ACL Gear Sources
Where to Get Gear for ACL Surgery Recovery: Buy, Borrow, Rent, or Find a Loan Closet
Recovering from ACL surgery often requires a surprising amount of gear. Crutches, ice machines, braces, elevated leg wedges, shower seats, and more. But where should you get it all? Fortunately, you don’t always have to buy everything new. Here are four main ways to source recovery gear:
Buy New or Used
Retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and medical supply stores carry almost everything you’ll need. Brands like DonJoy and Breg offer post-op braces and cold therapy machines. If you’re buying out of pocket, look for used or open-box deals on eBay or Facebook Marketplace to save money. A lot of times, your orthopedist or physical therapy office provides these items. (Or more accurately, “sells” these items, though they’ll ideally be charged to your insurance. Depending on your insurance, deductibles and finances, ask about these things prior to potentially just getting a surprise bill.)
Borrow from Friends or Family
If someone you know has gone through a similar surgery, ask if they still have gear. Items like crutches, braces, and even cold therapy machines are often used for a short time and then stored away. Many people are happy to lend them out or get rid of them altogether. Some might just want to get them out of their attic or basement. Just make absolutely sure to test any such gear to make sure everything is safe and in working order.
Rent Medical Equipment
Medical supply stores and online rental services allow you to rent pricier items such as CPM (continuous passive motion) machines, cold therapy units, and knee scooters. This can be a cost-effective option if you only need the gear for a few weeks. Again, inspect for safety.
Check Local Loan Closets
Community organizations, churches, hospitals, and nonprofits sometimes run medical loan closets. These programs lend out durable medical equipment at little to no cost. Search online for “medical loan closet near me” or ask your hospital’s discharge planner for local options. And, you guessed it, inspect for safety.
No matter which route you choose, plan ahead when possible, having the right gear ready at home makes recovery smoother and more comfortable. Not having this done beforehand can be a problem because it may be challenging to get later, depending on your situation. That is, if you have family / friends close by and helping, it might not be hard to acquire things you need. But if you’re struggling through this more on your own, it may be challenging to impossible to quickly acquire some items.