If you have torn the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, in your knee and have had surgery, you might think that all you need to do is to relax and allow your leg to heal. However, if you do the wrong things after your surgery, you might prolong your recovery. Even worse, you might affect the mobility of your leg for some time. Here are some mistakes to avoid after you've had ACL surgery.
Not Icing Your Knee
Your doctor may have recommended that you continue to ice your knee at home as you recover, but you may not think it's necessary, thinking that any swelling in your leg will go down over time. While it is natural for body tissues to swell after injury and after surgery, too much swelling can be a problem. Not only can swelling lead to more pain, but excessive swelling can cause atrophy of muscles in the area and make it harder to move them.
Be sure to wear any cold therapy unit your doctor provided, or use an ice pack to keep your knee cool and bring down the swelling in the area. You can cut down on icing your knee when you notice that swelling has gone down.
Avoiding Movement
You are likely to be in some pain after your surgery, and moving your leg might cause even more pain. You may want to just leave your leg in one position with pillows underneath it and actively seek not to move it around too much. However, if you don't move your leg around, scar tissue may start to form and regaining mobility in your leg may be even more of a challenge as a result. Do your best to stick with the exercises your doctor has recommended and move your leg as much as you are able.
Going Out Too Soon
You might start feeling a little better and decide that you can attend a visit a friend or family member. However, you might not account for small children or dogs running around the house. You may think everything will be fine, but you could end up in a lot of pain if your knee is accidentally pushed or moved.
Be very careful to avoid places where you won't be in control of the environment. Wait until you feel confident that you can put weight on your knee and can maneuver your body without too much trouble.
Now that you have some idea of what to avoid after experiencing ACL reconstruction surgery, use the information above to help you through your recovery. Be sure to complete physical rehabilitation with an experienced physical therapist so that you don't have any problems with your leg in the future. For more information about ACL rehabilitation, visit http://www.nrothandrehab.com.
Share17 August 2015
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