Buffalo, New York, native Michael Parentis, MD, practices orthopedic surgery at the WNY Knee and Orthopedic Surgery Group. Working through the group’s offices in Williamsville and Orchard Park, Michael Parentis, MD, treats a range of orthopedic pathologies, including those involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
Swelling in the knee typically characterizes the first couple of weeks following ACL surgery. Patients can reduce this by elevating their leg four to six times daily and applying ice packs. Although movement will be painful, patients are encouraged to extend and otherwise move their knee during this period. Surgeons can provide medication to manage pain, along with specific exercises that patients should do. Depending on how physically demanding an individual’s job is, he or she can return to work within a few days to weeks.
By the second through fourth weeks, individuals can begin putting weight on their knee. A knee brace will still likely be needed during this time, but patients can often stop using crutches after about 10 days. Assuming an individual demonstrates good mobility and muscle function around his or her knee, he or she may also be able to start driving during this period.
Patients must continue their physical therapy sessions to return to normal functionality. In most cases, regular physical activity can be resumed by around two to six months after surgery. However, it can take up to a year for some patients to recover fully from ACL surgery.
