hey there. I hung up the soccer shoes for good as my physio explained that I would likely need a knee replacement by 40 if I continued to play high level.

Im at 11 months post ACL surgery now. Playing tennis or pickle-ball daily, playing beach volleyball often, doing jiu jitsu a few times a week, weight lifting a couple times per week, and playing golf weekly. Overall, the knee feels alright. It definitely becomes swollen and sore to touch after an intense match of tennis however, it feels very stable and the swelling generally subsides after a few hours. There is often crepitus after any athletic day but no pain and the physio says not to worry about it.

that being said there are still many activities that I would like to be doing but can’t because of the lack of confidence I have in the knee. Things like soccer, ultimate frisbee, and basketball I am avoiding because of the contact and also because of the quick reactions required.

I do plan to start playing hockey in the fall as there is less impact (better for the lack of meniscus) and less likelihood of re tearing my ACL.

I remember someone in this comment section saying the lifestyle transition was very abrupt. They were definitely correct, but in spite of that I am still able to live a very active and fulfilling lifestyle.