Sunday, February 3, 2013

Football Players after an ACL Tear

Being a football player, one of the first thing I did after confirmation of the need for surgery was to look for professional football players who have undergone an ACL reconstruction. Surprisingly, this information wasn't easy to find. It took me a lot of googling to make a comprehensive list.

I knew that Michael Owen had an ACL tear. He ruptured his ACL in the 2006 world cup. Unfortunately for him, that was the start of a string of other injury problems. But it's worth noting that none of his other injuries concern the ACL.

I think one of the best examples one could look to is that of the Italian, the world cup winning former Juventus playmaker Alessandro Del Piero.

Alessandro Del Piero in action for Juventus
When asked recently, about how long he intends to play football, this is what he had to say: “How long do I want to play on for? Up to the age of 40. [My physique] changed on November 8, 1998 [Just a day before his 24th birthday, he suffered an ACL tear]. I was out for 12 months, four on crutches. It changed my career and made me a better player. Before it I was a tough guy, fast, technically good, still only on instinct. After I was able to tame it too and am more balanced."

We know that he had a good career after his return. He holds a host of records for Juventus, including that of the club's top scorer and the most appearances for Juventus. He's currently playing for Sydney FC.

Another illustrious Italian who makes this list is none other than Roberto Baggio.

Roberto Baggio
He tore tore his ACL late on in his career and made an astonishingly quick recovery in 76 days! Despite making a swift recovery, he was left out of the squad that went to the 2002 world cup, which saw Italy eliminated by South Korea in the pre-quarters.

Having seen the case of two second strikers, let's look at two of English Premier League's most prolific strikers. Indeed, the Premier League's top goal scorer himself had a ruptured ACL! Yes, Alan Shearer, in his early days at Blackburn Rovers snapped his right ACL in 1992.

Alan Shearer...his trademark calebration
Well, I don't think I have to add any more to this. The injury did no harm to the abilities of this classic English centre-forward as he went on to become the Premier League's top goal scorer with 283 goals in 559 appearances.

Now here's one striker most Arsenal fans will hate: Ruud van Nistelrooy! When it looked all set for van Nistelrooy to complete a move to Manchester United from PSV Eindhoven in the summer of 2000, he ruptured his ACL in training and the move was axed. Later on in April 2001, he did make the move to Manchester United.
Ruud van Nistelrooy
He spent 5 seasons as a Red Devil, during which he amassed 150 goals in 220 appearances. With 38 goals, he is also the club's all-time European top goalscorer. Well, he did miss a penalty against Arsenal in our Invincible season! Late on in the game with the score at 0-0, he had the chance to win the game for United. His penalty struck the post, and the rest, it's all history! Arsenal finished the season unbeaten!

One of the integral members of the Invincible Arsenal squad was the graceful, delightful midfielder Robert Pires. Hardly has the Premier League seen a player with an exquisite touch and extraordinary vision such as Pires's. He was the embodiment of Arsenal's quality and free flowing football.

Robert Pires, recovering from an ACL reconstruction!
Pires arrived at Arsenal in 2000 and endured a difficult first season. However, in his very next season, Robert Pires became a very influential player. In a season which saw Arsenal win the double (the Premier League and F.A Cup), Pires was the top assist maker in the League and was voted FWA footballer of the year and Arsenal's player of the season. All this despite missing out the last two months with an ACL tear! This picture above sums up everything about Robert Pires that season! He made a comeback from his injury the following season and initially found it tough. But eventually, he returned to form and scored the lone goal in the FA Cup final against Southampton. Again in the next season, which was Arsenal's Invincible season, Pires went on to play a crucial part. He, along with Henry, scored a combined 57 goals, and some of those were sumptuous, like the winner against Liverpool at Anfield.

The current Arsenal pass master, Mikel Arteta, too had an ACL tear during his time at Everton.
Current Arsenal vice-captain, Mikel Arteta

The Arsenal vice-captain tore his ACL in Feb '09 and returned to action in Jan '10. He is currently one of Arsenal's and the Premier League's best and top passer.

Other notable players with an ACL reconstruction include Anderson, Phi Jagielka, Nemanja Vidic, Robbie Fowler, Joe Cole, Luis Garcia, Giuseppe Rossi...the list can go on! If you have a need to know who else from the Premier League is currently on the ACL treatment table, you can find it here, on the physioroom website.

We don't need evidence more than these to be convinced that an ACL tear cannot ruin one's quality. Although it takes is a lot of patience and work at the gym during the rehab period, it can only make one stronger. It has been just over a couple of months now, since I had the reconstruction surgery. I've made good progress in the gym so far. Everyday, as I go to work and return home, I pass by Madhavan Park, which is where I've played most of my football in the past two years, and I see people playing football. I know, that in a few months time, I'll be one among them, playing at a level higher than before.

