ACL and Meniscus Surgery Recovery Timeline: What to Expect

 If you have recently had meniscus repair or ACL surgery in Mumbai, you might be curious about how soon you can walk again and get back to work. Before we know what recovery from a repair surgery looks like, it’s important to understand why you need the surgery in the first place and what exactly the ACL and meniscus do. 

ACL and Meniscus Repair: Why Surgery?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the vital ligaments located in the center of your knee joint and is responsible for many vital functions. Its main role is to stabilize your knee joint when you perform sudden twisting, turning, and other movements. Meniscus, on the other hand, is the cartilage known for protecting your knee joint by stabilizing it and working as a shock absorber.

If your ACL or meniscus tears during high-impact activities, your balance, stability, and mobility might be affected. You’ll most likely need to consult an orthopedic surgeon in Mumbai to prevent further damage and restore your knee’s function. 

Recovery Timeline

Recovery begins soon after ACL and meniscus surgery. Your surgeon will encourage you to start walking in the first week of the surgery. The recovery is usually slow, with complete recovery taking up to 6-9 months, or longer in some cases. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the weekly recovery timeline.

First Two Weeks

Expect swelling, joint stiffness, and pain. Your doctor will prescribe medication to relieve pain and manage swelling. You must also start gentle exercises (after checking with your physiotherapist). The focus should be on managing swelling and controlling pain, while keeping your surgical site clean.

Week 3-6

By 3-6 weeks, the swelling may lessen, and your pain will be within manageable limits. Attend your physical therapy sessions regularly, as your therapist will recommend exercises to strengthen your quadriceps and hamstrings. You can also start gentle knee straightening and bending exercises at home (only after your surgeon’s approval). You may still need to use a brace or a crutch, but your gait will significantly improve.

Week 7-12

Your swelling will most likely subside completely. You will be able to walk confidently and comfortably without any walking aid. At this point, your focus should be on restoring knee strength and mobility. Mini squats, step-ups, and stationary cycling are some important exercises you can include in your physical activity sessions.

Month 3-6

Your pain, swelling, and stiffness will be gone by now. Between 3 and 6 months of recovery, your knee feels more stable. However, your surgeon may still not approve you for athletic and high-impact, weight-bearing activities. You can practice light jogging, swimming, low-impact cardio, and balance exercises.

By 9-12 months, you can expect to return to your normal activities. Depending on your knee’s recovery progress, you may be cleared for running, pivoting, jumping, and other exercises.

ACL and meniscus tear repair surgery is a complex process. The recovery duration may seem too long, but with patience, proper care and medical advice, you can get back on your feet soon. 

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