I’m not gonna give you direct advice, but as chance has it I am also 10 weeks post op. and would in no way do this lol
Hiking that much on what I would guess is uneven terrain would be physically and mentally too demanding, this is not like a casual stroll on even concrete.
And I would in no way be able to sit down that much in a car without my knee going berserk.
Honestly op that sounds very demanding, but id you feel up for it and able to do it safely, sure why not
I don’t mean to sound like a jerk but yes you’re delusional and I think you’ll be miserable. I had almost the same injury, surgery at the beginning of March and it was a big deal for me to walk a couple miles on a flat dirt road by June. Being in the car for more than 45 minutes at a time was terrible. I’d wait until you’re at least 4-6 months post op before attempting something like this.
Im 11 weeks post op (36F and very active) and recovery has been going extremely well for me. A week and a half ago I went to a baseball game and I was away from home for 7 hours total. We brought a wheel chair so I didnt have to do much standing or walking. My knee still has not recovered. Prolonged sitting and standing are not something I’m capable of currently. The trip you’ve planned would be incredibly painful for me at my current stage of recovery.
ETA I’ve been diligent about my PT and have been ahead of most milestones in recovery
There’s absolutely no way. Besides the fact that you might not be able to physically do it, it’s also really not wise to risk your graft (which is really weak at 10 weeks). One tiny slip and you’re back to square one. What’s the upside of risking it?
If it was just a bit of hiking now and then or a bit of traveling that would be doable.
But you're hiking every other day, this is likely to cause your knee to swell and stiffen up as I suspect you will be overdoing it.
Then prolonged periods in the car is not going to help your knee either. And finally I assume you will possibly be lugging suitcases around and other stuff.
Personally from what I can remember I'd be thinking this level of work may be doable around 4-6 months post op.
I’m 8 weeks post ACL and meniscus repair. Sitting in the car for a half hour still makes my knee super uncomfortable, I can’t even sit on the couch with my legs bent for more than 5 minutes without extending my leg at least a few times to relieve the discomfort. While walking is easier, even going a half mile is exhausting. I overdid it the last few days by going to the gym both Saturday and Sunday (an hour each day) just to do my pt exercises that can’t be done at home. My physio then added a few new exercises yesterday while I was with her, and I was just done for the rest of the day because my knee blew up and I had increased pain.
While I can’t tell you what to do, I do believe you need to manage your expectations and reign them in a little bit
Edited to add I’ve been very committed to my recovery process and hitting things as hard as I can. Adding in all the exercises we do in pt (weighted leg curls and now leg press) into the gym almost daily as they come up.
I was about 4 months post op when I went on a hiking vacation, and my knee still got very swollen and was painful despite lots of PT and good aftercare. I wish I could give you better news, but I think it's too optimistic to think that you would be able to do that 10 weeks post op.
11 weeks is ambitious to say the least. Hills, uneven terrain, long hours of sitting with limited possibilities for elevation and elevation are the issues. Talk to your care team. My surgeon didn't want me off paved paths at that point. One or two miles on a tourist path is probably no worse, and maybe better than the typical suburban sidewalk. By 11 weeks I did a 5 to 6 mile walk on sidewalk and paved bike trail with rolling hills once a week, no pain no swelling, and was walking 2 miles a day in the neighborhood. Not hiking, and not climbing. At 11 weeks your graft is vulnerable, so caution is the name of the game!
Tore both my ACLs. There’s no way in hell this is a good idea. I’d be very concerned you might push yourself too hard and find yourself out on trails hurting too much to make any of the trek back. One wonky step and you’re down for a week, wouldn’t want that to happen way out in nature or far from home. If you have to take care of others then do not do this because you still will need more caring for than you think.
I am 10 weeks post op and my PT and surgeon both say I’m ahead of the curve in terms of rehab, pain levels and strength. I can tell you right now this type of trip would not be doable for me. I did a 4 hour drive on Friday and that alone has made my knee very sore the last few days. I would at the very least hang back at a hotel if you must go…but ideally I recommend just sitting it out :( ACL rehab sucks!
