Sorry this is so long, I guess I am a little bored sitting out the summer on the sofa. :-)

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Jun 15, 2009
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Submitted by: Anonymous

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I had ACL and MCL reconstruction 5/29/09. I tore them both when I crashed a dirt bike (not going very fast, I am just a spaz), put out my leg (bad idea), and when I landed, my leg snapped almost 90 degrees to the left. I could not put any weight on the leg or it would buckle out to the left. To the lady asking about swelling - my foot and ankle were also extremeley swollen for about the first week. I had very little feeling, or pins and needles feeling in that foot. I kept the leg elevated (2-3 pillows under it) and kept icing it, and now it's normal size again. For others waiting for sugery, everyone is different, but here's my experience. Allograft for the ACL, hamstring autograft for the MCL. They did a spinal block on that leg, so the leg and foot were completely numb the first 24 hours. Next day had some pretty bad pain, but once I got caught up with my pain meds, I had no pain at all. Trying to reduce prescription meds, some pain, but nothing worse than a headache. Saw the doctor four days after surgery, expecting to start PT the next day, but he said to come back in three weeks and he will re-evaluate before starting PT. He doesn't want me to start stretching too soon because the ligaments stretch too far and have no stability. Not sure if that is due to the extent of the injury, or because I've always been very flexible, to the point of having weak joints. Some advice (check with your doc first) - before surgery, I did some light weight training and pilates to increase upper body and core strenght, as well as a lot of leg lifts on the OPPOSITE leg so I would be able to get up and down more easily. Glad I did, I can get up a lot more easily than I could right after the injury. 2 1/2 weeks post surgery, I am still on crutches and in a brace, set at 30 degrees. Sharp pain and swelling at the end of the day if I put too much weight on the knee, so I use the crutches to keep that pressure off the knee. Some days I experience a LOT of fatigue. Oh yeah, as for using the restroom, it was a little awkward at first. Sorry for others if this is TMI, but I sit down and if it's too uncomfortable, I use my other hand to lift the braced leg up. I hope this helps, I was looking for this type of info before my surgery, so I just thought I'd add my experience. Just don't stress out from other people's horor stories. Everyone is different, and my doc said mine would be very difficult, but other than the fatigue it really hasn't been too bad. Sorry this is so long, I guess I am a little bored sitting out the summer on the sofa. :-)

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Jun 18, 2009
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ACL Update pt 3
by: WillieBman

22 days post op now and boy oh boy therapy was a you know what today! Ive decided to to ditch the last crutch and start trying to walk without any assistance (except for my brace of course) and it feels weird definatley but im just goin slow with it and tryin to get that weight bearing feeling back on that leg. Once again a good report from my PT. (today was my 6th visit) only thing i got a lil mark on if you will was that i lost a little bit of extension from last week which made my PT work me a lil harder today to get back to that point where i was. I was told to do hangs and pressing down on it myself as often as i can during the day at work, home, etc. Anyhow thats about it, nothin outrageous to share or report, ready for the weekend. I need a drink!

Jun 19, 2009
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darker hair on leg after surgery???
by: Cindy

I had ACL/MCL restoration 5/29 (posted here about it as anonymous a couple of days ago).
This is kind of weird, wondering if anyone else has experienced this?
I have dark hair, but the hair on my arms and legs has always been almost white. Now there is a little area around one of the incisions where the hair is dark - just that one spot!

Any ideas? Anybody else seen this? Not a medical problem, but just strange to see after 40 years of invisible leg hair.

Jun 21, 2009
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Glad it's over
by: KatiesACL

I had an ACL reconstruction and meniscus repair June 4 after blowing it out skiing in February. NO ONE prepared me for the pain and I have a high threshold. The post op drugs were a must and most important was the Game Ready icing and compression - - if your insurance covers it, DEMAND it from your surgeon. I switched surgeons in order to find one who recommended the unit, it became my best friend during the recovery. I'm now 17 days out and still on crutches. I'm virtually pain free, just a little bit of ibuprofen every once in a while. PT is going fine, this site is an awesome reminder that I shouldn't take it too fast --- I don't want to go through the first 72 hours again ever in my life. It made having three children feel like a day in the park. The crutches are a pain, but it gets easier - and scooting up and down the steps makes it easy to get around. I'll be wearing a T-scope brace for 6 weeks total, my awesome surgeon tells me that I'll be on the slopes next spring. If you are considering surgery, lean toward a surgeon who specializes in sports injuries, I switched from my original surgeon and I'm glad I did - - he's young, he's up to date on technology and he was awesome!

Jun 22, 2009
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My ACL Surgery...
by: Heh.

After I had my surgery, my pain was minimal, I was off of the drugs 5 days after surgery. I'm still wearing the brace and I've maxed out the CPM machine. 120 degrees=easy. I had surgery last Wednesday. The swelling is the only annoying part. Also I can already lift my leg for a long period of time while it is straightened.

