Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injuries are common among people who participate in sports activities such as football, skiing, hockey and basketball and after road traffic accidents, ACL is a ligament at the centre of the knee and provides stability in case of rotation. An ACL injury occurs when an individual lands dangerously from a jump, suddenly twists or changes in direction or stops quickly.
Although all cases of ACL injury do not require surgery, some certainly do to restore stability and strength to the knee. If you live in Bangalore and need ACL surgery or tips related to recovery from ACL surgery, always consult the best and highly-qualified doctors. Dr. Chethan Nagaraj is one such orthopaedic doctor, well-known for his treatment approach in Bangalore. For more details, contact us today.
ACL Injury Symptoms
ACL injury symptoms generally include:
- Severe Pain
- Inability to perform any new activity
- Swelling
- Loss of range of motion
- Feel of instability
- A loud popping sensation in the knee
What happens in ACL surgery
ACL surgery is always done through arthrosopic technique or otherwise called key hole surgery. In brief, the damaged or torn ligament is replaced by a new ligament which is usually a spare tendon taken from the patient’s own knee. The new ligament is fixed on to the femur (thigh bone) and tibia (leg bone ) using various techniques.
Recovery from ACL Surgery
Rehabilitation is a key part of ACL surgery. Post-surgery, it is usually recommended to take medicine for pain for a few days, keep the incision clean and rest as much as possible. Recovery after ACL surgery takes time and therefore requires patience.
ACL Injury Recovery Tips
Pain Medication
Excessive pain in the knee can prevent patients from performing the much-needed exercise. Therefore, the intake of pain medication doses according to the recommendation of the doctor is necessary to keep the pain under control. In some cases, pain may seem to be unbearable. Patients must seek the help of a doctor to rule out any complications or take more effective painkillers as suggested by the surgeon.
Similar to pain, swelling is commonly observed in patients post-ACL surgery. Generally, the doctor will suggest applying ice packs on the knee. In addition, the elevation of the legs can help in the reduction of swelling. It will eventually help patients to undergo physical therapy.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy, under the able guidance of experts, plays a very important role in faster recovery, gaining strength and achieving mobility goals. For example, extending the knee completely and flexing or bending it are primary goals for a patient after ACL surgery (extending or fully straightening is more important than bending in the early days: keep a pillow or rolled towel under the heel). Thereafter, increasing the strength and stability of the knee is essential.
Brace or Crutches
Post-surgery, patients can wear a knee brace or utilize crutches for some days if the knee feels unstable. However, the use of supportive equipment differs from one patient to another. In some cases, patients would need braces or crutches for more than a month post-surgery.
Begin Slowly
One of the most important tips is to begin the recovery process slowly and follow all the instructions provided by the doctor. Jumping back to everyday activities and sports activities too early can disturb the recovery process. Always consult with the doctor before returning to activities such as driving, running, playing etc.
The rehabilitation after ACL surgery is generally divided into 4 phases
- Early post operative phase (upto 2 weeks)
- Late post operative phase (weeks 2 to 4)
- Return to normal life phase (1 to 3 months)
- Muscle strengthening and balancing phase ( 3 to 6 months)
It is important to see your surgeon at the end of each phase to assess the goals of the phase have been met and to seek guidance regarding the next phase of rehabilitation.
Rest
Rest is an integral part of the recovery process. If you are an athlete, recovery can be a bitter pill to swallow. However, remember that tissue present around the graft on the knee will take time to grow and stabilize. Thus, adequate rest is a must for fast recovery.
Consult Doctor Regularly
Do not skip any of the appointments with the doctor as professional guidance and care are necessary for a successful and complete recovery from ACL surgery. If you find any issues such as pain or symptoms during the recovery period, meet the doctor immediately.
Strengthening Exercises for Knee
Finally, do not forget to discuss strengthening exercises and tips to prevent the knee from future injuries and surgeries. Experts will suggest safety tips, best practices and training regimens to gain strength and stabilize the knee.
Patients often ask how to sleep after ACL surgery. The simple answer is that the patient can sleep on the back or side. Additionally, it is important to keep the knee straight.
ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Bangalore
Dr. Chethan Nagaraj is one of the leading, trusted and experienced ACL reconstruction doctors in Bangalore, with a great track record of performing successful surgeries and helping patients with ACL injuries in and around the region. He has more than 15 years of experience in the orthopaedics field. Also, he has completed accredited international fellowship training from Australia, New Zealand and Japan and worked at prestigious medical hospitals such as AIIMS, New Delhi.
To know more about the medical services offered, treatment procedures and appointments, contact us at any time.
