May 25, 2012
Topics A-Z ACL Injuries Status post ACL surgical repair: what's next?
Status post ACL surgical repair: what's next? |
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Dear Ask The Doctor: I have a medial anterior cruciate rupture on my left knee. I am being treated in Stockholm Sweden. I went for an x ray the day after the injury took place. Ever since the doctors gave me crutches and told me to walk normally as much as possible. Even though I can walk slowly, it is not feeling any better and I cannot apply any pressure there. Also after X ray and MRI they did not put any plaster there. They gave me some roll up bandages but told me that even those are not necessary to put on. It has been over a month since the injury and I am awaiting further response from a specialist who is taking too long to send me an appointment to take further actions. Meanwhile I am also doing some workouts suggested by a physiotherapist to strengthen the upper leg muscles. Do you think it is a good idea to keep walking without any protection around the knee? At many online sources I read up that is a good idea to remain on rest and have the knee elevated above the heart level. What is your suggestion? Dear Faria: The standard rehab protocol post ACL reconstructive surgery, is about 4-6 weeks using crutches, non bearing weight period. After these 6 weeks you will start progressively to bear weight on the affected knee, and range of motion exercises (flexion-extension), along with quads straightening, and hamstring stretches. It will be expected some inflammation and pain when you start the exercise routine, but you will control these with anti inflammatory medication (“Aleve”, “Motrin”). |
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| Last Updated ( Wednesday, 11 May 2011 ) |
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