Why haven't I recovered from tearing my ACL?

[Niceguy12]

I'm 22, and when I was 17 I tore my ACL playing basketball. I went to the doctor today and he said that I haven't fully recovered even though I can walk good. Why haven't I recovered It's been 5 years.

[candlewax]

Like others have said- did you have PT?

Also mentioned is the lack of circulation. Ligament tears are the worst because they heal like crap. I had a grade one ankle sprain and I swear, it didn't feel completely normal for another year and that was WITH therapy.

I also was hit in the ribs and damaged the cartilage/muscle tissue. THAT took much longer as well, especially since not much can be done in regard to therapy. That had to have happened...4-5 years ago? They still bother me occasionally when my back muscles are too tight.

So really, it wouldn't be surprising if you didn't have PT or very effective PT involved. Unfortunately, there are doctors out there who kind of shrug off PT after something like that.

Also, did you have corrective surgery to fix the tear?

[Niceguy12]

Yeah I've had surgery, but I'm in physical therapy now until October 1st

[candlewax]

Wow, so you didn't get any PT 5 years ago? That ain't right.

[kdizzleforizzle91]

I had to deal with Carpal Tunnel and Tendonitis when I was 16. Got the surgery at 17, and I'm still not completely back to normal either. I'm almost 21. But I don't see my music career ever coming back. Things happen... freak accidents that normally don't happen can really ruin things, and they don't always get better completely.

[Niceguy12]

I really want to play basketball with my girlfriend, but the doctor said if I don't complete the physical therapy I'll re tear it.

[kdizzleforizzle91]

Then I guess your only choice is to finish the therapy.

[Healer]

The ACL like a of other common sports injuries results from a connective tissue tear. connective tissue such as ligaments and tendons have very poor ciriculation since they have few blood vessels, unlike muscles which are blood rich. when a ligament/tendon is torn completely it will rarely return to its former strength and in most cases will never be that strong again even if its sutured or repaired with surgery. in some cases nuturing the injury with PT, stretching, and gentle exercsie will heal it back to its previous level.

[Yeahhbro]

I know that a raptured ligament would never be the same even after surgery...also you probably don't exercise or do enough physio.

[xoxo98]

My teammate tore her ACL playing soccer in the winter, and she is practically fully recovered now, I think she has about 2 weeks left. Everyone is different, but she has been completely motivated and doing her PT everyday, coming to practices and doing what she can. Maybe you haven't been putting enough effort into your therapy? everyones different, but good luck!

[crazybastard]

you went to the doctor and came back home to ask this question on here?

[Anonymous]

After the surgery, did you do physical theropy to fully heal it? Bc if you didn't, there's your answer.

[Niceguy12]

I'm in physical therapy now

[Opinion Owner]

I tore something in my knee too. And my dr said that if I want it to fully heal I have to go to therapy right away or else I might now be able to bend or straighten it exactly all the way. I think that might be your problem. It can be stuck because you didn't do therapy right away?