How Long After ACL Surgery Can I Wear High Heels?

ACL surgery is a common surgical procedure that is used to treat injuries to the ACL or anterior cruciate ligament. The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee and helps stabilize the knee joint. ACL surgery involves replacing the damaged ACL with a new graft from another part of the body.

If you’ve recently had ACL surgery, you may wonder when you’ll be able to return to your favourite activities, including wearing high heels. 

When Can I Wear Heels After ACL Surgery?

After ACL surgery, the time duration for returning to high heels varies. In general, it is recommended that you wait at least three to six months before wearing high heels to give the new graft enough time to heal correctly.

Most importantly, follow the advice of your healthcare professional, who may provide tailored recommendations based on your operation type, recovery progress, and overall health.

Below are some factors to also consider.

7 Factors That Affect How Soon You Can Start Wearing High Heels After ACL Surgery

1. The type of surgery that was performed 

There are two main types of ACL surgeries: reconstruction and repair. 

Reconstruction is a more invasive surgery, where the torn ligament is replaced with a graft from another part of your body. Repair is less invasive and involves stitching the torn ligament back together. 

Which type of surgery you have will determine when you can start wearing high heels again. 

If you have reconstruction surgery, it will take six months before you can wear high heels again. This is because the new graft needs time to heal properly before being put under stress like that which comes with wearing high heels. 

If you have repair surgery, it may only take four months before you’re able to wear those sexy stilettos again. But always check with your doctor to be sure, they know best what’s safe for your situation.

2. How active you are before surgery 

There are many things you can do to speed up your healing process after ACL surgery. One of the most important is staying active before surgery. 

The more active you are before surgery, the sooner you will wear high heels after surgery. You don’t have to go crazy and start working out every day, but try to stay as active as possible. This includes walking, biking, and swimming.

If you can’t be too active before surgery because of an injury or other health condition, talk with your doctor about what exercises you can do safely during that period. 

Following these tips should help reduce the time it takes for you to get back on your feet literally in this case.

3. Your age 

Age can affect how soon you can wear high heels after ACL surgery. Younger people typically recover faster and have less pain than older people. 

It is recommended that you wait until at least six months after the surgery to wear high heels again. 

However, this may vary depending on your age and health condition. If you are younger and have a good healing process, then you may start wearing high heels sooner than six months post-surgery. 

But if you are older or have a slower healing process, then it is best to wait until the six-month mark before putting any pressure on your newly repaired ACL.

4. The amount of swelling and inflammation present after surgery 

Some people may resume wearing high heels relatively soon after surgery, while others may find that they need to wait longer. 

The amount of swelling and inflammation present after surgery can affect how soon you can wear high heels. 

It is best to wait until the inflammation has subsided and the swelling has gone down before resuming activities like wearing high heels. 

If you are experiencing a lot of pain or swelling, it is best to speak with your doctor about what activities are safe for your post-surgery.

5. Whether you have a brace or cast on post-surgery 

One thing that may affect your recovery time is whether you have a brace or cast on post-surgery. Depending on the type of surgery you had, wearing a brace or cast may be necessary for a certain amount of time afterward. 

If you’re wondering how long you’ll need to wear one and if it will impact your ability to wear high heels after ACL surgery, the answer is – it depends. Every individual recovers differently and there isn’t necessarily one definitive answer for everyone. 

However, most people can start wearing high heels again once their brace or cast comes off as long as they feel comfortable doing so and aren’t experiencing any pain. 

Of course, always consult with your doctor before deciding about returning to your regular activities post-surgery. They will provide more specific guidance based on your situation.

6. If physical therapy is started and followed as prescribed 

Physical therapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process after ACL surgery. It helps to improve range of motion, strength, and stability. 

Most people will need to undergo physical therapy for several months before they can wear heels again. 

However, there is no set timeline, and everyone recovers differently. Some people may wear heels within a few weeks or months of surgery, while others may take longer. 

It is important to listen to your body and not push yourself too hard in physical therapy, and also follow it as prescribed.

7. The quality, fit, and construction of your chosen heels 

Heels that are too tight or too loose can cause discomfort and delay the healing process. It is important to find heels that fit well and provide moral support.

The quality of the heel is also important. Cheap heels may not be made with quality materials, which can lead to problems like blisters or pain. Heels that are poorly constructed may also not offer enough support, which can aggravate an ACL injury.

It is best to choose a pair of heels that have been specifically designed for post-surgery wear. These heels will typically have a wider toe box and more padding around the ankle area. They will also be made from high-quality materials, ensuring comfort and durability.

Conclusion 

ACL surgeries take at least 6 months or fewer to heal. We’ve talked about how several factors can affect how soon you wear heels and I hope this article helps in your post-surgery recovery.