After falling ill, different treatment methods will be adopted according to the type and severity of the disease. Surgery is one of the common treatment methods. When the ligament is injured, surgical treatment will also be taken according to the condition of the patient. After ligament surgery in different parts, the time for patients to walk on the ground is also different. For the lateral and medial ligaments, patients can usually walk on the ground 4-6 weeks after surgery, while for posterior cruciate ligament injuries, patients can walk on the ground 3 weeks after surgery.

How Long Can You Walk on the Ground After Ligament Surgery?

1. For the medial collateral ligament, it is recommended that patients wait for 4-6 weeks before walking on the ground, and the same applies to the lateral collateral ligament. For posterior cruciate ligament, patients can gradually walk on the ground with weight-bearing after 3 weeks. The time it takes for patients to walk on the ground after ligament surgery depends on which ligament is involved. For example, if it is only a simple anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee joint, patients can walk on the ground with weight-bearing on the second day after surgery, as the function of the anterior cruciate ligament has no impact on weight-bearing.

2. If the medial collateral ligament, lateral collateral ligament, or posterior cruciate ligament is involved, early weight-bearing can cause stretching of the ligament, resulting in a decrease in ligament strength and surgical failure. For patients with anterior cruciate ligament surgery, I would ask them to use a crutch and wear a brace to partially walk on the ground with light weight-bearing on the second day after surgery. This can not only promote blood circulation in the lower limbs but also reduce the adhesion of the knee joint, with many benefits overall.

What Causes Ligament Injury?

1. Medial collateral ligament injury is caused by valgus force of the knee. When the lateral knee joint is subjected to direct violence, causing violent valgus of the knee joint, it can tear the medial collateral ligament. When the knee joint is semi-flexed, sudden abduction and rotation of the lower leg can also cause rupture of the medial collateral ligament. Medial collateral ligament injury is most commonly seen in sports injuries, such as football, skiing, wrestling, and other competitive events.

2. Lateral collateral ligament injury is mainly caused by varus force of the knee. Because the lateral iliac tibial band is relatively strong, isolated lateral collateral ligament injury is rare. If the violence is strong, both the iliac tibial band and the common peroneal nerve may be injured.

3. Anterior cruciate ligament injury can be caused by varus injury when the knee joint is in extension or valgus injury when the knee joint is in flexion, both of which can rupture the anterior cruciate ligament. Generally, anterior cruciate ligament injury rarely occurs alone, and it often occurs in combination with medial and lateral ligament and meniscus injuries. However, when the knee joint is overextended, the anterior cruciate ligament may be injured alone.

4. Posterior cruciate ligament injury can be caused by violence that causes posterior displacement of the upper end of the tibia, regardless of whether the knee joint is in flexion or extension. Posterior cruciate ligament injury is rare and usually occurs simultaneously with anterior cruciate ligament injury, while isolated posterior cruciate ligament injury is even rarer.