Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction surgery may be a viable treatment option for someone with a torn ACL—one of the four main ligaments that help keep the knee joint stable and strong. While some small ACL tears can be addressed through conservative methods like physical therapy, surgery may sometimes be necessary to replace the damaged ligament with a healthy tendon from elsewhere in the body.
First things first—if you are about to undergo ACL reconstruction or any other medical procedure, it’s important to carefully follow your physician’s individualized recovery guidance over any online article. But, generally speaking, here are a few basic do’s and don’ts for patients who are recovering from ACL reconstruction surgery:
Things to Do
- Ask a family member or friend to help you with basic, everyday tasks for at least a few days after you arrive home from the hospital or surgery center.
- Keep the dressing on your knee clean and dry, and promptly report any signs of infection to your physician.
- Place pillows beneath your calf or ankle to keep your affected leg elevated at a minimum of a 45-degree angle as much as possible.
- Take medications according to your physician’s guidance.
- When your physician advises, slowly and gently begin bending your knee. For many patients, the goal is to achieve a 90-degree bend about one week after surgery.
- Wear your knee brace for as long as your physician or physical therapist recommends.
- Go to all of your post-op appointments and attend physical therapy as advised.
- Get plenty of sleep and eat healthy foods like lean proteins and vegetables to help your body heal.
Things to Avoid
- Taking medication or supplements that have not been approved by your physician
- Placing a heating pad on your knee
- Placing pillows directly underneath your knee
- Putting weight on the affected leg before your physician says it’s ok
- Hiding issues from your doctor, such as fever, stomach pain, or intense knee discomfort
- Pushing yourself too hard after surgery and attempting to speed through your recovery
By staying patient, taking your recovery seriously, and carefully listening to your medical team, you’ll be able to get back to your regular routine as soon as possible.
An ACL Reconstruction Surgeon Serving the Tampa Area
ACL reconstruction is a specialty of Dr. Daniel Murphy, a board-certified orthopedic sports medicine surgeon at Tampa Orthopaedic & Sports Medicine Group (a division of Florida Medical Clinic). Dr. Murphy utilizes advanced, muscle-sparing techniques and works closely with patients and physical therapists throughout the recovery process to ensure the best possible outcomes. When he’s not helping patients at our South Tampa clinic, you can find him on the sidelines as a team physician for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
To speak with Dr. Murphy about an ACL injury, your treatment options, and whether ACL reconstruction is right for you, schedule an appointment at Tampa Ortho & Sports Medicine Group today. Most major health insurance plans are accepted at our practice.