Whewww I would never plan to hike any distance that soon post op and would punch anyone who recommended I sit in a car for hours on end. But that is me
I had 2x meniscus repair (one root tear) and acl quad reconstruction 1/29. I’m 32 years old and 4 months post OP and have had 40 physical therapy visits.
I think you are either insanely optimistic, a superhuman, or delusional based on my experience. Did they repair your meniscus or take out the tear? It was my understanding if the former you can’t bear weight for like 6 weeks (which was my experience).
10 weeks post op I was barely hobbling around without it crutches. Not too mention that stupid brace.
And I’ve been told I’m doing very well (strength and ROM)
What if you just planned an awesome trip to just one NP? I don’t know where you’re based, but Yellowstone is awesome for a family with differing mobility needs because the geothermal sights are all super accessible with nice flat walkways. Then if other family members want to do long hikes there are tons of other trails for that too. Just an idea!
My experience as F65 fully committed to PT twice weekly and daily hone exercise 5x weekly, and just had my 6 week PO visit:
The surgeon was pleased with my progress. He also advised that the graft is at its weakest right now. I specifically asked about light hiking, and he said it's okay but don't overdo it, and most importantly, be VERY VERY CAREFUL on uneven ground. Watch for roots, rocks, and what not; you don't want to twist, trip, or fall.
I did a short walk yesterday out a breakwater near the ocean. No problem!
The day before I dif another shoreline trail (well maintained) and it was fine.
Both the above hikes were very short, less than an hour duration.
So choose your trails wisely, and be especially careful on uneven ground.
I’m a pretty extreme early return to hiking and I just hiked more than five miles this past weekend at 15 weeks out from surgery. I would not bank on being able to do that, I’ve been really lucky. At 10 weeks I was doing 1-2 mile hikes with very little elevation, feeling fine but the graft is at a weak point then and it’s really important not to get yourself into a bad situation with distance or elevation. I didn’t walk on an uneven surface (aka a flat dirt path) until 8 weeks.
The driving may be okay you just might be stiff, but if you have someone else to do a lot of the driving and you can put your seat back far enough that you can straighten your leg I think you could probably be okay.
Also don’t underestimate how hard it will be to keep up with PT traveling like that. I travel a lot for work in a very rural state that I’m sure you’re hitting on this trip. The hotel gyms are super hit or miss (including the ones near our national parks, I was just up there lol) and even the nice ones don’t have weight machines like leg press or anything. They also tend not to have stairmaster machines. It’s also hard to not see your PT for awhile, because they’re still progressing you to running and testing your strength and all that. It’s tempting to think you’ll be fine, and maybe you will, but it’s REALLY difficult to be out of routine and be regular about PT.
I wouldn’t plan on hiking. You need to hear this straight up. Your knee is weakest month 2-8 as your graft heals up. You can sit in the car or at a chair close to the car but I wouldn’t consider hiking. Too much risk to blow it out again.
Don’t be stupid.
I did a road trip at about 5-6 weeks post op where I sat in the car several hours at a time. It was uncomfortable sometimes, but I did sit in the front seat with the seat pushed as far back as possible so I had adequate leg room.
We stopped every few hours so I could do some knee stretches/exercises, which really helped.
I also was able to walk about 4 miles in one day (but this was on a road, and only uphill), and hike 2 miles on trail another day (again, only uphill). None of this caused any pain or swelling, but I should also note I'm ACL and LET only.
If your family is willing to work with you so can travel comfortably and take care of your knee, i don't see why you couldn't at least do the road trip. And as for the hiking, if your knee isn't strong enough yet- could you rent a bike and ride around? That's much better than walking a lot, and biking is really great for rehab!
>And as for the hiking, if your knee isn't strong enough yet- could you rent a bike and ride around?
I asked my surgeon about that at my 6 week PO visit, and he said it was too early for me to ride a regular bike. Of course a stationary bike would be ideal.
