Recovery time after anterior cruciate ligament surgery varies based on health, procedure, and surgeon’s recommendations; follow post-operative instructions for safe recovery. ACL surgery encourages weight-bearing and walking with crutches or a walker, with climbing stairs timelines varying; some surgeons allow partial or specific periods.

Patients can begin climbing stairs with assistance within the first week or two after surgery. Consult a surgeon or physical therapist for personalized guidance. A gradual, comprehensive rehabilitation program includes exercises to improve strength, stability, range of motion, and flexibility. Following the recommended protocol helps them regain function and gradually return to climbing stairs without assistance. Follow the surgeon’s instructions and collaborate with the physical therapist for safe recovery.

General timeline for climbing stairs post-ACL surgery:

• Weeks 1-2: You will use crutches or a walker to help you get around.

You may be able to start climbing stairs with the help of your crutches or walker, but it is important to be careful and avoid putting too much weight on your operated knee.

• Weeks 3-4: You should be able to start climbing stairs without the help of crutches or a walker.
• Weeks 5-6: You should be able to climb stairs normally, but you may still feel stiffness or soreness.
• Months 3-6: The stiffness and soreness should start to improve.

Tips for climbing stairs post-ACL surgery:

• Use a railing: If you are still using crutches or a walker, use a railing to help you balance.
• Take small steps: Take small steps when you are climbing stairs.
• Bend your knees: Bend your knees when you are climbing stairs.

• Rest: If you feel any pain, stop climbing stairs and rest.

Common causes of ACL injuries include:

When you suddenly change direction, your knee is put under a lot of stress, which can cause the ACL to tear.

• • • Landing from a jump: Another common cause of ACL injuries is landing from a jump incorrectly.
    • Females: Females are more likely to suffer from ACL injuries than males.
    • Poor conditioning: ACL injuries are more likely to occur in people, not in good physical condition.
    • Playing on artificial turf: Artificial turf is more likely to cause ACL injuries than natural grass.

See a doctor for knee injury symptoms for diagnosis:

• • • Pain: Pain is the most common symptom of an ACL injury.
    • Swelling: Swelling is another common symptom of an ACL injury.
    • Inability to bear weight: You may be unable to bear weight on your injured knee.
    • Sign that the ACL injury is serious and may require surgery.
    • Instability: You may feel like your knee is unstable or gives way easily.

Seek medical attention for ACL injury immediately for better recovery chances.

ACL tears often cause meniscus tears, a common injury affecting the C-shaped cartilage cushion between the thighbone and the shinbone. These tears can be partial or complete, ranging from mild to severe.

Common ACL tears-related injuries include:

• • • Cartilage damage: The ACL helps to stabilize the knee joint, and when it tears, it can cause damage to the cartilage in the knee.
    • Can lead to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
    • Bone bruises: Bone bruises are small areas of damage to the bone that can occur when the knee is injured.
    • Ligament sprains: Other ligaments in the knee can also be injured when the ACL tears.

Most common with the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

Following ACL surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program restores knee strength, stability, and range of motion. Consult with a surgeon or physical therapist to develop a customized plan.

About Dr Anjani Kumar

As an orthopaedic surgeon in Hyderabad, I try to provide patients with as many options as possible for hip and knee treatments to help each patient have the greatest results. I carefully consider the specific sorts of injuries and need to be comfortable offering a specialised solution before recommending the best course of therapy for each patient. My patients’ enhanced mobility and pain reduction are always my top priorities, as these will enable them to resume an active lifestyle. In more severe cases, especially when the joint has collapsed, or the bone has suffered extensive deformation, knee replacement surgery may be advised.

Knee replacement surgery may be recommended in advanced cases, especially if the joint has collapsed or the bone has become severely deformed.

Dr Anjani Kumar has 20 years of experience and successfully performed 2000 knee replacement surgeries, 350 hip replacement surgeries, and 500 pelvic acetabular surgeries throughout his career. Please get in touch with us on Mobile: at +91 9989112411 and by E-mail: anjanikumar@ gmail.com