Jun 27, 2009
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9 days post-op
by: Jess

I had ACL reconstruction on June 18, 2009 that resulted from a ski injury. I am now 9 days post-op. I had spinal anesthesia which was definitely worth it. I was up walking the day of surgery and was send home the next day without crutches. Three days ago I went in for my one week follow up. The OS already has me on a bike 2X/day for 15 minutes along with doing minisquats, calf raises, balancing exercises, extension exercises and straight leg raises 3-4X/day. As far as the pain goes, it was worst on the two days after surgery. As long as you stay on top of the pain you will be fine. At 9 days I am down to only 1-2 pain pills per day. The rehab protocol really depends on the OS's preferences. The biggest advice I can give is to push really hard on the exercises you are given and to listen to your Surgeon and PT.

Aug 06, 2009
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miniscus
by: hsrn

when is the right time to paractise walk agains ? I have been go surgery 4 weeks ago. TQ

Aug 12, 2009
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6 weeks on crutches for me
by: Anonymous

I had my ACL and meniscus surgery July 7th, 2009 and the doctor said crutches for 6 weeks, because if the meniscus can repair it will be VERY helpful to you

Aug 17, 2009
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update on ACL/MCL surgery
by: Cindy

here is an update in case anyone else has both ACL/MCL reconstruction (which is apparently not very common).
Wore the locking brace for 8 wks. Doctor had a hard time getting knee to stabilize during surgery, so he had me hold off on PT for three weeks. During that time, a lot of scar tissue developed (he said this might happen). After several weeks of struggling just to get to 90 degrees, the doctor did a manipulation under anesthesia (MUA). Put me under, bent the knee for me. When I first woke up, it was VERY painful, but the Vicodin they gave me in recovery took care of that.
Now a week later, I am able to ride the stationary bike for the first time since this all started! YAY! Haven't been to PT yet for a measurement, but I'm pretty sure I'm getting at least 105-110 degrees. MUA was a great help!

Aug 26, 2009
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ACL Meniscus lateral and medial
by: Anonymous

Just got surgery a week ago.My knee is not as swollen the second week but what is the best exercise starting 2nd week to gain my flexibility and somewhat of strenghth.I can't fully place my foot alone yet.I am using crutches.

Sep 05, 2009
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ACL/MENISCUS surgery
by: Anonymous

I had my surgery monday the 31 and 6 days later have my CPM machine at 90 %. my doctor says that he doesn't think I'll be walking on it by the next friday? thats almost 2 weeks.I really don't want to return to school on crutches.. what do you guys think?
email me mcolfax93@yahoo.com

Sep 07, 2009
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ACL
by: Nick

1. Has anyone experienced a partial tear of the ACL that came before your surgery? If so, could you describe the symptoms of squatting down on the knee with the partial tear?

2. I had my complete-tear surgery on August 25. Tomorrow is my first post-op appointment. I had a patellar tendon autograft, so they drilled through my shin and took a piece out of it and the kneecap. It will be two weeks tomorrow and I'm hoping to get a mobile brace and get off the crutches.

Sep 11, 2009
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acl
by: Anonymous

i had my injury on Aug.16th had surgery om my acl on Sept.3rd i hs]ave been on my cpl machine and have been going faithfully to therapy since friday. i want to walk without my crutches as soon as possible.Im 38 years old and this has been the worse injury i have suffered.All i can say is hang in there everyone says it will get better, so i guess we will have to see.

Sep 15, 2009
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ACL reconstruction
by: Bradley

Hey, I'm 5 days out of ACL reconstruction, knee feels great most of the time, still a good amount of swelling and the shin is really bruised and still swollen. I am a 19 year old kid and wondering when I will be able to walk without crutches and eventually without a brace. I am only using the crutches for support now, i can easily put all my weight on the leg without pain and bend it to about 70 degrees. I can do a ton of leg lifts without a problem. I am waiting until i go back to my doctor to see what he says about the crutches and brace because I am scared to screw it up after surgery. Don't want to go through that again.

Sep 16, 2009
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ACL reconstruction
by: Adam

I had my reconstruction yesterday and I'm curious as to when I'll be able to walk without the use of crutches and the cricket pad splint. I am already able to straighten my leg and lift it off the ground, I can also walk without the use of the crutches and splint, obviously not for long and very slowly. I'm 18 and fresher's week starts on Monday, as well as my birthday; any advice welcome?

Sep 16, 2009
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6 weeks out
by: Anonymous

I am now 6 weeks out of an Acl reconstruction (I also had part of my meniscus taken out) and everything is going great. For those of you wondering when you will be able to walk again without crutches it took me about 10 days. I could have walked sooner, but it is very important that when you come off of your crutches that you DO NOT limp or limp as little as possible. Limping can cause damage on your other ligaments as well as joints. At about a month i was able to take the brace off and have been walking fine ever since. My advice is to walk as normally as possible, if it takes you an hour to get where you are walking so be it.
Remember the replaced ligament takes 3 months to reattach itself to the bones, so no sports should be played in the first 3 months. Give your ligament time to heal allowing the vessels and nerves to regrow in the new ligament. Hope i was helpful and good luck to those of you still on the road to recovery.