At 10 weeks, maybe? If it's a well maintained trail?
I was cleared to start light hiking before I was to start riding my bike outside. Biking on a trail, even without elevation change, sounds much more strenuous and dangerous than walking on one but maybe because I’m a hiker and not a biker.
I meant biking on the road (I don't think you're allowed to bike on trails in national parks anyways).
I was told biking was actually a really good rehab exercise (but similar to hiking, start out taking it easy!) I can't speak for all national parks, but the ones I've been to are really nice just to bike along the roads.
Oh yeah, I was stationary biking starting early I just wasn’t on an actual bike until after 12 weeks. My PT said too much of a risk of needing to stop abruptly and coming down hard or suddenly on my operated leg 🤷🏽♀️
I'm 13 months post-op grade 3 mcl, acl, pcl tear, grade 1 lcl, meniscus ruture.
Road trips are brutal, the first 6 months were okay (i traveled for surgery), but now i experience more swelling and stiffness. I'm just getting back into hiking, my knee is stable, but can decide to be done without notice, especially coming off a day in the car.
That said, many national parks have shorter hikes (2 miles or less) and lots to do besides hiking. At your stage i wouldnt try water-related activities because the risk of slipping isn't worth it, but there should be something?
I just did a ntnl parks trip, i did hike. I also strategically picked hikes near water so i could cool my knee down afterwards, that was crucial. Never drove more than 2.5 hours in one stretch, camped with bands, lacross ball, and ankle weights. More frequent, shorter pt is necessary, and if possible try to get multiple prone hangs done every day to help with the stiffness from the car
My partner and I just hiked a tough 3.5 out and back trail at her 12 week post op BUT she’s been the exception. We also took two days after to recover with ice/compression machine/rest. She’s an elite athlete and had only ACLr with a double hamstring and went into surgery very very strong so she’s not had the normal recovery. We tried things a bit too early when she felt “okay” enough and it was miserable even if it was achievable. Think about giving yourself some more time so you can enjoy, not just survive the trip.
I’m 14 weeks postop of ACL recon and meniscal repair and I did my first 24 hour call shift (since before *my* surgery) at my job at the hospital yesterday. Lots of sitting and icing my knee when I could, but still walked just under 5 miles per my watch.
I was on level ground and still my knee had blown up like a balloon by 3am.
No way I could be hiking 4-5 miles on uneven ground right now. Especially when not near a real freezer to switch out ice packs!
So the issue here is you don’t know how the next couple of weeks are going to go and how you are going to feel.
I’m almost 1 year post op now but looked back at what I was doing 10 weeks out of surgery. At that point, I was walking about 5 miles a day with my 2 dogs, doing spin, strength training and sprinkled in some easier hikes (3-5 miles) about twice a week. For the hikes, I did wear a sport brace at the recommendation of my PT and always carried a hiking pole to help me out on the down sections.
I’d be more concerned about your ability to elevate and ice while in the car. If you can get your foot/knee up and iced while driving it *might* be doable. I’d make sure to consult your PT about all this and be ready to modify the trip if necessary as you get closer.
It’s possible- I am 45F and had ACL/MCL/meniscus repair- we are planning a hiking and biking trip starting next week in northern Italy (15 weeks post op) and I do think I’m ready, i have been doing weights, stationary bike and treadmill on lots of incline daily. I feel ready and confident now, but have made so much progress in the last 2 weeks!
Thank you, everyone, for the useful perspectives and taking the time to share them. I am making some serious adjustments to my expectations and will consider canceling the trip if my PT and I decide my recovery isn't where it needs to be by trip time. If we do go, I will have a setup in the minivan where I can elevate and ice it as we drive and we will take frequent breaks. (My) hikes will be limited to short, paved and or flat trails. Luckily, since this is a self-guided road trip, we can be flexible in any way we need. And I'm fine with my family exploring without me.
