Most severe Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries often require reconstructive surgeries. Examples are cases of tears like in avulsion fractures. If you’ve recently undergone one, chances are you’re trying to get back on your feet. Well, the truth is that significant changes in mobility aren’t exactly recorded until after some weeks.
Starting is paramount. So, if this describes you, we’re happy to take you through some guides for an earlier recovery.
Table of Contents
1. Get the pain under control
Pain is a hindrance to undergoing the needed physical therapy. To provide analgesic relief to the site, try ice bathing. Placing ice bags on the knee is also very helpful. Other options are painkiller drugs which can include narcotics, according to a doctor’s prescription.
Overcoming pain is first to regain knee function and strength.
2. Reduce Swelling
As a post-op effect, pains and swelling may occur. This isn’t surprising since blood and body fluids would move quickly to the knee to aid healing. Edema causes pain which makes movement difficult. Raising your leg can help reduce swelling. Likewise, cryotherapy and compression with bandaging are effective, like in sport physiotherapy.
3. Start with some supports
Remember, the process is gradual. So, don’t rush it. You can put on a knee brace, crutches, or a walking stick to lessen body weight on the knee. Usually, the initial therapy steps require you to stabilize your knee joint. Going further, you can then try a different range of movements.
Sometimes, patients may not need bracing in the first few weeks. Either way, you should consult your doctor on what support to use.
4. Gain stability
Being able to straighten up the knee can take months. But achieving this is essential to evaluating the optimal results of your surgery. Do this by extending your thigh muscles periodically. Your doctor will put you through appropriate stretch exercises.
5. Try flexing the affected knee
There aren’t always complications with bending the knee following your ACL operation. To do this, you must apply a little flexing force. Bending the knee frees it from stiffness. Sometimes, a physiotherapist might use the CPM machine to aid the process.
Reconstructions are strong enough; hence you shouldn’t fear damaging them.
6. Pay attention to your incision
ACL surgical wounds can take about two to three weeks to heal. However, a patient’s care on discharge is significant to it. Always fully cover and dress the wound as instructed. Keep it away from water like during showers, pool time, or spills. At least, not until you’re asked to remove the dressing.
Contact your doctor if you notice any bleeding, opening, or redness around the area.
7. Eat well, rest, and start off walking
Don’t underplay the effects of eating healthy. Concerning rest, don’t be used to laying in bed or sitting on the couch for long hours. Always bear in mind that keeping the leg active is the key. Ensure you play out rest and exercise moderately.
Conclusion
To undergo rehabilitation successfully, all these tips are crucial. Equally, involve your doctor with improvements and complications.