Structure :
Knee
Resuming Activities: Walking, Sports and Driving After ACL Surgery
Written by Professor Etienne Cavaignac
Description
Driving after ACL surgery, like any other activity, requires caution and prior rehabilitation. You can resume you daily activities and sports when your surgeon and physiotherapist agree that you are ready.
Category:
Treatment
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Are you suffering from a cruciate ligament rupture?
Make an appointment now with Professor Etienne Cavaignac, orthopaedic surgeon specializing in knee surgery and sports traumatology.
Curious about the recovery time after knee ligament reconstruction? Learn about driving after an ACL surgery, walking, practicing sports, and more.
Driving after ACL surgery, like any other activity, requires caution and prior rehabilitation. You can resume you daily activities and sports when your surgeon and physiotherapist agree that you are ready.
Rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament surgery is generally divided into three phases: early, intermediate, and advanced. Each phase has specific objectives to optimise recovery:
- Early Phase: Pain and inflammation control, beginning of mobilisation to maintain neuromuscular control
- Intermediate Phase: Muscle strengthening
- Advanced Phase: Reintegration of sport-specific movements and overall function
How long after an ACL surgery can you walk ?
If you are wondering how long after an ACL surgery can you walk, know that the timeframe for resuming walking varies between patients. This is a general timeline, under the supervision of a physiotherapist:
- Initial phase: Walking allowed with crutches and a hinged brace to limit knee movement. Partial weight-bearing is allowed on the operated leg.
- Progression after 3 weeks: Brace can be removed for full weight-bearing, but crutches are still used for a few more weeks.
- Full independence: Walking without crutches is generally possible 4 and 6 weeks after the surgery.
After ACL surgery, the recovery time to walk without limping or pain is usually around 1 month. Professor Cavaignac is available to answer your questions about the ACL surgery process.
When can I drive after ACL surgery?
How long before you can drive after an ACL surgery? It depends on several things but driving is usually possible about 1 month after surgery.
The ability to drive depends on the following:
- Having at least 90 degrees of knee flexion to bend the leg sufficiently.
- Recovering adequate muscle strength in the quadriceps to press the pedals.
Returning to sports after an ACL surgery
Returning to sports after an ACL surgery is often the primary goal for patients undergoing said surgery:
- The return to sport activities varies, depending on the type of sport and the level of competition.
- Functional tests are often conducted to evaluate whether it is safe to return to sports, including strength, stability, and response to load.
It is important to do sports-specific ACL rehabilitation after surgery. A physiotherapist will help you perform the necessary exercises to ensure proper recovery.
Pain management and complication prevention
Pain management is a priority throughout the rehabilitation process for resuming sports, driving, or walking post-ACL surgery:
- Anti-inflammatory medications and pain management techniques, such as cryotherapy using cold or compression therapy, can be used.
- The Orthense system provides digital support specific to your surgery and will guide you in using various modalities.
It is crucial to monitor for signs of complications such as infection or blood clot (see information booklet). If in doubt: cavaignac.e@chu-toulouse.fr.
Resuming activities after ACL surgery should be done gradually, respecting the rehabilitation phases and following the advice of healthcare professionals. With proper follow-up and a commitment to the rehabilitation process, you can expect to fully return to your activities.
Copyright 2022 - Pr Étienne Cavaignac