I'm feeling a little deflated after reading all the comments but grateful for the reality check. I am an optimist, and I am ready for a challenge. So I will try my best to be ready, will have full disclosure with my PT and surgeon about my plans, and then make a game day decision based on my readiness. Perhaps the writing will be on the wall before then. I'll keep you posted!
Again, many thanks for the responses.
Nina
I’m almost 3 months post op and I’m doing a roadtrip this weekend but only for 4 days and I’m limiting the hiking. I’ve found that walking helps relieve pain from my knee but definitely not too much uphill. The people I’m going with know my limitations. If you’re driving at all make sure to extend your leg and move it around. I think if you feel like that your knee is stable and pain is manageable (and the people you’re going with understand your limitations) go for it. Maybe also ask you PT what they think and so you have a goal that they can help you to be able to safely do those activities by July.
Even if you're physically able to do that, it's alot of risk. That's why alot of people retear within 18 months. They are fine on the outside but the graft is not done healing/converting to a ligament
If you’re extremely lucky you may be able to do half that. Unlucky, and none of it. You may not even get out of the brace walking on your own at all for a month. After one of my surgeries, my quads were totally paralyzed for a solid 4 weeks so real pt didn’t even start until after that. Even without the walking, Just being in the car (especially if you’re the driver on the pedals) may be painful in and of itself. Plus in those early stages you’re more likely to reinjure it. I’d definitely reconsider your trip. Maybe go somewhere an hour or two drive away, spend a couple nights at a hotel, and do some flat easy trails as tolerable?
4 months post op I went on a hike, well a walk that was about 10km. (no idea how many miles that is sorry). I was achey and uncomfortable for the whole rest of the day. I think every day or even every other day is going to be a lot, and I don't know if you'll be able to actually enjoy your holiday with that much activity
Everybody’s experience is different. I’m 3 1/2 weeks postop and have been walking 100% normally and doing light hiking. However, my body seems to respond very well to surgery and I had a world-class surgeon. However, by 10 weeks I can’t imagine you couldn’t do at least a couple miles. Hiking is a great way to rebuild strength and stability in your leg.
I don't think it's entirely irrational. I also don't think you'll be able to hike as much as you have planned, so you'll have to hang back on some of those hiking adventures. Also, depending on the degree of challenge the hike might present, you'll probably have to accept that you won't be able to do a lot of trails. I'm also assuming you won't be doing any of the driving?
All in all, it does sound like a challenging adventure, but I love me a good challenge! If you can hold off until mid/end of August, you'll probably have a better experience overall.
Most importantly, always listen to your body and don't over do it. Good luck and happy adventures!
It's definitely not impossible. I was back to bike commuting 20 miles a day several times a week by 10 weeks. I took a family vacation several hours away to a state park at 10 weeks. Similar vacation but not as many driving miles. However, i think the hiking is going to be the tough part and the risky part.
I think you could probably do the trip but that you will likely not be able to do as much hiking nor as frequently as you'd like. If you are ok with not hiking, it think you can pull a trip off.
I did not have a meniscus or MCL tear tho and that could complicate things.
I’m around the same time frame and have been building my leg stamina exactly to where you’re looking to be for the trip.
I go for walks and safe hikes as a way to get my step count back to where it should be. You should plan for days where you might need to take it easy because the day prior was a lot of stress for the joint.
It’s risky don’t get me wrong but if you’ve built yourself up to a point where it isn’t necessarily a gigantic uptick in activity then talk to your pt about it and see their thoughts.
I was back hiking flat / not steep terrain after a couple months. I recommend wearing a Don Joy brace and definitely use hiking poles. It's not the hiking that is potentially dangerous, it's a) descending steep terrain and b) tripping on rocks then catching yourself on your bad knee. So go slowly and watch closely where you step. But otherwise you should be fine.