Sep 29, 2009
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How Long (the main question)???
by: Anonymous

Heyy, so I have my ACL surgery on November 11. I am 14 years old and I want to know if anyone might know how long it might take ME to get off crutches, stop using the brace, start running, start sports, etc. I know that it doesn't have a lot to with age but how well you handle the procedure and rehab. I tolerate pain very well; usually people never know if I am hurt. When I tore it, it didn't really hurt, not even to walk on it. I was always advised to not participate in any sports. I had notes to coaches and my P.E. Teacher written by my surgeon. Sports are my LIFE so I ripped up the notes and continued on with sports but not always playing to my full potential for every move. My knee only gave out once. I really want to know a AVERAGE timeling around MY age. I am passionate about volleyball and I want to know how long to play volleyball again. I know that after I have the surgery I should be more careful and try to listen to what my surgeon says. I am also nervous about the pain!

PLEASE AnSwEr!! Pretty PLEASE!!

Oct 13, 2009
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ACL & AGE
by: Oldie but Goodie

I am a 48 year old female and tore my ACL sometime around the end of June / 09. I had my surgery October 2, using my hamstring to make the graft. I went home the same day and was quite heavily sedated for the first 5 days. I am now off all narcotic pain meds but take the occasional over the counter anti-inflamatory. I was managing stairs on crutches the day after my surgery. Today I was able to walk a short distance without the crutches at all but still limp somewhat and tend to use one crutch most of the time at this point. I have been pleasently surprised at my recovery as well as relieved that the surgery was far less painful than I had been reading about for the most part. I was advised by my surgeon that I am one of his "older" patients as most are younger people involved in sports. My knee was giving out on me frequently so even though I don't play soccer, I am glad I went ahead with the surgery and would do it again.

Oct 17, 2009
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To the 14 year old!
by: Anonymous

My daughter tore her left acl last year and was out for 6 months before she was able to play soccer again. She was worried she would not play as well as before, but after a couple of months she was back to her old self! just remember to take your rehab seriously and work VERY hard :)

Oct 25, 2009
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How long?
by: G

I am 16 years old, I have my surgery in 5 days and I absolutely HATE crutches. How long will I need them for?

Oct 26, 2009
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ACL/torn Medial Meniscus
by: Denise

I just called to make appt for my surgery. I am 43 years old. I cannot be cleared for work until I can walk without crutches. I am in great shape as I run frequently with my Siberian Husky Duchess, and if you know huskies, I REALLY run. I have three sets of stairs to get to my apt and I am constantly up and down them, along with my occasional gym workout. My doctor keeps telling me that I WILL be on crutches for two weeks and jokingly called me superwoman. I NEED to be up and around without crutches ASAP. I am not worried about pain, I had surgery last year that was VERY invasive and lasted 5 hours then I got up the very next morning and walked around with no pain killers for days so pain is simply something you live with and get over. (The nurses at the hospital STILL talk about me) Any advice at all as to pre-surgery conditioning and post-surgery practice that will get me off those things quick??? Please help me out here!

Nov 02, 2009
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So far..
by: Kristin

Hey there :)! I am 14 years old and on October 8th, I had my cartilage repaired and the meniscus. I hurt it first in a volleyball game last year and walked around on it since then. I only made matter worse by not getting it checked sooner. Anyway, It's been almost a month since my surgery and I'm still on crutches :( Hopefully tomorrow will be my last day though. I suggest that anyone who goes through this to NOT push an injury.And remember to take it easy afterwards. I have a little bit of pain yet,I am praying it will get better. Good luck!!!

Nov 05, 2009
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listen
by: Anonymous

i had surgery exactly 3 weeks ago and i can walk without my crutches but i have to take my time and walk without a limp.You need to start putting a little weight at a time on it about a week after your surgery the more you walk on it the quicker it will heel but you need to walk right.

Nov 06, 2009
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crutches
by: Bart - SII

Crutches are a pain, but necessary for a few days/weeks after surgery. "Listen" is right, it is good to put weight on it right after surgery, if that is what your doctor has advised. It will help to make your recovery smoother, and will improve your gait once you get off the crutches.

For Kristin, she had a meniscus repair, where they stitched the meniscus back together, so she has been on crutches longer to let that heal.

Important to realize that every surgery and every person is a little different, and you should always follow your doctors instructions for how long you are on your crutches.

Bart

Nov 18, 2009
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3 weeks post op
by: Tennis Player

its 3 weeks and two days and im still on crutches. I'm 17 and athletic. Its very annoying not being able to do much right now, but i think the advice of the people on this site is spot on. Be patient, dont do crazy stuff, work your ass off in physical therapy, dont be lazy. You wont wake up one day and just be able to walk right after surgery (unless you are a lucky one). Ive learned that recovery is a progression. Stick with it, and keep your goals in mind.