Benable — create shareable lists of things you recommend!
E.g., products you love, local businesses, travel recs - you can add anything to a Benable list!
OH NO! You Have a Knee Injury - Here's What You Need To Help You Get By
54
items Recovering from an ACL or knee injury? This guide includes the must-have products, comfort gear, and mindset tools that helped my kids through multiple surgeries—essentials to support every step of healing.
Sections
10
🚑 Immediate Injury Essentials
🏠 At-Home Recovery Tools
🧘♀️ Rehab + Strengthening Must-Haves
👟 Recovery Wear & Essentials
❄️ Cold Therapy & Compression
📚 Mental + Emotional Support
🚑 Immediate Injury Essentials
Everything you need right after a knee injury—from braces to crutches and cold therapy that helps reduce pain and swelling fast.
Essential for ACL recovery, post-op swelling, and rest. We loved how the memory foam cradled the leg and made elevation effortless with the built-in handles.
LightEase Memory Foam Leg Support Pillow
Adjustable support for ACL tears, meniscus injuries, and post-op healing. This gave us stability when crutches weren’t enough—great for swelling, movement, and daily confidence.
Hinged Knee Brace for ACL & Meniscus Support
Lightweight, adjustable support for knee injuries and post-surgery. We’ve used these through multiple ACL recoveries—they’re sturdy, easy to size, and comfortable with padding.
CVS Health Universal Crutches
Extra comfort for long-term crutch use during ACL recovery. These soft, padded covers helped prevent underarm soreness and made getting around a lot more bearable.
CVS Health Crutch Pillow
Stylish, durable forearm crutches for long-term ACL recovery. These gave my daughter more freedom and comfort during months of healing—lightweight and easier on the arms.
DMI Windsor Crutches
Flexible cold + compression for ACL, MCL, and meniscus pain. Great for on-the-go relief—my kids used this between physical therapy sessions and during flare-ups.
TheraICE Knee Ice Pack Wrap Compression Sleeve
Our go-to reusable ice pack for knee pain, swelling, and surgery recovery. We always keep a few in the freezer—super flexible, stays cold longer, and fits the knee perfectly.
FlexiKold Gel Ice Pack - Reusable Cold Pack
🏠 At-Home Recovery Tools
Helpful items that make moving, showering, and resting easier when mobility is limited during knee surgery recovery.
Safe, sturdy support for showering during ACL surgery recovery. This chair is a lifesaver—adjustable, stable, and made bathing easier and safer in those early weeks.
HOMLAND Heavy Duty Shower Chair with Arms
Keeps knee bandages dry during showers post-surgery. Easy to slip on and off—this made daily hygiene possible without stressing the healing site.
CVS Health Reusable Cast & Wound Protector
Helpful for getting in and out of bed, cars, or couches after knee surgery. We used this daily—it gave just enough support to move the leg safely without straining or twisting.
42 Inch Leg Lifter Strap for Surgery
10 essential moves to build strength before knee surgery. We found these helpful, but always check with your doctor or physical therapist before starting any exercises.
10 Prehab Exercises for a Successful Knee Replacement
Cozy, cushioned traction for safe movement after knee surgery. These were perfect for early recovery—kept feet warm and steady on slick floors without needing shoes.
Hylaea Unisex Non Slip Grip Socks for Yoga
A true lifesaver for safe, stable bathroom use after ACL or knee surgery. Easy to install and incredibly sturdy—gave us much-needed support during the toughest recovery days.
Vive Toilet Safety Rail - Adjustable Grab Bar
So helpful for picking up dropped items without bending after knee surgery. This foldable reacher with a strong grip and magnet made daily tasks way easier during recovery.
FitPlus 2024 PowerGrip T9 Grabber Reacher 32"
Wedge support for swelling, knee pain, and post-surgery recovery. This breathable wedge helped reduce inflammation and kept legs comfortably elevated after surgery.
Xtra-Comfort Leg Elevation Pillow Wedge
🧘♀️ Rehab + Strengthening Must-Haves
PT-approved tools like resistance bands, foam rollers, and balance gear to help rebuild strength and flexibility after an ACL tear.
Great for gentle strength-building during ACL rehab and recovery. Both my kids used these religiously—versatile, color-coded, and ideal for staying consistent with PT exercises.
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Bands Set of 5
Trusted tool for easing tight muscles and aiding ACL recovery. Both my kids used this regularly during rehab—it’s firm but not painful, perfect for post-PT relief.