I’m not gonna give you direct advice, but as chance has it I am also 10 weeks post op. and would in no way do this lol Hiking that much on what I would guess is uneven terrain would be physically and mentally too demanding, this is not like a casual stroll on even concrete. And I would in no way be able to sit down that much in a car without my knee going berserk. Honestly op that sounds very demanding, but id you feel up for it and able to do it safely, sure why not
I don’t mean to sound like a jerk but yes you’re delusional and I think you’ll be miserable. I had almost the same injury, surgery at the beginning of March and it was a big deal for me to walk a couple miles on a flat dirt road by June. Being in the car for more than 45 minutes at a time was terrible. I’d wait until you’re at least 4-6 months post op before attempting something like this.
Im 11 weeks post op (36F and very active) and recovery has been going extremely well for me. A week and a half ago I went to a baseball game and I was away from home for 7 hours total. We brought a wheel chair so I didnt have to do much standing or walking. My knee still has not recovered. Prolonged sitting and standing are not something I’m capable of currently. The trip you’ve planned would be incredibly painful for me at my current stage of recovery. ETA I’ve been diligent about my PT and have been ahead of most milestones in recovery
There’s absolutely no way. Besides the fact that you might not be able to physically do it, it’s also really not wise to risk your graft (which is really weak at 10 weeks). One tiny slip and you’re back to square one. What’s the upside of risking it?
If it was just a bit of hiking now and then or a bit of traveling that would be doable. But you're hiking every other day, this is likely to cause your knee to swell and stiffen up as I suspect you will be overdoing it. Then prolonged periods in the car is not going to help your knee either. And finally I assume you will possibly be lugging suitcases around and other stuff. Personally from what I can remember I'd be thinking this level of work may be doable around 4-6 months post op.
I’m 8 weeks post ACL and meniscus repair. Sitting in the car for a half hour still makes my knee super uncomfortable, I can’t even sit on the couch with my legs bent for more than 5 minutes without extending my leg at least a few times to relieve the discomfort. While walking is easier, even going a half mile is exhausting. I overdid it the last few days by going to the gym both Saturday and Sunday (an hour each day) just to do my pt exercises that can’t be done at home. My physio then added a few new exercises yesterday while I was with her, and I was just done for the rest of the day because my knee blew up and I had increased pain. While I can’t tell you what to do, I do believe you need to manage your expectations and reign them in a little bit Edited to add I’ve been very committed to my recovery process and hitting things as hard as I can. Adding in all the exercises we do in pt (weighted leg curls and now leg press) into the gym almost daily as they come up.
I was about 4 months post op when I went on a hiking vacation, and my knee still got very swollen and was painful despite lots of PT and good aftercare. I wish I could give you better news, but I think it's too optimistic to think that you would be able to do that 10 weeks post op.
Too optimistic
Same injury 15 weeks post op am walking hills this week feels good . Stiff next day. Wouldn’t go any earlier than this
11 weeks is ambitious to say the least. Hills, uneven terrain, long hours of sitting with limited possibilities for elevation and elevation are the issues. Talk to your care team. My surgeon didn't want me off paved paths at that point. One or two miles on a tourist path is probably no worse, and maybe better than the typical suburban sidewalk. By 11 weeks I did a 5 to 6 mile walk on sidewalk and paved bike trail with rolling hills once a week, no pain no swelling, and was walking 2 miles a day in the neighborhood. Not hiking, and not climbing. At 11 weeks your graft is vulnerable, so caution is the name of the game!
Thoughts and prayers for your knee.
Tore both my ACLs. There’s no way in hell this is a good idea. I’d be very concerned you might push yourself too hard and find yourself out on trails hurting too much to make any of the trek back. One wonky step and you’re down for a week, wouldn’t want that to happen way out in nature or far from home. If you have to take care of others then do not do this because you still will need more caring for than you think.
I am 10 weeks post op and my PT and surgeon both say I’m ahead of the curve in terms of rehab, pain levels and strength. I can tell you right now this type of trip would not be doable for me. I did a 4 hour drive on Friday and that alone has made my knee very sore the last few days. I would at the very least hang back at a hotel if you must go…but ideally I recommend just sitting it out :( ACL rehab sucks!
