Why Am I Still Limping After My ACL Surgery?

ACL injury is one of the most common injuries faced by millions worldwide. If you're still limping after ACL surgery, it’s essential to understand what could be affecting your recovery. Whether you've undergone ACL reconstruction surgery or one of the other types of ACL surgery, the journey to full recovery can be complex. 

In this blog, we’ll address common issues, such as lingering pain, the typical ACL surgery recovery timeline, and the critical steps in ACL surgery rehab. We'll also discuss the exercises after ACL surgery that are crucial for restoring strength and stability.

What is ACL Surgery?

ACL surgery, or Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery, is primarily performed to reconstruct or repair a torn ACL, one of the four major ligaments stabilising the knee. Typically, ACL surgery involves either grafting tissue from other parts of the body or using synthetic grafts to replace the damaged ligament to restore knee function and stability. Understanding the different types of ACL surgery can help set expectations for recovery and potential challenges.

Types of ACL Surgery and Their Impact on Recovery

There are two primary types of ACL surgery, and they are listed below:

• Allograft Reconstruction: Uses donor tissue from a cadaver.
• Autograft Reconstruction: Uses the patient’s tissue, often from the patellar tendon or hamstring, to replace the damaged ligament.

Each method has pros and cons regarding recovery time, pain management, and rehabilitation. Those undergoing autografts might experience greater discomfort initially due to the additional surgical site, but this option often leads to a robust recovery. Meanwhile, allografts may lead to faster initial recovery, though the graft may take longer to integrate with the body fully.

What is a Typical ACL Surgery Recovery Timeline?

Effective ACL surgery recovery timeline typically spans between 6 to 12 months, with each stage focusing on specific goals:

• Weeks 1-2: Rest and reduce swelling while starting very gentle exercises.

• 3-6 Weeks: Gradually increase movement with early strengthening exercises and controlled weight-bearing. Continue this for at least 6 weeks. 

• 3-6 Months: You can now shift focus to stability and strength through more intensive ACL surgery rehab exercises.

• 6-12 Months: This is the final stage, here you should focus on functional and sport-specific drills, aiming for a return to pre-injury levels.

While this timeline offers a general roadmap, individual recovery can vary greatly. Varied factors like age, pre-surgery conditioning, and adherence to rehab exercises can significantly influence the speed of progress.

Check out our blog on how to regain stability after an ACL surgery to learn more. 

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Why Are You Still Limping? Some Common Reasons for Post-ACL Surgery Limping

If you're still experiencing limping after ACL surgery, it’s typically due to one or a combination of the following factors:

• Pain After ACL Surgery: Pain, particularly in the early stages, can lead to altered gait mechanics, which can become habitual if not addressed promptly. Persistent pain might indicate issues like scar tissue build-up, residual inflammation, or other underlying joint concerns.

• Lack of Balance and Proprioception: Surgery impacts the body’s proprioceptive feedback, which is essential for balance and coordination. Dedicated ACL surgery rehab exercises to improve proprioception are crucial for addressing this problem.

• Muscle Weakness: Post-surgery, the quadriceps and hamstrings are often weakened and need to be gradually rebuilt to fully support the knee.

• Range of Motion Limitations: Limited knee extension or flexion may result in compensations when walking. Stretching and targeted exercises can help improve range, but stiffness can be a persistent challenge for some.

Exercises After ACL Surgery to Help with Limping

A structured exercise program is central to recovering from ACL surgery and addressing lingering limping. The most effective exercises after ACL surgery include:

• Quadriceps and Hamstring Strengthening: Exercises like leg presses, hamstring curls, and squats can significantly boost muscle strength, providing necessary knee support.
• Balance and Stability Drills: Simple one-legged stands or more complex balance exercises help improve proprioception and reduce limp.
• Stretching for Flexibility: Maintaining full knee extension is crucial, and specific stretches can target stiffness in the hamstring and calf muscles.
• Functional Movements: Movements that simulate daily activities, such as step-ups, lunges, and side-walking, reinforce proper movement patterns and gradually build confidence in knee stability.

Why You Need Professional Guidance for ACL Surgery Rehab

Rehabilitation for ACL reconstruction surgery requires a precise approach. Proper form and technique in exercises are crucial to avoid compensation habits that can lead to chronic issues. For best results, work with an experienced physiotherapist who can guide you through the recovery timeline, address any pain after ACL surgery, and help you focus on achieving the strength, balance, and confidence to walk limp-free.

You can check out our blog on quick answers to your ACL queries to learn more. 

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Ready to Start Your ACL Recovery Journey?

If you’re facing challenges in your ACL surgery recovery and need personalised guidance, the team at Granimals is here to help. Fill out the form below to book a free demo call and take the first step towards a pain-free, long-lasting recovery with Granimals. Take control of your recovery journey today; reach out and let us help you move confidently again!

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(FAQs) Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. How long will it take to stop limping after ACL surgery?

Answer: Most patients see significant improvements in limping within the first 3 to 6 months post-surgery, but this depends on factors like muscle strength, adherence to a structured rehab program, and any underlying issues. A tailored ACL surgery rehab program focusing on strength, flexibility, and balance can speed up this process. Working closely with a physiotherapist ensures proper form and reduces the risk of developing compensation habits that can prolong limping.

Q2. Is pain normal during ACL surgery recovery, and how long should it last?

Answer: Yes, pain after ACL surgery is typical, especially in the first few weeks as tissues heal and initial movements begin. While mild discomfort can persist for several months, persistent or sharp pain should be evaluated, as it could indicate issues like scar tissue buildup or improper movement mechanics. A well-structured recovery plan, including appropriate exercises and pain management, minimises discomfort and restores function.

Q3. What types of exercises can help eliminate a limp after ACL surgery?

Answer: Exercises after ACL surgery should target quadriceps and hamstring strengthening, balance improvement, and flexibility. Key movements include leg presses, squats, hamstring curls, and balance drills like single-leg stands. Stretching exercises to maintain full knee extension are also vital. A physiotherapist can tailor these exercises to your recovery stage, ensuring you build strength without risking re-injury.

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