122 comments:

  1. I tore my ACL in November 2010 but it was miss-diagnosed so I only got it repaired in july 2012, i started playing 5 a side football in February 2013 at first it was scary making sharp turns but the more you play the more confident you feel with your knee, so its so far so good for me. I think mark overmars and roy keane tore theirs too.

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    1. Congratulations SeanKinsella1991, and good luck! Thanks as well, for the two more names.

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  2. Done my ACL a week ago. I've been on top of things since. Went to my doctor the next day, got an MRI the following day. Got the news the next day that it was a subacute complete tear of the ACL. Any advice on my next move, surgery, rehabilitation, exercises.
    Any tips or tricks would be very much appreciated. Want to get back playing as soon as possible.

    Thanks, Graeme.

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  3. Ouch..Sorry to hear that. Tore mine in February (2013) got surgery on May 1st.
    It's been 6 months now (tough, hard working 6 months with lots of exercice and tons of PT) and I feel a lot better. Running and cycling, jumping taking lateral supports, I hope to start re-playing soccer without contact sometimes in the next 2 weeks.
    Basically, I'd like to play again for real for 2014, which means 8 months after surgery.
    So far so good, but I keep my fingers crossed I still have a long way to go, I definetely need to become more confident with my new knee and build more muscle (quacdriceps and hamstring where the transplant was taken).
    If you have any questions, I can try to help with my experience for what it's worth :)

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    1. I tore my acl a week ago and I am an MMA fighter , I dont want to opt for surgery can I get back to what I was just with rehab and physio ?

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  4. Hi,
    I am 51 years old and snapped my ACL playing football 22 years ago about the same time as Paul Lake from Man City did his. He and I both had the old Dacron ACL grafts. His failed on his first game back so I new mine was unlikely to last and it didn't snapping about 18 months post op. In October 2013 I had the hamstring graft ACL and both meniscus trimmed. Rehab is going well, the operation sooooo much easier with less pain than the first operation. The first op was in a splint for 6 weeks. These days your up and about in days, walking without crutches in a couple of weeks.
    Many thanks for this article - it has given me some confidence. My goal is to be able to jog 6 miles at a time, go walking over rough terrain and be able to wade into rivers and fish for Bass. Football, squash and tennis - forget it, just be glad to run and fish.
    Cheers all,
    Paul.

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    1. Cheers Paul! I'm glad my article could help.

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    2. And good luck :) I'm sure you'll achieve your target!

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  5. I tore my Acl on 5th Jan 14 while playing cricket, and Mri report confirmed it.doctors told me they can't operate on it till 6 weeks. so waiting for my surgery and hopefully will be back soon more stronger and fitter. I was a bit depressed but having known all this big stars names who are still continuing gave me a lot of moti vation.thanks for the article.

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  6. Guess you would've had your surgery by now. Hope all went well. With a good lot of rehab, you will be back. I haven't continued the blog, but I'm back on the field playing at my best. You'll be no different! Cheers!

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  7. My son tore his ACL and meniscus in late April 2013. Five months after surgery he was allowed to jog and run straight, After six month he was allowed to cut, After seven months he was allowed to scrimmage with restriction (light contact). After eight months he was cleared to play without restrictions. After nine months and learning how to jump and run again to prevent injury, he seems quicker and looks more graceful on the pitch. I saw him in practice the other day and tears came to my eyes. This boy that I raised to play the beautiful game was given a second chance. This boy is sixteen years old. I am grateful to medicine and my heart goes out to athletes who are forced to go through the rigor of rehabilitation and test their passion to play again. It takes courage, patience, faith, passion and a positive attitude to beat it. Great blog. Thank you.

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    1. I feel like crying just reading your comments and I really hope he is okay and playing competitvely. I ruptured my ACL at 21 and it's taken a year to have the operation (which is in a week), when you live for sport it's certainly hard.
      Reading this and other comments have certainly hit an emotional trigger for me but in a good way. Definitely nice to read good stories.

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  8. I'm glad for your son. Thanks for sharing his experience! Seeing him play again, I'm sure, was one of the greatest joys of your life.

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  9. I tore my ACL back on March 1st, it was a very weird injury as I had no direct contact or sliding movement, I was covering one of the opponent players with in a normal pace and IT POPPED. From the initial diagnose from both my doc and my PT, they both agreed on a torn ACL. Later on the 12th (which is today), MRI confirmed that. Now, I'm scheduled to undergo an ACL surgery on April 4th.


    I'm sad that I'm going to miss the summer matches and all exciting football times, but I'll work hard to get back. Thanks to your article


    Roberto Baggio recovery time deserves more investigation, 76 days as oppose to more than 10 months. Needs deeper look for sure

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    1. Mansour I hope your surgery went well. Make sure you are diligent with physical therapy and be patient. Don't rush back, football will still be there waiting for you to enjoy the rest of your life..