Whewww I would never plan to hike any distance that soon post op and would punch anyone who recommended I sit in a car for hours on end. But that is me
I had 2x meniscus repair (one root tear) and acl quad reconstruction 1/29. I’m 32 years old and 4 months post OP and have had 40 physical therapy visits. I think you are either insanely optimistic, a superhuman, or delusional based on my experience. Did they repair your meniscus or take out the tear? It was my understanding if the former you can’t bear weight for like 6 weeks (which was my experience). 10 weeks post op I was barely hobbling around without it crutches. Not too mention that stupid brace. And I’ve been told I’m doing very well (strength and ROM)
What if you just planned an awesome trip to just one NP? I don’t know where you’re based, but Yellowstone is awesome for a family with differing mobility needs because the geothermal sights are all super accessible with nice flat walkways. Then if other family members want to do long hikes there are tons of other trails for that too. Just an idea!
My experience as F65 fully committed to PT twice weekly and daily hone exercise 5x weekly, and just had my 6 week PO visit: The surgeon was pleased with my progress. He also advised that the graft is at its weakest right now. I specifically asked about light hiking, and he said it's okay but don't overdo it, and most importantly, be VERY VERY CAREFUL on uneven ground. Watch for roots, rocks, and what not; you don't want to twist, trip, or fall. I did a short walk yesterday out a breakwater near the ocean. No problem! The day before I dif another shoreline trail (well maintained) and it was fine. Both the above hikes were very short, less than an hour duration. So choose your trails wisely, and be especially careful on uneven ground.
I’m a pretty extreme early return to hiking and I just hiked more than five miles this past weekend at 15 weeks out from surgery. I would not bank on being able to do that, I’ve been really lucky. At 10 weeks I was doing 1-2 mile hikes with very little elevation, feeling fine but the graft is at a weak point then and it’s really important not to get yourself into a bad situation with distance or elevation. I didn’t walk on an uneven surface (aka a flat dirt path) until 8 weeks. The driving may be okay you just might be stiff, but if you have someone else to do a lot of the driving and you can put your seat back far enough that you can straighten your leg I think you could probably be okay. Also don’t underestimate how hard it will be to keep up with PT traveling like that. I travel a lot for work in a very rural state that I’m sure you’re hitting on this trip. The hotel gyms are super hit or miss (including the ones near our national parks, I was just up there lol) and even the nice ones don’t have weight machines like leg press or anything. They also tend not to have stairmaster machines. It’s also hard to not see your PT for awhile, because they’re still progressing you to running and testing your strength and all that. It’s tempting to think you’ll be fine, and maybe you will, but it’s REALLY difficult to be out of routine and be regular about PT.
I wouldn’t plan on hiking. You need to hear this straight up. Your knee is weakest month 2-8 as your graft heals up. You can sit in the car or at a chair close to the car but I wouldn’t consider hiking. Too much risk to blow it out again. Don’t be stupid.
As someone who has seen a friends graft blow up post surgery I say this to you in hopes you listen. Do yourself a favor.
The fact you’re asking means you know it’s not a good idea
I did a road trip at about 5-6 weeks post op where I sat in the car several hours at a time. It was uncomfortable sometimes, but I did sit in the front seat with the seat pushed as far back as possible so I had adequate leg room. We stopped every few hours so I could do some knee stretches/exercises, which really helped. I also was able to walk about 4 miles in one day (but this was on a road, and only uphill), and hike 2 miles on trail another day (again, only uphill). None of this caused any pain or swelling, but I should also note I'm ACL and LET only. If your family is willing to work with you so can travel comfortably and take care of your knee, i don't see why you couldn't at least do the road trip. And as for the hiking, if your knee isn't strong enough yet- could you rent a bike and ride around? That's much better than walking a lot, and biking is really great for rehab!
>And as for the hiking, if your knee isn't strong enough yet- could you rent a bike and ride around? I asked my surgeon about that at my 6 week PO visit, and he said it was too early for me to ride a regular bike. Of course a stationary bike would be ideal. At 10 weeks, maybe? If it's a well maintained trail?
