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ACL and ligament injury

A twisting injury, often with a pop, and a knee that swelled within a few hours. Whether you need surgery depends far more on what you need the knee to do than on the scan.

Do not wait for an appointment

These are uncommon — but they need to be seen now.

  • The knee is locked and will not straighten
  • You cannot bear any weight
  • The knee looks deformed or out of shape
  • The foot is cold, pale or numb — this is urgent
  • Very rapid swelling with severe pain
Sheet 36 · Knee ligament rehabilitationHip & kneeRehabilitation takes 9–12 months either way

Do this

  • Get it examined — swelling within hours of a twist usually means bleeding inside the joint
  • Start rehabilitation immediately, whether or not you have surgery. Regaining full straightening and quadriceps strength comes first
  • Ice, elevation and gentle movement early
  • Sheet 36 exercises, progressed under supervision

Avoid this

  • Rushing to surgery in the first weeks — a stiff knee operated on early does worse
  • Returning to sport before the rehabilitation is genuinely finished. This is where re-injury happens
  • Assuming everyone needs a reconstruction

The questions everybody asks

Do I need a reconstruction?

It depends on what you need the knee for, and whether it gives way.

People doing pivoting sport or heavy manual work usually benefit. Many others manage very well with rehabilitation alone. It is a decision about your life, not about the MRI.

How long before I am back to sport?

Nine to twelve months, with or without surgery.

Returning earlier is the main reason people re-injure the knee. We would rather be honest about the timeline than have you back here in a year.

Do I need an MRI?

Usually yes after this injury.

It tells us about the ligaments, the cartilage and the meniscus together, and those change the plan.

Open the exercise sheet

Pictures, how many and how often, and what it should feel like. Free, and printable.

On cost: if we suggest a scan, an injection or an operation, ask us what it costs and what happens if you do nothing. We will answer both. You should never feel pushed into spending money.

Consultation is ₹500 for a first visit and ₹300 for a follow-up, the same at both clinics. For anything else, ask at the desk or on WhatsApp before it is done — we will tell you the exact cost.

Should you come and see us?

A page is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If the pain is not settling, come in and have it looked at properly — bring any X-ray, MRI or CT films you already have.

Nallasopara West

Opposite Patil Hospital

Shop No. 14, Veena Apartment,
Opposite Patil Hospital, near Panchmukhi Hanuman Mandir,
S.T. Stand Road, Nallasopara West — 401203

Monday to Saturday
12:00 noon – 2:00 pm  ·  7:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Virar East

Opposite Parimal Hospital

Shop No. 7, Damodar Tower,
Opposite Parimal Hospital, Morya Nagar,
Manvel Pada Road, Virar East — 401305

Monday to Saturday
5:30 pm – 7:30 pm
Sunday by prior appointment only

Ready when you are.

Call either clinic during consulting hours, or send a WhatsApp message any time.