Before and After ACL Surgery

Experiencing an ACL injury can cause pain and debilitation, leaving individuals with a range of symptoms that can make even the simplest of activities a challenge. If you’re someone who’s recently experienced an ACL injury, you may be wondering whether you’re able to bend your knee before surgery. In this article, we’ll explore this question in more detail to help you understand what you can expect while recovering.

First, it’s important to understand what an ACL injury is and how it affects the knee. The ACL is a crucial ligament that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone, providing stability to the knee joint. When this ligament is torn or ruptured, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including pain, swelling, and instability of the knee joint.

What to Know Before Surgery with an ACL Injury

In many cases, surgery is required to repair or replace the damaged ACL. But before this happens, patients may be advised to try conservative treatments, including physical therapy, ice, and anti-inflammatory medication. During this time, patients may be able to bend their knee to a certain degree, but it’s important to do so with care and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.

The ability to bend the knee with an ACL injury will depend on the extent of the injury, the individual’s pain tolerance, and overall health. In some cases, patients may be able to bend their knee without significant pain or discomfort, while others may experience more severe symptoms that make bending the knee difficult.

Why It’s Important to Avoid Stressful Activities

It’s also worth noting that while bending the knee may be possible with an ACL injury, it’s still important to avoid activities that place stress on the knee joint, such as running or jumping. These activities can cause further damage to the already weakened ligament and prolong the healing process.

If you’ve experienced an ACL injury, you may be able to bend your knee to a certain degree before surgery, but it’s important to do so cautiously and under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Depending on the extent of your injury, surgery may be necessary to repair or replace the damaged ACL, and it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations for post-operative care to ensure a full and speedy recovery.

After ACL Surgery

After ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) surgery, it is important to follow the healthcare provider’s instructions carefully to promote proper healing and prevent complications. Here are some general guidelines for activities and movements to avoid after ACL surgery:

1. Putting weight on the affected leg: Depending on the type of surgical procedure and the patient’s individual recovery progress, it may be recommended to avoid putting weight on the affected leg for a period of time after surgery. Patients may need to use crutches or a walker to get around and should follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully.
2. High-impact activities: Activities that put significant stress on the knee joint, such as running, jumping, or contact sports, should be avoided during the initial recovery period. Patients should consult with their healthcare provider and physical therapist about the appropriate activities to engage in during the recovery period.
3. Twisting or pivoting movements: Movements that involve twisting or pivotingthe knee joint, such as playing basketball or tennis, should be avoided during the initial recovery period.
4. Heavy lifting: Heavy lifting or activities that require significant use of the leg muscles should be avoided during the initial recovery period.
5. Driving: Patients should avoid driving until they have regained sufficient strength and range of motion in the affected leg and have been cleared by their healthcare provider to do so.

Surgeons- Perform Your ACL Surgery in Pompano Beach

Through quality care, strict compliance, and the utmost professionalism, the surgery center aims to be the premier ambulatory surgery center in South Florida. South Florida’s premier same day ambulatory surgery center strives to recruit, train, and retain the most qualified physicians, nurses, and support staff that meet industry standards of excellence. Plus, we are committed to continuous quality patient care by remaining up to date with the latest research, technology, and treatments. So Flo Same Day outpatient center offers innovative healthcare by providing practical and cost-effective surgical procedures, such as ACL surgery.

South Florida Same Day Surgery Center serves Pompano Beach and South Florida, offering state-of-the-art ambulatory outpatient surgical services. If you are a surgeon considering a move to an ASC, evaluate the specific needs of your practice and patients. South Florida Same Day Surgery Center is a state-of-the-art facility with specialized staff and lower costs. Visit our new office located in Pompano Beach, Florida, and join our outpatient center. We are actively searching for new surgeons. If you are interested in scheduling your ACL surgery with our outpatient center, please call (954) 532-1160 to speak with one of their skilled administrators.