321 STRONG Foam Roller - Medium Density
A must-have for muscle recovery, ACL rehab, and post-PT tension relief. My kids depend on foam rollers, and this is their go-to—durable, effective, and part of their daily routine.
TRIGGERPOINT Grid Multi-Density Foam Roller
Supportive foam block for safe stretching and balance during ACL recovery. My kids used this to modify movements and stay flexible—lightweight, sturdy, and super versatile.
Gaiam Yoga Block - Latex-Free Eva Foam
👟 Recovery Wear & Essentials
Comfy, easy-to-wear clothes, non-slip socks, and supportive shoes that make a big difference during daily recovery life.
Lightweight support shoe for safe walking after ACL surgery or knee injury. Easy to slip on - no laces to tie.
Vive Post Op Shoe - Lightweight Medical Boot
Supportive, shock-absorbing slides perfect for post-op knees. My daughter wore these daily after surgery—easy to slip on, ultra-comfy, and reduced joint stress with every step.
Women's Limited Edition 2025 OOahh FUSED - Project Pink
Recovery footwear that cushions every step post-knee surgery. My son swore by these after his ACL tear—great support, easy to wear, and kind on swollen joints.
Men's OOahh Slide Sandal - Foliage
Soft, relaxed fit with just enough polish for all-day recovery wear. During long days of knee recovery, these are the pants you'll want—they feel like pajamas but look like real pants.
Wide Leg Lounge Pant in English Navy
Buttery-soft and breathable, perfect for resting post-surgery. My son would have lived in these during recovery—lightweight, stretchy, and easy to pull on over a post-op leg brace.
Men's Pima Sleep Pants in Anchor Blue Bar Stripe
Lightweight, soft, and easy to wear during warm-weather recovery. My son liked these for hot days post-surgery—comfortable waistband and no fuss getting them on over his brace.
Men's Pima Sleep Shorts in Anchor Blue Bar Stripe
Soft, stylish lounge shorts perfect for post-op comfort. These felt so good against the skin—lightweight and breathable, they made recovery a little more bearable.
Oasis Knit Pleated Pajama Shorts
Plush, absorbent, and perfect post-shower when drying off is tough. With a knee that feels like a log, this robe was a lifesaver—easy to throw on and super soft against the skin.
Women's Cloud-Loft Terry Robe
Absorbent, spa-level softness that makes post-shower recovery easier. When your leg's in a brace and drying off is a struggle, this robe does most of the work—wrap it on and let it absorb while you rest.
Super-Plush Robe
Lightweight, hands-free bag perfect for crutches or post-op mobility. This is a go-to bag—roomy enough for essentials without getting in the way of recovery.
THE NORTH FACE Women's Isabella Sling - PFAS Free
❄️ Cold Therapy & Compression
The best cold therapy machines, wraps, and compression tools to reduce inflammation and soothe knee pain post-surgery.
Our go-to cold therapy machine for ACL injuries and knee surgery recovery. Delivers consistent, soothing relief with compression—trusted by our family for decades.
Polar Active Ice 3.0 Cold Therapy Machine
We used this and it made both kids feel so much better. This is a game changer—if your doctor or PT offers it, the targeted cooling and active compression make a huge difference post-op.
GRPro 2.1 Cold Therapy Unit | Cryotherapy Unit for Athlete & Patient Recovery
Reusable cold therapy for targeted relief after ACL or meniscus surgery. We kept this in rotation—easy to strap on, stays cold, and contours well around a braced or swollen knee.
DonJoy DuraKold Cold Therapy Knee Wrap
📚 Mental + Emotional Support
Books and resources that helped us manage stress, fear, and frustration throughout the long ACL recovery journey.
A powerful read on the mind-body connection and chronic pain. This book opened our eyes to how stress and emotions can impact healing—especially helpful during long recoveries.
The Mindbody Prescription: Healing Pain
A mental recovery guide for athletes healing from sports injuries like ACL tears. This helped both my kids stay focused and mentally strong—it’s full of strategies to overcome fear, frustration, and setbacks.
Rebound: Train Your Mind for Sports Injuries
A motivating read for building confidence after injury. It's important to give kids a boost when they need it most—practical steps to turn ACL setbacks into a stronger comeback.
Young Athletes' Guide to Mental Toughness
Daily reminders to stay strong, positive, and empowered during recovery. These gave my daughter a lift on tough days—small but mighty words that made a big emotional impact.