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  10. Hmmm...tough luck...but hey, all the best now!

    Yeah, Baggio was back surprisingly quickly. Even Essien recovered soon, but it did take him around 5 months.

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  11. Mansour, good luck bro. I've just had my surgery on the 4th of march, exactly a month before yours. Now, I do improved alot.
    Thanks to the author for this so encouraging info. I'm 29 and definitely will work to my best to get back to football.

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    1. Good job, Faris. Make sure to do your physical therapy to focus getting back your flexibility, range, and strength. You will be kicking and running before the end of the year.

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  12. I'm glad I could help. All the best, faris!

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  13. I was looking for footballers who went through ACL reconstruction to give my son some inspiration - he's 9 and tore both his ACL and MCL and is having Physeal-Sparing ACL Reconstruction with an Iliotibial Band graft on May 5th at Children's Hospital in Boston. He's too young for the traditional ACL reconstruction, they can't drill into the growth plate so this is a complex procedure but does have a promising prognosis.

    He's devastated of course, especially considering he's an elite U10 goalkeeper and was just awarded his black belt in Taekwondo before his injury - he's one of the youngest black belts in the US. I suppose if there is a kid who can handle this with courage and class it's him, but so unfortunate and breaks my heart because he doesn't know how excruciating the recovery process will be.

    A few days after my son's injury Kevin Strootman tore his ACL, and my son is a Romanista so he took that especially hard, then to see a fellow keeper in Victor Valdes go down, it is a lot for a 9 yr old to grasp. We've been watching YouTube videos of the pediatric procedure, he is very analytical and understanding the science behind the surgery is helping him make sense of what he is about to go through.

    I told him about Baggio and Del Piero (I've been a Juventino since 1982 when Marco Tardelli scored vs West Germany) but I didn't know about Shearer and van Nistelrooy. Falcao is grinding his rehab out as we speak, and of course Beppe Rossi should play a key role for La Nazionale in Brazil.

    Anyway we are remaining positive, and an article like this will contribute in the healing process, so thank you Upendra.

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    1. I'm sad for your son, David, that such a promising athlete at such a young age should suffer an injury like this. I'm glad the prognosis is positive though! Going by the way you're preparing him, it seems like your son has a very pragmatic and positive minded father. All the best to your son and you. I would like to hear again from you, saying he's playing again with glee on his face :) And if this post has helped even a shred, I'm very happy. Cheers!

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  14. I lost my left ACL on 26/10/2013, it was really hurt at that moment. Still waiting for my surgery after more than 6 months.
    Really upset, but nothing will decrease my confidence to get back to football.
    Great guy usually bears much more pain than others.
    Happiness from football normally includes tears and blood, isn't it?

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  15. i tore my acl and my meniscus june 2013 when my foot got stuck in turf while playing football then had the surgery the next month. after months and months of physical therapy i found out through an mri i had more meniscus tears so going to go for surgery in june now.. just hate not being able to play football . its the worst feeling ever

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    1. That's just so unfortunate...I'm sure you have enough in you to rise to the challenge. All the best!

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  16. I tore my acl on april 18th about 20 seconds into a final had my surgury yesterday and can't wait to start the process off getting myself back playing football this list gives me confidence that I will come back stronger than ever !

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  17. I had a new ACL graft 2 months ago, after a full tear rupture of my right ACL Pre-season last year. Good luck to everyone who is waiting to have a operation or recovering. if you're in the recovery process any good links to training would be great help? Am doing physio every 2 weeks and itching to run (straight lines) as have full flex and strength back working on balance which seems steady. Whats a realist date for returning to playing football? was thinking march time?

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  18. ACL injuries or athletes who we feel are at a high risk for any knee injury, we try to incorporate specific plyometric exercises and sports specific agility drills into their therapy. I feel maintaining a good quadriceps to hamstring ratio is the best way to ensure a safe return to sports as well as preventing further injury.  anterior cruciate ligament

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  19. The stories of famous football players recovering quickly from ACL tears must be very motivating for other football players with the same injury. It indicates that this injury is not the end of a football career.

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  20. Thanks for this very useful info you have provided us. I will bookmark this for future reference and refer it to my friends. More power to your blog. ACL tear

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  21. Great article- It's a motivation to know that professional footballers can come back even stronger after an ACL tear.

    I tore my ACL playing football with a massive hangover in february (Lesson 1: never do that again). My doctor told me, that it was possible to get fit for football just by strengthening the muscles around my knee. I went for fysiotherapy 4 times a week for 4 months and I gradually got better. I startet practicing football with no contact in august and I slowly started to trust my knee again. In late september I attended a match as a substitute. I played like 20 minutes and then it felt like my knee torn apart in a sharp turn. (Lesson 2: I wist I got surgery right away)

    Anyway i'm having surgery on December 8th and it's very encouraging to hear all the positive stories. Good luck and go gunners ;)

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  22. Really glad to know that this article has helped you guys in some way. Hope all of you recover well and get back to playing the game we love! Cheers everyone!