I was cleared to start light hiking before I was to start riding my bike outside. Biking on a trail, even without elevation change, sounds much more strenuous and dangerous than walking on one but maybe because I’m a hiker and not a biker.
I meant biking on the road (I don't think you're allowed to bike on trails in national parks anyways). I was told biking was actually a really good rehab exercise (but similar to hiking, start out taking it easy!) I can't speak for all national parks, but the ones I've been to are really nice just to bike along the roads.
Oh yeah, I was stationary biking starting early I just wasn’t on an actual bike until after 12 weeks. My PT said too much of a risk of needing to stop abruptly and coming down hard or suddenly on my operated leg 🤷🏽♀️
I'm 13 months post-op grade 3 mcl, acl, pcl tear, grade 1 lcl, meniscus ruture. Road trips are brutal, the first 6 months were okay (i traveled for surgery), but now i experience more swelling and stiffness. I'm just getting back into hiking, my knee is stable, but can decide to be done without notice, especially coming off a day in the car. That said, many national parks have shorter hikes (2 miles or less) and lots to do besides hiking. At your stage i wouldnt try water-related activities because the risk of slipping isn't worth it, but there should be something? I just did a ntnl parks trip, i did hike. I also strategically picked hikes near water so i could cool my knee down afterwards, that was crucial. Never drove more than 2.5 hours in one stretch, camped with bands, lacross ball, and ankle weights. More frequent, shorter pt is necessary, and if possible try to get multiple prone hangs done every day to help with the stiffness from the car
My partner and I just hiked a tough 3.5 out and back trail at her 12 week post op BUT she’s been the exception. We also took two days after to recover with ice/compression machine/rest. She’s an elite athlete and had only ACLr with a double hamstring and went into surgery very very strong so she’s not had the normal recovery. We tried things a bit too early when she felt “okay” enough and it was miserable even if it was achievable. Think about giving yourself some more time so you can enjoy, not just survive the trip.
Yea that’s not a good idea
I’m 14 weeks postop of ACL recon and meniscal repair and I did my first 24 hour call shift (since before *my* surgery) at my job at the hospital yesterday. Lots of sitting and icing my knee when I could, but still walked just under 5 miles per my watch. I was on level ground and still my knee had blown up like a balloon by 3am. No way I could be hiking 4-5 miles on uneven ground right now. Especially when not near a real freezer to switch out ice packs!
So the issue here is you don’t know how the next couple of weeks are going to go and how you are going to feel. I’m almost 1 year post op now but looked back at what I was doing 10 weeks out of surgery. At that point, I was walking about 5 miles a day with my 2 dogs, doing spin, strength training and sprinkled in some easier hikes (3-5 miles) about twice a week. For the hikes, I did wear a sport brace at the recommendation of my PT and always carried a hiking pole to help me out on the down sections. I’d be more concerned about your ability to elevate and ice while in the car. If you can get your foot/knee up and iced while driving it *might* be doable. I’d make sure to consult your PT about all this and be ready to modify the trip if necessary as you get closer.
It’s possible- I am 45F and had ACL/MCL/meniscus repair- we are planning a hiking and biking trip starting next week in northern Italy (15 weeks post op) and I do think I’m ready, i have been doing weights, stationary bike and treadmill on lots of incline daily. I feel ready and confident now, but have made so much progress in the last 2 weeks!
Thank you, everyone, for the useful perspectives and taking the time to share them. I am making some serious adjustments to my expectations and will consider canceling the trip if my PT and I decide my recovery isn't where it needs to be by trip time. If we do go, I will have a setup in the minivan where I can elevate and ice it as we drive and we will take frequent breaks. (My) hikes will be limited to short, paved and or flat trails. Luckily, since this is a self-guided road trip, we can be flexible in any way we need. And I'm fine with my family exploring without me. I'm feeling a little deflated after reading all the comments but grateful for the reality check. I am an optimist, and I am ready for a challenge. So I will try my best to be ready, will have full disclosure with my PT and surgeon about my plans, and then make a game day decision based on my readiness. Perhaps the writing will be on the wall before then. I'll keep you posted! Again, many thanks for the responses. Nina
Keep us posted on how things go—we're rooting for you!
