Running After ACL Surgery - a Timeline

WHEN CAN I START RUNNING AGAIN AFTER ACL SURGERY?

ACL reconstruction surgery is a knee surgery typically conducted to replace or cut out a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in your knee. ACL injuries usually occur while playing sports such as soccer, basketball, skiing, surfing, rugby and football. They usually occur where rapid change of movements in running and frequent stopping takes place. Physical rehabilitation after ACL surgery is crucial to strengthen the knee and restore mobility.

If you are playing a sport which requires sudden change of direction in running, pivoting movements and frequent starting and stopping, you are prone to an ACL tear. We recommend protecting your knee with our Sports performance knee support or GenuTrain knee brace. Besides knee protection, the medical-grade compression will enhance your performance and improve your muscle recovery.

It is best to avoid running for at least 10 to 12 weeks after the surgery, to avoid repetitive strain on the ACL graft. As directed by the surgeon, a few months after surgery, you will start some rehabilitation and functional training that may involve running. All in all, it will be at least a few months before you can start running again.

We recommend using an advanced orthosis SecuTec Genu for post-op care after ACL reconstruction surgery. The hard frame of the orthosis provides additional stability and restricts the range of motion for the knee for rehabilitating the knee after ACL surgery.

 

BEST KNEE BRACES FOR POST-OP CARE AFTER ACL SURGERY


secutec genu running after an ACL surgery

SecuTec Genu

A functional orthosis for the external stabilisation of the knee joint.

$1,299.95 - Buy Here

A torn ligament, collateral ligament injury or operation on the meniscus can mean that the knee joint needs to be stabilised externally for a period of time. The SecuTec Genu hinged knee brace is a lightweight but sturdy knee orthosis, designed to fit the anatomy of the leg.

The knee brace is easy to put on and take off, fits perfectly and is very comfortable to wear.

The SecuTec Genu is ideal for instabilities after rupturing the anterior and/or posterior cruciate ligament, after ligament surgery/syndesmoplasty, complex traumatic or degenerative instabilities, to restrict the range of movement of the knee (for example, after collateral ligament injuries, meniscal suturing or meniscal implantation).

  • Strong stabilization of the knee
  • Extremely lightweight and flat
  • Joint side bars – Straps connect directly to side bars for superior stability in the knee and surrounding area.
  • High level of wearing comfort.
  • Adjustable calf strap and hinge joint
Running After an ACL surgery knee brace

 

GenuTrain Knee brace

An award-winning knee brace that provides targeted support for pain relief and stabilisation of the knee.

$149.95 - Buy Here

If your knee is weak, swollen, painful or recovering from an injury, the Bauerfeind GenuTrain knee brace will help provide you with relief and stability.

  • Integrated donning aid allows you to easily put on the knee brace
  • Soft hollow of the knee for enhanced wearing comfort
  • Three-dimensional active knit for an ideal fit and optimal neuromuscular joint stabilization
  • Omega pad improves neuromuscular joint stabilization
  • Meniscus wings to help relieve meniscus pain
  • Hoffa pads provide pressure relief
  • Fits either leg the same version can be used for right and left
  • Moisture wicking fabric for all day comfort

GenuTrain P3 Knee brace

An advanced knee brace for pain and misalignment of the kneecap, often caused by injury related to sports

$239.95 - Buy Here

The GenuTrain P3 is ideal for pain caused by misalignment of the kneecap (patellar lateralisation), femoropatellar pain syndrome (anterior knee pain), ACL and MCL injury or pain associated with patellar tip syndrome. Unique 3D weave is breathable, moisture wicking and provides all day comfort.

  • Corrective guide – Stops your kneecap from drifting outward to relieve discomfort and help healing without loss of mobility.
  • Corrective strap – can be individually adjusted for optimal kneecap control.
  • Pad wing – Proximal extension as far as the vastus medialis muscle, and improved proprioception.
  • Ring-shaped soft pad – Surrounds the kneecap to center it for stability.
  • Wedge-shaped Hoffa soft pads – Two pressure points on the pad relieve strain on the area below the knee, which can frequently cause pain.
GenuTrain S hinged knee brace for running after an ACL surgery

GenuTrain S Hinged Knee brace

An active knee brace designed especially for active seniors who need support of complex, chronic arthritic knee pain.

$289.95 - Buy here

The hinged knee brace was engineered using Bauerfeind’s gradient compression, lateral joint splints and a viscoelastic pad to provide active protection of the knee.

The joint splints guide the knee, providing lateral movement support while keeping the area stable. This improves sensorimotor function for maximum movement control.

  • Three-dimensional fabric – Automatically conforms to the body’s natural shape for ideal fit and optimal joint stabilisation.
  • Adjustable straps – Lets you control the amount of pressure for a better fit and right amount of support
  • Joint side bars – Straps connect directly to side bars for superior stability in the knee and surrounding area.
  • Viscoelastic pads – Provides a massage effect during movement.
  • Soft knit fabric – Breathable knit is comfortable to wear and keeps moisture away from the body.

CAN I WALK WITH A TORN ACL?

Many people with a torn meniscus or ACL can walk and complete daily exercises with no major restrictions. It is important to see a medical specialist to get it treated right away so you can resume pain-free normal activity as soon as possible.

 

HOW TO TREAT PAIN CAUSED BY A TORN ACL?

  • Regularly apply ice packs in the first few days to the affected area to help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Stretching and strengthening exercises, especially for your quadriceps and knee muscles. Your doctor can recommend a physical therapist to escalate your recovery.
  • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications and analgesic may be helpful.
  • Severe or persistent pain should be investigated by your doctor.
  • For more advanced meniscus injuries, surgery may be recommended by your doctor.

    Play it safe: Consult a doctor if you experience unusually intense and persistent knee pain.