I'm nervous about ACL surgery. What will the first week at home be like?

Pain and swelling

The nerve block given during surgery usually wears off within the first day, and pain is then managed with regular tablets. Take them on schedule for the first few days rather than waiting for pain to build.

Swelling peaks in the first days. Lie with the leg raised above the level of your heart, with the heel supported so the knee can straighten. Ice or a cold-compression device for short periods several times a day helps both pain and swelling.

Moving around the house

• Use crutches as shown by the physiotherapist; how much weight you can put through the leg depends on what was done during surgery
• Take stairs one step at a time: the healthy leg leads going up, the operated leg leads going down
• Clear rugs and cables from walkways
• Wear flat shoes with a good grip
• Keep a bottle of water and your phone within reach of where you rest

The exercises that matter most

The main goal in week one is getting the knee fully straight. Your physiotherapist will usually start quadriceps tightening, heel slides, ankle pumps and lying with the heel propped up. Little and often, through the day, works better than one long session.

Ankle pumps also help circulation and lower the risk of blood clots.

Wound care, showers and sleep

Keep the dressing clean and dry until the team tells you otherwise. Shower with a waterproof cover or sit on a shower chair; avoid baths and swimming until the wounds have healed.

Sleep is often disturbed for a few nights. Lying on your back with a pillow under the calf, not under the knee, keeps the knee straight. A short follow-up at Aman Hospital checks the wounds and your progress.