The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) helps keep your knee stable as you walk, run, and play sports. But this tough band of tissue isn’t immune to injury. Every year, up to 200,000 people in the United States are sidelined by an ACL tear.
If it happens to you, turn to Jared Tadje, MD, and our Tadje Orthopaedics team for expert care. Dr. Tadje specializes in arthroscopic ACL reconstruction, a less invasive procedure designed to get you back in the game as quickly as possible.
Are you wondering how soon you can return to your sport after surgery? Keep reading to explore the factors that influence your recovery timeline and what to expect along the way.
ACL injuries occur when the knee moves or twists with too much force, like during a sudden stop, pivot, or change of direction.
While a partial tear of the ligament may cause pain and swelling, it can typically heal on its own with time and rest. But a fully torn ACL cannot heal, and without it, your knee can become too weak and unstable to withstand the demands of your sport.
To repair an ACL tear, Dr. Tadje uses a minimally invasive technique called arthroscopy, which allows him to work through tiny incisions with a specialized camera and instruments.
He replaces the damaged section of the ligament with a tissue graft, which may come from another part of your body (such as a hamstring or patellar tendon) or donor tissue.
In the months following ACL reconstruction, your body gradually incorporates the new tissue, which strengthens to become a stable new ligament.
Most patients are able to walk and do light activities within several weeks, but it generally takes six to nine months after surgery — sometimes up to a year — before you can make a complete return to competition. Here’s what you can expect at every stage of the healing process:
In the weeks following your ACL surgery, the focus is on managing initial pain and swelling while regaining some strength and range of motion in the knee. You may need a special brace and/or crutches to protect the new graft during the first few weeks.
The next few months are all about rebuilding strength and mobility, helping you transition from basic exercises to activities like light jogging, stationary biking, or running on a treadmill. Dr. Tadje may recommend a physical therapy program to guide your recovery and ensure the best outcome.
In the final stage of your recovery, your new ligament is strong enough for you to begin preparing for a return to high-level activity. This may include more advanced strengthening exercises, agility, and sport-specific movements like pivoting and cutting.
Before clearing you for a full return to the playing field or the court, Dr. Tadje performs a thorough evaluation of your knee. He assesses its strength and function through a series of tests to ensure it’s ready for the demands of your sport.
ACL injuries can be a significant setback, but they don’t have to end your athletic career. Contact Tadje Orthopaedics in Meridian, Idaho, today to schedule an appointment and learn how we can help get you back to doing what you love.
