• Is my knee healing properly?

I had arthroscopic surgery on my ACL about two weeks ago. My doctor says it is okay to start walking on it without a brace but it feels like it is going to give out when I walk. Is it healing properly?

7 Answers

  • Orthopedist
  • Apple Valley, CA

I advise my patients to use their crutches until they can reliably bear weight without the knee giving way. Most are stable by two weeks but occasionally a patient will need to use them a bit longer.

  • Orthopedic Surgeon (Orthopedist)
  • Salt Lake City, UT

Yes - the instability you are feeling is likely related to the fact that your muscle (quadriceps) group in your thigh is shut down post-surgically. This is extremely common. Just give it time, use crutches if you need to so that you don't fall, and work hard in physical therapy to get your strength back!

  • Orthopedist
  • Oakland, CA

You need to discuss this with your treating Doctor. He/She would know Best.

  • Sports Medicine Specialist | Sports Medicine
  • Mobile, AL

Yes. It feels like it's going to give out because your quad muscle is weak. The quad is weak because of the injury and the surgery. Do straight leg raises 100 times a day for 10 seconds each. This will strengthen your quads.

Hope it helps!!

Dr. Bose

  • Orthopedist
  • Maryville, MO

Yes, it is normal to feel like it is going to give out 2 weeks after surgery due to weakness. That feeling will go away as your leg gets stronger. 

  • Orthopedist
  • New York, NY

Hard to say, but keep icing it and elevating it. If weight-bearing is painful, please consult your surgeon.
Good luck!

  • Orthopedist
  • Alexandria, LA

Two weeks is too early to make an assessment about your knee. It takes approximately 6 to 12 months to fully recover from major knee surgery.

Copyrights © 2021 by TODAY'S NURSE. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy