One that I have no answer, to. Actually, I always thought ACL tears were physically debilitating unless repaired by surgery,

https://regenexx.com/blog/front-inside-knee-pain-caused-loose-ligament/#:~:text=The%20anterior%20cruciate%20ligament%20(ACL,the%20tibia%2C%20also%20causing%20pain.


A loose anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can cause rotational instability in the tibia, which can lead to pain. The ACL is located in the center of the knee and prevents the tibia from shifting forward. It also stabilizes the tibia during rotational movements. When the ACL becomes loose, it can't keep the knee stable.
Most physicians who examine the ACL are looking for catastrophic instability that would require surgery. Hence, what often gets missed are loose ligaments that, over time, can lead to problems.

A torn ACL can also heal in 9 or 10 months without surgery.

A torn ACL can be healed in 9 or 10 months.

He had meniscus surgery in 1953, but never had the ligaments repaired. He played an additional 17 years.

But he was Mickey Mantle. A few years before he died, he said the only thing keeping his right knee together was skin.

One of the reasons I don't care for high school coaches with military backgrounds. Some don't have a high skill level in the sport, and I've seen them encourage the kids to play through the pain. Never a good idea.

I hike 3 times each week, between 3-5 miles, and actively garden. The knees are unstable - keeping active builds muscle in the legs and one can learn to deal with the instability - I always hike with hiking poles. I also get cortisone in each knee every 6 months, and have for at least a decade - it does wonders for me.

But - at 68, I know both will need replacing (one at a time) very soon. They are a mess - and I am not a small person!

I had surgery to clean out knee but ACL was not replaced because at the time the drs said they would only replace it if I was an athlete or obese. A few yrs later, someone took the hospital to court and they had to replace it if you insisted.

I was told if I built up the muscles, I would be ok. I always went to gyms and my leg became stable after about 6 months. However, the last five yrs I work out at home as closest gym is is 45 miles away.

Five yrs ago, I could hike 5 miles, but this last year, my leg is bothering me more & more. It's not really unstable, but it often hurts when I walk too much. That leg turns out more than my other leg and it affects my walking. I didn't feel the difference as long as I was working out at the gym. So - I'm upping my leg exercises with weights - loads of physical therapist videos on YouTube.. I also was bitten above that ankle by a rattler a few yrs ago and my leg is still a little red and swollen = could be adding to problem.

I am definitely having knee problems due to aging and I notice that my mobility improves only with knee exercises... and joint pills.

Can't believe they removed your ACLS. And it sounds like it was shared quackery.

He had operations both times. He performed in several iron man marathon competitions since and now coaches highschool football and cross country/track.

I have been through that whole sports orthopedic drill when my child was athletic and those surgeons are truly amazing.