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  23. I'm 24-years-old. I had my right ACL torn, meniscus ruptured, and bone fractured during the first 10 minutes of a football game back in mid April, and I had the surgery around 45 days later. The incident happened when I was running quickly after a ball passed to me, to save it from going out, shot it (with my right leg) while jumping, and then landed with my right leg fully stretched, causing an irregular twist at the knee.
    I regret the fact that I did not warm up before the game (in fact, I never warmed up seriously enough before any game, which is why I doubt that this might be a reason behind the injury. But it could be a factor however).
    I have been undergoing physiotherapy for around a month now after the surgery. I'm able to walk without crutches with somewhat-good stability, climb stairs up and down, and bend my leg between 0 degrees and 100 degrees.
    My right leg hamstring and quadriceps (thigh muscles) were in a very good shape and status before the injury. Now, they are very tiny and weak (its very funny how different in size my 2 thighs look hehehe). So now I'm in the state of bringing them back, which can take a year or more.
    Thanks a lot Upendra for this encouraging piece of work. Before reading it, I was seriously considering forgetting about football for the rest of my life.
    I have also read all the comments on this article, and they as well helped me reconsider my thoughts.
    Keep it up everybody, and stay fit. Long live sports! Long live football!

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  25. Hey Guys I recently ruptured my acl playing for blackpool football club i carried on playing for a few weeks before realising that i was in discomfort, i signed for perth in australia and i am 13 weeks post op today started a good phase in my rehab jogging around the field again with my football boots on its a great feeling wish everyone the best

    twitter me for some advice @conorready9 i will reply to all good luck guys

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  26. Cheers, Rida! And good luck.
    Good luck to you too, Conor!
    Cheers and thanks to everyone who has posted here. I'm sure experiences of normal people (read as non-athletes) is more easy to relate to, for most of us.

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  27. hey guys i have recently torn some of my acl im getting a surgery and im very scared any tips ?

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  28. Ghazi, Ice, ice and ice for the first 4 weeks, 5 times per day. Work on getting your leg straight. Be patient and treat your leg like glass for 3 months, don't do risky stuff in this time, your leg is weak and your graft is not at full strength so take it easy avoid re injury and build your muscles in a systematic way as advised by your physio.

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    1. Guys, been reading your posts on this blog and felt that my story would be worth sharing. I ruptured my left ACL playing soccer in 2005, following mis diagnosis (twisted ligaments) and 18 wasted months, I finally was diagnosed correctly and had a hamstring graft to repair my knee. While the specialist was repairing my ACL, he also repaired meniscus and fished out some pieces of broken bone. Almost 2 years later I returned to competitive action.

      I played on without complication for the next 5 years when unfortunately I ruptured my other ACL, again playing soccer. I knew straight away what had happened and managed to see the specialist within weeks and had the hamstring graft 4 months post injury. Pre surgery, as soon as the swelling went down I started hitting miles on my road bike as I knew making my quad muscles as strong as possible would greatly aid my rehabilitation. This time around my PT went really well, therapist said having managed to keep muscle wastage in my leg to a minimum helped greatly and I was back playing 10 months post op.

      My style of play has changed but I'm still playing once a week and at almost 40 years old, that'll do me nicely!!!

      Just wanted to encourage you all that if I can do it anyone can just put in the hard work during PT.

      Good luck to everyone going through rehabilitation or waiting on surgery at the moment, keep your head up and give the PT all you can.



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  29. Ghazi, like Abid says, listen to your physio and remember that is very important to recovery. I hope all the stories here have reduced your fear. All the best!

    And Big G, cheers! Must have been tough to come through ACL ruptures on both legs.

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  30. My 14 years old son tore his ACL on 4th Sept during a game of soccer while he was running. He is a very talented and skillful player for his age and was suppose to go for trials in Europe by the end of year to enter the professional world of soccer. He was completely devasted to hear about his injury but he has not given up on his dreams of being a professional player.

    We were informed by our doctors that he would require a reconstructive surgery once the swelling subsides but we are afraid since he is young and his growth plates are still open and this surgery could hurt his growth. Then we went to India where a sports Doctor gave us a hope of recovery without surgery with first month to do his given physio excercises and 2 hrs of ice to be applied daily. After the swelling and pain has gone then he will give some gym excercises for strenthing his leg muscles similar to those when a surgery is performed but this only for 2 months.

