ACL surgery recovery presents unique physical challenges, and clothing worn immediately after the procedure directly impacts comfort and safety. Typical clothing will not work due to the bulky knee brace, post-operative swelling, and reliance on crutches or other mobility aids. Selecting garments designed for ease of use is necessary to minimize pain, protect the surgical site, and prevent dangerous falls. The right wardrobe choices support recovery by accommodating physical limitations and facilitating access for medical care.
Pants and Shorts: Accommodating the Brace and Swelling
The primary challenge in dressing the lower body is finding a garment that comfortably fits over the rigid, post-operative knee brace and manages localized swelling. Swelling is expected to be highest in the first few weeks following the operation. Therefore, pants must have a wide opening that allows the entire braced leg to slide through without resistance or pressure on the incision sites.
Tear-away pants, featuring snaps or zippers running the full length of the side seams, are highly recommended because they allow the garment to be applied and removed without maneuvering it past the knee brace. Similarly, oversized sweatpants or tracksuits with a wide-leg cut provide sufficient room to accommodate the brace and are easily pulled up or down. All lower body wear should feature an elastic or drawstring waistband, which eliminates the need for buttons or zippers and allows for easy adjustment as swelling fluctuates.
It is important to avoid any clothing with tight waistbands or constricting material around the thigh, as this can impede circulation and exacerbate swelling in the lower leg. For warmer weather or when spending time at home, loose-fitting basketball shorts are an excellent option that fully bypasses the knee area, allowing for maximum airflow and comfort. The material should not rub against the incision area, which is typically covered with dressings and Steri-Strips in the immediate post-operative period.
Footwear for Stability and Safety
Footwear choice is directly linked to fall prevention, which is a major concern when a person is navigating with crutches or a walker. Shoes must feature non-slip soles to provide maximum traction on various surfaces, including slick hospital floors and home tile or hardwood. A wide base and a low heel-to-toe drop are important design features that contribute to overall stability and a more balanced weight distribution.
The act of bending down to tie laces is extremely difficult and risky with limited mobility and a locked knee brace, making hands-free application a requirement. Slip-on shoes, such as clogs or backless sneakers with a closed toe, are the easiest to manage, but they must still offer sufficient support and a secure fit. Some adaptive athletic shoes are designed with specialized closure systems or collapsible heels, allowing them to be slipped on without using the hands.
The shoe worn on the non-operative leg may need to be slightly larger to accommodate potential swelling from increased weight-bearing. Since this limb handles a disproportionate amount of body weight, selecting a supportive athletic shoe is helpful for cushioning and shock absorption. High heels, sandals, or any shoe lacking a secure back strap should be avoided entirely, as they compromise stability and increase the risk of a trip or fall.
Dressing Strategies and Physical Therapy Attire
Getting dressed requires a specific technique to ensure the safety of the knee and reduce unnecessary strain on the body. A fundamental strategy is to always dress the operated leg first, as this allows the garment to be placed over the restricted limb before the non-operative leg is used to assist in pulling it up. This process should be performed while seated to maintain balance and prevent the weight from shifting unexpectedly onto the surgical leg.
Reaching aids, such as dressing sticks or long-handled shoehorns, are invaluable tools for retrieving garments or managing shoes without bending at the waist or knee. For the upper body, button-down shirts or zip-up jackets are preferable to pullover shirts. They eliminate awkward, overhead movements that are challenging when using crutches, allowing the wearer to dress the torso with minimal strain, especially if upper body strength is diminished.
When attending physical therapy sessions, the attire needs to give the therapist unhindered access to the knee for range-of-motion exercises and manual assessments. Loose-fitting athletic shorts are often the best choice, as they can be easily pulled up to expose the knee without fully removing them. If wearing pants, convertible track pants with zippers or snaps that open at the thigh and knee level allow the therapist to work directly on the joint without the patient needing to undress.
Materials and Comfort Considerations
The selection of clothing material plays a significant role in comfort, especially when a brace is worn directly against the skin for extended periods. Soft, breathable fabrics like cotton, bamboo, or moisture-wicking synthetic blends are beneficial for minimizing skin irritation and managing temperature regulation. These materials help prevent the buildup of sweat and moisture underneath the brace, which can otherwise lead to chafing or rashes around the knee.
Avoid fabrics that are stiff, rough, or have prominent seams that could press uncomfortably against the brace hardware or healing incision sites. Clothing should be lightweight to prevent adding unnecessary bulk or weight to the limb, which is already burdened by the brace and swelling. Choosing machine-washable and quick-drying garments is practical. Frequent washing may be necessary to maintain hygiene, especially if there is minor drainage or if clothing becomes damp from icing.