Help Healing

Eating and drinking

What you eat and drink powers your recovery. Foods and drinks that increase inflammation, like alcohol, processed foods and refined sugars (like soft drinks), may prolong pain and discomfort. These foods and drinks have little nutritional value for healing.

Drinking water to keep hydrated may help with muscle cramps. Eating a balanced diet rich in fruit, vegetables, nuts, and wholegrains will supply your knee with the vitamins and nutrients it needs to heal. Protein feeds your muscles as you build strength.

Tips for eating well include:

Make plain water your drink of choice.
Eat plenty of different coloured vegetables and some fruit each day.
Include wholegrains each day (e.g. wholegrain oats, wholegrain bread, brown rice).
Include a protein-rich food at each meal (like lean meat, fish, eggs, low-fat milk, cheese, lentils, kidney beans).
Choose foods with healthy fats (like fish, nuts, seeds, avocado, olive oil).
Focus on what healthy foods you can add each day to improve what you eat, rather than what you need to cut out.

Smoking and vaping

Nicotine decreases blood flow and delays healing. Avoiding all nicotine helps healing and recovery from ACL injury.

Substance use

It might be tempting to distract yourself from your injury. Use of alcohol and drugs is not recommended. Not only do they increase inflammation, they also increase the risk that you will injure your knee further while under the influence of these substances.

ACC Support

You may be eligible for a range of support options from ACC. These include things such as medical and rehab costs, Rongoā Māori services, compensation for lost income, equipment to help you get around or function at home or work, or support with transportation and childcare.

You can contact ACC to discuss your needs and options:

Phone 0800 101 996

Email claims@acc.co.nz