    Then after this to start touching the ball with gradually passing, kicking, running etc. We are yet to talk with the Doctor to know the second stage of gym excercises but I am very confused father and would like to know if this is the best and right course of action. Especially when I read that all of them including the professional soccer or football players have done a reconstructive surgery with 6 to 9 months to recovery.

    Please guys help me to make a right decision as soccer is my sons life. He has been a very sporty boy all his life and then for me to see him not play any sports especially his soccer make me very sad. Just for info earlier to this injury he was out for 7months due to back injury when kicked in his lower back during a game. Inspite of all this his confidence is still intact. Thank you !!!

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    1. It must have been a big blow. I hope you have made the right decision. All the best!

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  31. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am impressed from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..thanks for shared this with us.

    Hand Injury CT & Sport Injury CT

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  32. Hi I just wanted to share my thoughts on my road, I suffered acl tear 2011 had the surgery March 2012, and I've managed to come back to football and I play more technical now as del peiro said. But yeah just ensure you pay attention to the rehab and also what your body tells you, everyone recovers differently be patient work hard and you will come back stronger. Good luck to you all. Ps great forum

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  33. Hi I just wanted to share my thoughts on my road, I suffered acl tear 2011 had the surgery March 2012, and I've managed to come back to football and I play more technical now as del peiro said. But yeah just ensure you pay attention to the rehab and also what your body tells you, everyone recovers differently be patient work hard and you will come back stronger. Good luck to you all. Ps great forum

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  34. Hi I just wanted to share my thoughts on my road, I suffered acl tear 2011 had the surgery March 2012, and I've managed to come back to football and I play more technical now as del peiro said. But yeah just ensure you pay attention to the rehab and also what your body tells you, everyone recovers differently be patient work hard and you will come back stronger. Good luck to you all. Ps great forum

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  35. Yeah, we made a decision and he underwent a reconstructive surgery for ACL and also meniscus repair since he damaged that too during the waiting process. The surgery was performed on 21st Dec 2015 and he is in his 3rd week only but the surgery was successful according to the surgeon in HK. I believe he has a long process to recovery. In the meanwhile, we are all praying that he comes back stronger and better than before and able to continue his dreams ! Once again I would like to thank the creator of this page. God bless you all !

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    1. Good to know that the surgery was successful. Wishes for your son to embark and conquer the road to recovery and emerge stronger! Cheers, Fred. And thank you!

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  36. Can you Help me?
    I am football player I had before two months a acl injury over 50% (not a fully tear) I hadn't any pain my quadriceps are strong I can run and I can lift a lot of weights. But I want to be pro ... So I have to go for surgery or to do physiotherapies to strength my knee?

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    1. It is best to consult a physiotherapist and a surgeon and consider both their opinions. They are best placed to evaluate the extent of the injury. All the best, Toni!

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  37. I got my ACL injured when I was 19 I managed to survive with the immense knowledge and help I was able to find online. ACL injury can be career threatening so we all should take care of it and get it treated properly

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  38. I torn my ACL in August last year playing football it's been a hard couple of months.I'm finally going into surgery in 2 days and reading this post and everybody else's feedback it gives me confidence and hope in a successful recovery.

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  39. Thank you for this article.
    I'm going to have a ACL operation soon.

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    1. All the best! Best wishes for a strong recovery.

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  40. Im going to have my ACL reconstruction in few days .. I tore my acl while playing a football match.. I was really depressed but thanks for the motivation .. Great blog ! I will come up stronger.

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    1. I have one question-
      How is the anaesthesia given to the patient generally for 20-25 years old for the ACL surgery?

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    2. I was administered epidural anesthesia, i.e., anesthesia at the spine which only numbed my legs. I was able to stay awake throughout the surgery. All the best, Tejas. Cheers!

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    3. Thank you brother 👍🏻

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  41. Complete rupture of ACL, partial tear of medial ligament and torn left-side of meniscus. All in left knee as I was volleying with my right. Lower leg felt like it was hanging off! That was July 2015. Surgery January 2016. Had bad bleed into calf due to hamstring graft. Very painful for weeks but now on track with recovery. Had quads and hamstring strength tests last week and a fair way to go but getting there. I'm going to leave it a year i think but I am old...43! Got snowboarding to get back to as well.

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    1. Ouch! Sounds painful. Glad to know you're on track. All the best for a full recovery!

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  42. This article just boosted me up! Torn my ACL while skiing down a slipery slope this january and getting my opération done in june. Learning that these guys got back to playing football in such a short time helps me realise that i can be fit and fine by august if i work out properly!

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    1. Hey, June to August sounds like a short time! These are professionals whose only work would be to get fit after the surgery. And even then, 3 months is a very short duration. One should also keep in mind that the recovery pattern will be different for everyone. Do listen to your surgeon and physio. Take your time to recover and then get back to skiing. Cheers!

