Being an athlete is not easy, as you are involved in sports that include jumping, running, pivoting, etc. All of these activities might lead to injuries such as the tearing or rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).

According to statistics, more than 120 000 ACL injury cases are reported every year in the United States. Other than athletes, the young males and females who are active in sports also complain of ACL rupture.

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a thick band of tough connective tissues that gives stability to the knee joint. It connects the thigh bone, shinbone, and kneecap to allow all the movements at the knee. In case you injure your ACL, the surgeon decides whether or not you need surgery.

 

 

 

What is ACL surgery?

The surgical repair or the reconstruction of ACL involves the replacement of the ligament with connective tissue, which helps rebuild the ligament so that the movements are restored. Either a ligament or a tendon can be used as a replacement.

The types of ACL reconstruction surgeries are:

1. XENOGRAFT: the replacement piece is taken from an animal

2. SYNTHETIC or ARTIFICIAL: materials that are considered safe to be used inside the human body are used in this surgery. However, they have failed to perform well like others

3. AUTOGRAFT: it is the Gold standard of ACL reconstruction. A portion of your connective tissue is used, which rebuilds the broken ligament. As it needs a larger incision, the ACL surgery recovery time is longer and more painful

 4. ALLOGRAFT: a tendon from a cadaver is mostly used as a replacement. It requires only one incision and has few side effects associated.

 

 

 

 AWESOME TIPS for ACL Surgery Recovery

 

ACL surgery recovery takes around 9 — 12 months, after which you may continue with the physical activities.

 

1. Physiotherapy

A physiotherapist recommends a series of exercises that will help you restore the strength and stability of your knee joint. It is a slow process but gives extraordinary help in rebuilding your ligaments.

 

2. Take Enough Rest

No matter how much energy you feel, it is always best to take good sleep and rest for the first few days. Restore the energy, and do not overdo yourself. Your knee also needs the rest to heal.

 

3. Supplements

A good nutritional intake is very important to speed up the process of recovery, but this is not possible with diet only. Additional supplements play a major role as it shortens the ACL surgery recovery time through the beneficial effects of Vitamin A, Vitamin B12, Zinc, Iron, Turmeric, etc.

 

4. Cold Compresses

Applying a cold pad reduces inflammation which subsequently reduces pain and swelling. This promotes the natural healing process of the body.

 

5. Follow-ups

 Going on follow-up appointments helps the doctors monitor your progress and also look for any complications that might have occurred.

 

 

Takeaway

 

Every person wants to live an independent life and move around on their own. ACL surgery helps a person regain all the knee movements back and live a pain-free life. By following the tips mentioned. ACL surgery recovery can be made easier.

 

 

References

1. Filbay. S. R., & Grindem, H. (2019). Evidence-based recommendations for the management of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture. Best practice & research Clinical rheumatology, 33(1), 33-47. https://doLorq/10.1016/i.berh.2019.01.018 

2. 5 tips on making a faster recovery from an ACL reconstruction. (2020, November 18). https://www.drstuartmackenzie.com.au/blog/5-tibs-on-making-a-faster-recovery-from-an-acl-reconstruction

 

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