Summary
In most cases, a torn cruciate ligament requires surgical therapy and is accompanied by a comparatively long rehabilitation phase. Although simple activities can be resumed after a few weeks, it is generally advisable to wait at least six months for full weight bearing during sports activities. In addition to the surgical treatment, physiotherapeutic therapy should always be sought to support the muscle build-up and thus provide the damaged knee joint with additional and lasting support.
If a conservative therapy option has been chosen, the freedom from pain and mobility should be checked again after a few months in order to rule out an operation that may have become necessary after all and thus avoid consequential damage. The length of hospital stay for an operation is usually only a few days, but the follow-up treatment is very important for the future knee function. And last but not least, knee stabilizing exercises can be integrated into the (sports) daily routine to prevent a new injury.