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  43. Great blog mate!! Thanks for the the shared info on pro footballers returning back to professional football and doing really well. I have had my ACL reconstruction done a couple of weeks ago and hoping to get back better and stronger than before. Blogs like these definately infuse the motivation which is immensely needed during the road to recovery!!

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    1. Cheers, Ashwin! All the best for a full recovery.

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  44. Hi JogaBonito after reading your sons story I too became very emotional as I am also a father of my now 16 years old son who had and ACL Reconstruction and mensiscus repair ovn 21st Dec 2015. His recovery was going very well according to both the surgeon and the PT. Then on 9th May just 4.5 months into his recovery his doctor and PT being happy with his performance suggested him to try sideways skipping and hopping. He was asked to do this 2 routines of 3 repetitions 50 each time continuously for 300 times and then 5 minutes on the balancing ball. During his routine he felt little pain but still continued and finished it. After walking out from there he suddenly felt a pop and pain and could not walk the same as before. The knee swelled up that night and after doing the MRI on doctors suggestion found out that his meniscus had torn more severely than before. He was doing his PT and lot of cycling and leg press in the gym and did everything according to protocol but still this set back. I am more devasted than him but now he is going to have another arthroscopy to fix his meniscus on 13th June. He is very determined and not lost his confidence and says will come back because football is his life and cannot live with the sport. Please could you help me to understand your sons full recovery as the symptoms or injury were the same. Thank you and appreciate.

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    1. That's so desperately unlucky, Fred. I'm very sorry. Maybe consult another PT too this time? I think the attitude of your son is marvelous. To continue to stay confident at a tender age is not easy. I'm sure that this is a testament not just to his qualities, but also to the way you've brought him up. Cheers, Fred! I'm sure you will be the pillar that he needs. All the best :)

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  45. Hi , I had ACL surgery for my right knee 4 years ago and soon I will get soon another one for my left knee. So I have great experience about ACL. It's not much related your body's physical condition. It's more related what boots and pitch you playing in. And make sure you perform at least a year rehabilitation program and correct your posture before high level activity or returning the game. I will play football even I rapture it 3 times. I love the game :)

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    1. Glad to know that you love the game and will continue playing. I sincerely hope you won't have a third rupture though!

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  46. I ruptured my ACL in October 2015 and had to wait a while until April the 20th to get my surgery done, it's looking good I've been doing extensive physio rehab and I will be back playing at high level again more balance, agile and strOngar than before. I would like to say take your time though with post op recovery because I was making excellent progress and had a set back when I was painting due to very quick movements because I felt on top of the world as I could jog jump and move. I can wait to play football again. I will be back better than ever. Thanks so much this article is very inspiring!

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    1. Nice to see the optimism! Good luck with your recovery!

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  47. I ruptured my ACL in October 2015 and had to wait a while until April the 20th to get my surgery done, it's looking good I've been doing extensive physio rehab and I will be back playing at high level again more balance, agile and strOngar than before. I would like to say take your time though with post op recovery because I was making excellent progress and had a set back when I was painting due to very quick movements because I felt on top of the world as I could jog jump and move. I can wait to play football again. I will be back better than ever. Thanks so much this article is very inspiring!

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  48. Thanks upendra.I underwent my acl surgery yesterday.Amidst all the pain your article helps me keep going.I want to recover as soon as possible.
    Regards
    Susmit.
    (P.S I am on bed now unable to sleep because of the pain)

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    1. Glad that the article helped, Susmit :) I'm sure you'll be back, tougher than before. All the best!

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  49. Thanks upendra.I underwent my acl surgery yesterday.Amidst all the pain your article helps me keep going.I want to recover as soon as possible.
    Regards
    Susmit.
    (P.S I am on bed now unable to sleep because of the pain)

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  50. Thank you for this post Upendra! Back in early June, I fully tore my ACL and partially tore my meniscus in my right knee playing indoor soccer. Was sprinting downfield as someone played me a through ball, then tried to slow down for the ball w/ my right knee fully extended on landing. Felt a pop immediately and was unable to walk for the next 20 minutes.

    I'm planning to have the surgery in early October. I was advised to go w/ the hamstring graft since I'm under 30 (I'm 28), but I know each surgeon has their own opinion/preferred method. I'm hoping to get a second opinion and start the pre-surgery rehab soon. For now, I'm hitting the stationery bike three days a week.

    Sending positive vibes to everyone!

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    1. Cheers Joey! Best wishes for a complete recovery!

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  51. 3 month back I got my right legg legamebt damage of acl...now I can walk ..but I can't run and twist suddenly...is anything wrong in my leg or its taking time to recover..pls suggest me...

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    1. Doctor says u need operation is it required. .?

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    2. Doctor says u need operation is it required. .?

