So, you’re thinking about getting back on the trails after an ACL surgery, huh? Been there, done that, and let me tell you, it’s a whole process. Not just a walk in the park, even when you’re literally trying to just walk in a park at first.
The Decision and the Early Days
After my surgery, all I could think about was hiking. It’s my thing, you know? But my knee felt like a stranger. The doc and physio were all about “take it slow,” “listen to your body.” Easier said than done when all you want is to feel that dirt under your boots again. My first few weeks post-op were basically couch, ice, elevate, repeat. Then came the physio exercises. Oh man, those were something else. Just bending my knee felt like a marathon.
I remember trying to go for a proper “walk” around my neighborhood, not even a hike. I was so tentative. Every step felt like I was testing thin ice. It was frustrating. I used to just go, and now I had to think about every single movement.
Baby Steps on the Actual Trails
Once the physio gave me the green light for very light, flat trails, I was ecstatic. And terrified. My first “hike” was probably less than a mile on the flattest, most boring trail I could find. And I was slow. Like, snail slow. I brought my poles, which I hardly ever used before, but they became my best friends. They weren’t just for balance; they were a mental crutch too.
What I focused on:
- Keeping my steps even. It’s easy to favor the good leg.
- Really thinking about how my foot landed.
- Not pushing through any sharp pain. A little ache, okay, but sharp pain meant stop or turn back.
- Celebrating the tiny victories. Made it half a mile without freaking out? Awesome.
Building Up Slowly, So Slowly
This was the grind. Week after week, I’d try to add a little more distance, maybe a tiny bit of incline. Some days were good. I’d feel a bit stronger, a bit more confident. Other days, my knee would be achy, or I’d just feel mentally drained from constantly worrying about it.
I learned to really pay attention. Before, I’d just power through. Now, I had to be super aware of how my knee was feeling, not just during the hike, but the day after too. Swelling? Pain? Those were signals to ease up next time.
My physio was key here. I’d tell them what I did, how it felt, and they’d adjust my exercises or give me tips for the trail. Things like how to manage downhills – man, downhills were the worst at first. So much pressure on the knee.
The Turning Point
I think the real turning point for me was a hike I’d done many times before surgery. It wasn’t super long, maybe three miles, but it had a couple of decent little climbs and some uneven bits. The first time I attempted it post-surgery, I was nervous. I took it super slow, used my poles religiously, and took plenty of breaks.
When I finished it, I almost cried. Not from pain, but from relief and a sense of accomplishment. It wasn’t my fastest time, not by a long shot, but I’d done it. My knee had held up. That was a huge mental boost.
Where I’m At Now
It’s been a while since then. I’m back to doing most of the hikes I love. Am I as gung-ho and reckless as I was before? Probably not. I’m more mindful, more appreciative of what my body can do. I still do my strengthening exercises. I still use poles on trickier terrain sometimes. And I definitely still listen to my knee.
If there’s one thing I learned, it’s patience. It’s a marathon, not a sprint, to get back to hiking after an ACL. You can’t rush it. You gotta put in the work, listen to the pros, and most importantly, listen to that knee. It’ll tell you what it’s ready for. Good luck with your own journey back to the trails!