Badass Affirmation Cards for Women
Daily Meditations for Recovery – Gentle, grounding reflections to support healing of body and mind. These helped us stay centered during long recovery days—calming thoughts for moments when frustration crept in.
Daily Meditations for Recovery
A no-nonsense journal to vent, reflect, and reset during tough recovery days. Perfect for when emotions run high—this journal brought humor, honesty, and clarity to the healing process.
Let That Sh*t Go: A Journal for Happiness
📖 Knowledge & Prevention
Trusted guides and expert resources to understand ACL injuries, surgical recovery, and how to prevent reinjury.
A surgeon-backed guide to preventing and recovering from ACL injuries. Packed with expert advice and proven exercises—this book helped us understand the process from injury to full return.
The ACL Solution: Prevention and Recovery for Sports' Most Devastating Knee Injury|eBook
🧶 Ways to Pass the Time – Away From Screens
Creative hobbies like needlepoint, journaling, and puzzles that kept us calm and engaged while stuck on the couch.
A fun, beginner-friendly craft to stay engaged during recovery. This gave my kids something creative (and calming) to do when they were sidelined—perfect for keeping hands busy and spirits up.
Learn to crochet with The Woobles
A soothing project to pass the time and create something cozy. Perfect for long recovery days—simple, repetitive knitting that brings comfort and a sense of accomplishment.
Rhodes Blanket Kit
Relaxing, beginner-friendly craft for quiet recovery days. Needlepoint was a calm, screen-free way to stay creative while healing—this kit was simple and soothing.
Starfish Needlepoint Kit
Charming, hands-on craft perfect for long recovery days. I grew up needlepointing, and this was a wonderful way to pass time, stay off screens, and keep my hands busy.
Brvsk Cat Choir Cross-Stitch Kit 16"x16"
Light-hearted word searches and Sudoku to pass the time after surgery. A fun and funny way to stay entertained during recovery—great for teens, adults, and anyone stuck on the couch.
Knee Surgery Recovery Puzzle Book
Large print Sudoku with a sense of humor, perfect for knee surgery recovery. My kids loved the distraction—kept their minds sharp and spirits lifted while they were stuck resting.
I Knee'D Help: 100 Large Print Sudoku Puzzles
🧠 Mindset & Motivation
Mindfulness tools, journals, and affirmations that supported mental strength and emotional balance through recovery.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Insight Timer has been my go-to for over 4 years—if you’re rehabbing a knee, now’s the perfect time to build a healing habit.
Insight Timer - #1 Free Meditation App for Sleep, Relax & More
A Journal for Athletes to build resilience, self-trust, and focus during recovery. This guided journal helped my kids stay mentally strong through the ups and downs of ACL rehab—great for athletes navigating uncertainty.
Confident: A Journal for Athletes
99 prompts to boost confidence, sharpen focus, and support recovery goals. This helped kids reflect, stay mentally strong, and track progress during their ACL rehab journey.
The Athlete Journal: 99 Prompts for Success
A guided weekly roadmap designed for orthopedic injury healing. Great for knees, shoulders, and more—this toolkit helped us track goals, progress, and setbacks throughout ACL recovery.
Injury Recovery Journal: Ultimate Guide
🛠️ Recovery Tools & Life Savers
Apps, trays, organizers, and little things that made a big difference in staying sane, organized, and comfortable.
The app I use to stay on top of meds, appointments, and recovery routines. It was a total lifesaver—great for multiple users, and it reminded us about everything from pain meds to PT check-ins.
Pill Reminder - An app that helps you remember to take your medications at the right time
A simple, foldable tray that makes eating in bed way easier post-surgery. We used this daily during recovery—it’s stable, lightweight, and perfect for meals, journaling, or even laptop time.
KKTONER Bamboo Bed Tray Table with Legs
Great for meals, journaling, or working from bed during recovery. We loved the adjustable height and tilt—it made everything from eating to Zoom calls easier while healing.
Nearpow Adjustable Laptop Bed Tray Table
Keeps remotes easy to reach without drilling or clutter. A small but genius recovery helper—no more digging through the blankets with a braced leg!
TotalMount Hole-Free Remote Holder - Black
After taking care of two kids through 5 ACL surgeries I know what’s neeed to make the recovery journey a little easier
OH NO! You Have a Knee Injury - Here's What You Need To Help You Get By