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    3. Hey Swaroop, please do not rely on the internet for opinions on matters which require an expert's understanding. Do consult different orthopedics and physiotherapists before coming to a decision. All the best!

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  52. I was an avid runner, used to work out a lot. Had a motorcycle accident, it's complete weight fell on my knee, and the ACl and PCL took partial tears. But the doctors here won't do a surgery, citing I am overweight. I'm around 100 kilos and 5'11 tall. Before the accident I was around 85 kilos. Due to limited mobility, my weight went up. The docs ask me to reduce my weight, if they want to do the surgery. I can't reduce my weight without running, jogging, working out.Its very difficult for my body type to reduce by just starving. So, basically they made a lame excuse, by linking up the weight issues with the surgery. Hopefully, I find a doctor who could have a different perspective on this

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    1. Hey Nishanth, have you consulted physios as well? Partial tears may not require a surgery. And it is possible to reduce weight by doing some core workout. Please consult physios who can guide you through this.

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  53. Hey this article is great, I'm currently 7 days post op on my second ACL surgery my surgeon opted for a artificil (LARS ligament) this time. Had the hamstring graft for my last ACL repair.

    I'm looking forward to getting the swelling down and to start making some muscle gain within my quads again! My passion was football and I'm hoping to play again but if I tare the acl again after I recover from this I'll probably have to leave football behind :(

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    1. I honestly hope that you don't tear it again. Best wishes for a complete recovery! Take care, Shaun.

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  54. I'm looking for an ACL specialist. A doctor that helped these athletes as I have had terrible advice from doctors in England and Brazil. Nobody seems to be able to help my knee. My ACL is completely torn. I have strengthened the muscles in my leg but my knee is constantly giving way and I can feel my knee crumbling away each time and becoming weaker and weaker. I have had my problem for 8 years. I'm 30 and would rather not have a plastic knee at such a young age. If someone could point me to a doctor who knows about this injury and who will give sound advice and surgery then please let me know.

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    1. I hope you find the right doc. All the best, Jody!

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  55. Hey Jody King, I am 6 weeks post op. I went with a local surgeon but had been recommended Professor Chea at Springfield Hospital, Essex. He is meant to be the expert, check him out. All the best

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  56. thank you so much! will contact him! :)

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  57. Hi all, I ruptured my ACL in March 2016, had the hamstring graft operation a month later at the end of April. Nothing could have prepared me for the long rehabilitation process that I have been through since then! I am now nearly 7 months post op and am running normally and able to cut and turn carefully. I am also starting to do some non-contact football drills and passing to get some more specific muscle memory back.
    A few bits of advice I wish I'd been told:
    Don't rush the rehab and try to play sport too quickly!
    Get a good physio that has treated ACL rehab before, this made a huuuge difference for me.
    Make sure you stay motivated to do the exercises that the physio give you! There's a lot of strengthening of the hamstring, quads and calves that needs to be done.
    Ice is your new best friend, I ice my knee after every time I do exercise or rehab, which is 6 times a week! This helps keeping any fluid out of the knee which can cause further injury.
    Good luck!

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    1. Also feel free to ask any questions! I will get a notification if you reply here and I'll do my best to help.

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  58. Hello. I had an ACL injury in late December and i fully torn it. I was sprinting for a ball and got pushed in the back and landed heavily on my left knee ehile it was extended and it made a really painful pop. I went to see a doctor and I was diagnosed January 4th and i got my operation on January 6th i don't know if it was too soon for an operation but I couldn't fully extend my knee so I decided to go for it and I didn't expect it to be this painful.
    I had alot of support from friends but the guy who pushed me never even apologized which I don't really care about. The past year was major for me as I had put in the work to perform alot better and I was named for my Uni team and then this happened, at first i though that I'm gonna stop playing but after I read this I realized that I can't live without football and no injury is going to keep me away from the game I live for. By the way the first 2 days i couldn't stand up or move my leg at all, yesterday I stood up for a couple of seconds went to the bathroom with crutches and whe I went back on the bed the pain was really immense but I'm not giving up for anything and today I'm about to stand up more. This article really helped me the comments are very motivating I wish everybody a speedy recovery!!

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    1. I'm really glad that you're keeping the spirit alive! Please take your time with the recovery and don't rush it. Having said that, I still wish you a quick recovery. All the best!

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    2. Thank you so much for the feedback, a reply means alot to me and I found out that writing everything down makes it somewhat easier on me. Writing all my progress and taking pictures of my foot during the process is helping alot mentally
      It's been a couple of weeks and I make progress slowly but surely. Just feeling some numbness in my toes I'm not sure why is that.

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    3. I'm glad documenting is helping you mentally :) Try to pick up a new hobby in this period! Whatever issue you have, do consult with your surgeon.

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  59. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  60. Nothing cannot fix a torn ligament. The torn ligament is replaced with a graft in surgery.