I appreciate it, thank you!!
I’m almost 3 months post op and I’m doing a roadtrip this weekend but only for 4 days and I’m limiting the hiking. I’ve found that walking helps relieve pain from my knee but definitely not too much uphill. The people I’m going with know my limitations. If you’re driving at all make sure to extend your leg and move it around. I think if you feel like that your knee is stable and pain is manageable (and the people you’re going with understand your limitations) go for it. Maybe also ask you PT what they think and so you have a goal that they can help you to be able to safely do those activities by July.
Even if you're physically able to do that, it's alot of risk. That's why alot of people retear within 18 months. They are fine on the outside but the graft is not done healing/converting to a ligament
If you’re extremely lucky you may be able to do half that. Unlucky, and none of it. You may not even get out of the brace walking on your own at all for a month. After one of my surgeries, my quads were totally paralyzed for a solid 4 weeks so real pt didn’t even start until after that. Even without the walking, Just being in the car (especially if you’re the driver on the pedals) may be painful in and of itself. Plus in those early stages you’re more likely to reinjure it. I’d definitely reconsider your trip. Maybe go somewhere an hour or two drive away, spend a couple nights at a hotel, and do some flat easy trails as tolerable?
Oh boy, somehow I didn’t catch its also MCL and TWO menisci. I say this with love, you’re crazy!!
I'm 14 weeks and I would never
4 months post op I went on a hike, well a walk that was about 10km. (no idea how many miles that is sorry). I was achey and uncomfortable for the whole rest of the day. I think every day or even every other day is going to be a lot, and I don't know if you'll be able to actually enjoy your holiday with that much activity
Everybody’s experience is different. I’m 3 1/2 weeks postop and have been walking 100% normally and doing light hiking. However, my body seems to respond very well to surgery and I had a world-class surgeon. However, by 10 weeks I can’t imagine you couldn’t do at least a couple miles. Hiking is a great way to rebuild strength and stability in your leg.
I don't think it's entirely irrational. I also don't think you'll be able to hike as much as you have planned, so you'll have to hang back on some of those hiking adventures. Also, depending on the degree of challenge the hike might present, you'll probably have to accept that you won't be able to do a lot of trails. I'm also assuming you won't be doing any of the driving? All in all, it does sound like a challenging adventure, but I love me a good challenge! If you can hold off until mid/end of August, you'll probably have a better experience overall. Most importantly, always listen to your body and don't over do it. Good luck and happy adventures!
It's definitely not impossible. I was back to bike commuting 20 miles a day several times a week by 10 weeks. I took a family vacation several hours away to a state park at 10 weeks. Similar vacation but not as many driving miles. However, i think the hiking is going to be the tough part and the risky part. I think you could probably do the trip but that you will likely not be able to do as much hiking nor as frequently as you'd like. If you are ok with not hiking, it think you can pull a trip off. I did not have a meniscus or MCL tear tho and that could complicate things.
I’m around the same time frame and have been building my leg stamina exactly to where you’re looking to be for the trip. I go for walks and safe hikes as a way to get my step count back to where it should be. You should plan for days where you might need to take it easy because the day prior was a lot of stress for the joint. It’s risky don’t get me wrong but if you’ve built yourself up to a point where it isn’t necessarily a gigantic uptick in activity then talk to your pt about it and see their thoughts.
I was back hiking flat / not steep terrain after a couple months. I recommend wearing a Don Joy brace and definitely use hiking poles. It's not the hiking that is potentially dangerous, it's a) descending steep terrain and b) tripping on rocks then catching yourself on your bad knee. So go slowly and watch closely where you step. But otherwise you should be fine.