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ACL Surgery Recovery Must-Haves – Essentials for Post-Op Knee Care and Comfort
Recovering from ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) surgery can be challenging, but having the right tools and support at home can make a huge difference. Whether you’ve just had surgery or are preparing for it, this guide highlights essential items that can help you stay comfortable, reduce pain, and speed up recovery.
Cold Therapy: Ice Packs or Cold Compression Wraps
Using ice is important in the first few weeks to lower swelling and pain. Reusable ice packs or cold wraps made for the knee work well. Choose ones with straps so they stay in place.
Elevation Pillow for Legs
Keeping your leg up helps with swelling and blood flow. A special leg pillow is better than using lots of regular pillows and helps you rest easier.
Knee Brace or Compression Sleeve
Your doctor might ask you to wear a knee brace or sleeve. It gives support and can help with swelling as you start to move more.
Crutches or a Knee Scooter
You’ll likely need help walking for a few weeks. Crutches or a knee scooter are good choices. Look for ones that are comfy and easy to use.
Shower Chair, Waterproof Leg Cover, and Non-Slip Shower Mat
Showering after surgery is tricky. A shower chair lets you sit safely. A waterproof cover keeps your leg dry so your incision stays clean. Adding a non-slip shower mat can also help prevent slips and make the shower safer overall.
Grabber Tool
A grabber stick helps you pick up things from the floor without bending or stretching. It’s very handy in the first days.
Snap Pants/Shorts
Probably my favorite thing on this list. For the first 2 weeks, I was wearing snap-on shorts every day. I couldn't put on normal shorts alone for several days and it's only now becoming easy(ish) again. If you order soon, you'll get them by surgery.
Pill Organizer
Super useful - I started on like 7 different meds taken 4 times a day. I got an organizer with 4 different slots for each day. Especially with the initial brain fog, it was really nice to not think about whether or not I'd taken my meds.
Final Tip:
Follow your doctor’s advice and do your exercises. These simple items can help, but rest and care are the most important parts of healing. Tools like a pill organizer, pain relief items, and entertainment can also make recovery a little less stressful and a bit more manageable — especially when you're stuck in bed or on the couch for long stretches of time.
Click the links in this blog to shop all the recommended recovery items!