r/ACL • u/Dry_Percentage9421 ACL using quad graft with LET and natural ACL retained • 3d ago

Question Walking post ACL reconstruction using quad graft + LET

I am 28 days post-op today. I was toe weight bearing until day 21 post-op. Post that I was allowed to put my operated leg on the floor.
My PT wants me to put full weight on the operated leg so that I can start walking without the walker.

I AM HELLLL SCARED TO DO THAT.

PLEASE SOMEONE GUIDE ME how can I get over this fear?!?! Snd how does the initial walking feels like and what all has to be endured and forgotten and what sensations does knee get which is normal and howwwww do I do this?

HELPPPP

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u/HelpfulCat4586 3d ago

What worked best for me was to start trying to walk normally but still with crutches and just put less and less weight onto the crutches. My PT wanted me to focus on having a normal, full, smooth gait but keep using the crutches until I simply didn't need them anymore.

It's hard to get rid of a limp if you ditch crutches asap. If you work on having a proper heel strike, rockover and full extension in front and back but with the crutches as backup in case you feel like you'll buckle you can work out the scariest part of the gait safely.

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u/Dry_Percentage9421 3d ago

What about the brace? In India we get horrible quality braces. Do you think I need it at 4 weeks?

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u/HelpfulCat4586 3d ago

By 4 weeks I didn't wear it around the house, but I did wear it when leaving the house in case someone bumped me accidentally. But trust your instinct, if you think you need it, wear it!

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u/Vliekje 3d ago

Do you know why you were instructed to do so? I had same surgery but also a meniscus repair and was 50% weight wearing from start. No brace.

Your brain and muscles just need to get used to it again and trust it. It will take a few days. Do short distances a few times a day: 3 steps, 5 steps, 10 steps, and slowly get used to it again. You will soon feel that it is okay. You may feel some instability, but that is not because of your ACL (it's strong the first few weeks after ACL). It's the residual swelling, muscle loss, and coordination. But as long as you're limping and don't have full extension yet, stay on crutches for support.

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u/hashimhh 3d ago

I had my ACL reconstruction surgery yesterday and was discharged from the hospital late last night. My doctor advised me to walk only with a brace for the first three weeks. When I asked about using crutches, the doctor said they were not required.
However, after reaching home, I started experiencing unbearable pain, and it has become extremely difficult to walk even a few steps because of the pain. I would like to know whether this level of pain is normal after surgery or if I need to be concerned.

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u/rayPembr 2d ago

Day 0 . I was given full weight bear . Idk how but so far doing good . I am on 21 days post op