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  61. this topic is interesting. This information is very useful to me. I hope there will be many articles or like this article. Thank you for sharing. IPL Season 10

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  62. Having a tear in the ACL or the Anterior Cruciate Ligament is one of the worst things that could happen to an athlete. The ACL is one of the major ligaments in the knee and if it is torn, the knee would give out. ACL tear is an injury that is usually acquired by athletes. Sports such as football, basketball, volleyball and tennis could incur extreme stress in the ACL. That is why a torn ACL is common to athletes playing those types of sports.

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  63. Tore my ACL on the 23rd of April 2017 during a football match In Frankfurt. I was trying to win the ball and popped my knee. Having my operation on the 28th of June. I am knew here in Frankfurt and I just got my Player pass and played my fourth match before it happened. It is frustrating because I did pretty well and everyone were happy with the way I played. Nevertheless, I am going to come back stronger because I love this game. BTW thank you for your great article. It helps a lot

    Melino

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    1. That's disappointing, Melino. I'm sure you will bounce back! All the best for the surgery and recovery.

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    2. Thanks. Turned out, I only got operated in August because I had slight problem with my Insurance and the Insurance from the Club. Anyway it has been almost 4 months since the operation and I feel really good about my knee. Hope to slowly train with the team in few months time. The muscles look good too and the PT has allowed me to do jogging and hit the gym. I cant wait to play again.

      cheers!

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    3. Sounds great! Cheers for the hard work :)

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  64. Hello Everyone!

    Tore my ACL on on June 5th, and I am getting surgery on July 13th. I appreciate all of your stories and hope everyone is healing up and getting back on the field! I was curious for those of you in recovery what type of graft you had (hamstring, patella, quadricep, or cadaver)? And how you are feeling about your choices.

    Any and all info would be greatly appreciated! I can't wait to get back to playing and going on this journey with all of you.

    Pat

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    1. Hey Pat. My surgeon used a hamstring graft. I'm perfectly happy with my choice. I think the physiotherapy after the surgery is the most important in full recovery and full recovery is what ultimately gives on satisfaction. All the best for your surgery!

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  65. Hi, I had an ACL rupture 4yrs back which was not diagnosed. Only in 2016 when I tore my meniscus then, they found out that I had an ACL rupture. I got my meniscus trimmed in Aug 2016 and this Tuesday I made surgery to repair my ACL. Today I been discharge from the hospital... the operation was successful, hope my rehabilitation as well....

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  67. Hi guys, I would have never googled this blog out but only for the need of it and as it turns it is a store house of lots of encouragement, fellow feeling and positive vibes for the people with torn/ruptured ACL. As for me, this thing had happened in the month of November, 2015 and I had my operation on the 19th of December, 2015. After a period of 9 months I was allowed to weight train, hit the gym and continue with my usual practice. And it was all going fine till the day before yesterday when I had injured the same knee during a game of football. I visited the clinic today and got an X-ray done. However the suggestions of the physician was not very motivating. According to him, no harm had happened to the ACL as such but I should give up playing football (or any other game of body contact) if I need to sustain my injured knee. Moreover I am not allowed to weight train for the next 2 months and squats for me is a strict no-no, henceforth. I am really not convinced with the remarks of the doctor and I would really like some suggestions over here...

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    1. Hey Chiku, I would suggest that you see a good physiotherapist. If the ACL is intact, I don't see why you should stop playing contact sports. But please don't rely on internet for medical diagnosis. Do consult a physiotherapist. Good luck!

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  69. Hello guys!
    I tore my ACL completely. Doctor has advised to go for a surgery. Am 32 and little scared....will I be normal and play football the same way again?

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    1. Hey there. Like the numerous examples here, professional and amateur, you certainly can play well again. Provided you work on your physio diligently after the surgery. Good luck!

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  70. Good article you have posted. Thanks for sharing. Really very helpful for ACL Reconstruction Surgery in Vikhroli

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  71. Hi guys, I’m 18 and tore the ACL in my right knee during preseason this year. It really affected me mentally because I was set on having an important season where I wanted to get signed at a better club or carry on playing non league football. I had a hamstring graft almost a month ago now and will be starting to intensify my rehab soon by using bikes etc. One thing I took from this is to always practice landing and turning during preseason or if you have not played for a while. In my case I hadn’t played since January due to an MCL tear and despite plenty of running and weights I hadn’t done any turning or landing work. I feel that this greatly contributed towards the likelihood of the injury occurring.

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    1. That's an interesting observation, Edmo. Good luck for full recovery and a great career ahead!

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  72. Not every athlete has a full recovery after ACL surgery, but the odds are good. More than 90 percent of athletes are able to return to their pre-injury level of activity after ACL reconstruction surgery.

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