ACL, short for Anterior Cruciate Ligament, stabilizes the knee joint. Any sudden twisting or turning can lead to a torn ACL, which is common in people involved in sports or physical activities that require a lot of sudden movements. Depending on the severity of the damage, the ACL surgeon specialist in Mumbai can either repair or replace the worn ACL.
A surgical replacement of the damaged ligament with artificial implants is the best way to get permanent relief from pain and restore your mobility. If you are looking for post-surgical care instructions, read on to know what not to do after ACL surgery.
Avoid Putting Weight on the Affected Leg
Your surgeon will recommend wheelchairs, crutches, canes, and other walking aids to help you heal faster after ACL surgery. Avoid activities that put too much pressure on the operated knee. Using walking aids for climbing stairs, walking, sitting, standing, and other routine activities will ensure proper healing. Ideally, you should rest as much as possible. This will give enough time for your operated knee to heal.
Do Not Ignore Physical Therapy
Stiffness on the operated knee and the surrounding joints is common after an ACL surgery. Your surgeon will advise you to undergo physical therapy to help release the stiffness and improve your range of motion. It starts shortly after surgery and lasts for at least six months or longer, depending on how your body responds. Physical therapy also strengthens your muscles, which prevents further injuries and promotes faster healing.
Avoid High-Impact Activities
Physical activities that strain your knee joint and the newly implanted graft can result in prolonged recovery. Strenuous physical exercises, such as weightlifting or running, can increase discomfort and swelling after surgery. To ensure proper and faster healing, it’s advisable to avoid high-impact exercises. Here’s what to avoid:
- Running
- Swimming
- Jumping
- Weightlifting
- Twisting of the knee
- Aerobics
- Cardio workouts
- Contact sports
Once you’ve reached the 6th-month mark, you can start high-intensity exercises after getting your doctor’s clearance.
Do Not Skip Follow-Up Appointments
After ACL surgery in Mumbai, the surgeon will schedule a follow-up appointment to monitor your health and recovery. They will conduct a physical test to check your knee’s stability and flexibility. They will also check the incision site to detect any signs of infection post-surgery. They will give instructions for the physical activities you can carry on with and when to resume your routine activities. Attending each follow-up is an important part of your recovery after ACL surgery.
Avoid Over-the-Counter Painkillers Without Doctor’s Approval
Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication and the appropriate dosage for it. Self-medicating or taking over-the-counter painkillers without a doctor’s consultation can lead to accidental overdosage. The consequences can be life-threatening. Some pain medications cause side effects, such as nausea and dizziness. These require medical attention. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication before or after surgery.
Conclusion
Talk to your surgeon to learn more about post-surgical recovery. To speed up the recovery, attend physical therapies, schedule follow-up visits with your surgeon, and take medication as prescribed by your doctor.
