Torn ACL now I'm torn

[Chad924]

Folks, I make it out to drop camp archery elk hunts in CO every couple years, this year is my year to go again. Just 1.5 weeks ago I tore my ACL and now I am feeling better but know too that there is some instability issues that could easily crop up anytime. My question is has anyone out there tried to make one of these hunts on a "freshly" torn ACL? I will have the same discussion with my Dr. Thursday but some first hand experience would be great. The idea of missing the trip is killing me but I don't want to cause more damage than I've already done either.

I am not overweight, very active, and typically hunt rough terrain and cover 7 miles a day on typical day where we hunt.

I have an idea what to expect as this is my 3rd ACL but first one on my left knee.

Any experience? Thanks

[Mike_Parson]

no experiances here but i wish you a speedy recovery and best of luck on your trip if you go.

[Brijake]

I did the same thing three years ago where I tore my ACL along with other damage to the knee. I talked it over with my Dr and he said the damage is done, so go ahead and go on your hunt and we will schedule surgery upon my return. Of course he told me to get a brace with the side metal braces to give me the side to side stability but I went on my hunt and had a great time! It was sore and I couldn't bend it back so squatting/kneeling was very difficult, but other than that it all worked out.

[Chad924]

Brijake,

I have a very competent physical therapist friend that said the same thing that you said. I am hoping my Dr. reinforces that & gives me a prescription for a fitted ACL specific knee brace (that's what the PT told me to say).

Were you in rough country? How many miles did you hunt/day? Did your knee give out any on the hunt? How much time was it from your ACL tear to your hunt?

Like i said this is my third ACL (my family seem to have this trouble) but i do not have problems with my right knee and my job (forester) keeps me active year round so I feel i will be fine once i have the surgery.

Thanks for the knowledge too!

[ak32]

yea definitely get a good brace. Since it's not your first rodeo you probably have a good idea of what you can/can't do with that leg. I know it's not hiking, but my wife was skiing soon after tearing hers during the ski season as long as she had the brace it was ok. I think another factor is dependent on the person, but scar tissue could be an issue soon after and during activity. Hope you can get out there and hunt this year! Good luck.

[BRazz]

I had a similar experience four years ago. Ended up opting for surgery in November and hunting September/October without an ACL. I wore a fancy brace to help prevent further damage, and when we had to pack out meat I got the lighter loads of the group... Just take your time. If anything maybe it's a good lesson to slow down and enjoy the moment (was for me anyway).

[Shawn2820]

I tore mine twenty some years ago, as far as a brace, the brace with stability on the side really does nothing to support your lacking of a ACL. You need to get one that will keep the lower half of your leg from slipping back and forth in the joint, only braces I know of are custom fit, and made, also takes a bit of time to get also. But medicine has come a long way since then. They told me the same thing also though, the damage is all ready done, not really any more your going to do to it. Hope you get to go and good lick