Hi Adora
First things first, rest, allow the swelling to go down before doing anything too strenuous, otherwise in its inflamed state there is a good chance the knee could be further comprimised slowing down recovery times still further.
26 years ago, I completely ruptured my right ACL.
At the time in this region reconstructive knee surgery was in its infancy and the outcomes were nowhere near what they are today.
I opted for no surgery to ACL, though I did get some cartilage tidying up via arthroscopic surgery.
I ceased playing sports that include sudden stopping and starting, twisting and turning.
In time I was able to work out in the gym to increase strength in hamstring/glute areas which helps to provide compensatory strength in ACL injuries.
Later, I returned to sports like surfing (and some jogging) and providing I took things carefully the knee would not give way.
Fast forward til last year and I started to get much increased pain in the knee. According to scans, there was some bone on bone wear, responsible for the increased pain.
The longterm prognosis for this injury in my case was poor and apparently a knee replacement would be the only solution, yet I am too young for this as they generally have a life of around 15 years.
I have got some good results by ditching shoes (or shoes with any sole or heel padding) and going barefoot or equivalent footwear to minimise increased torque and leverage on the joint that much footwear can initiate. Ones gait does change and one tends to walk in a 'gentler' way. Perhaps some minor re-alignments may take place also.
Keeping slim (less weight for the knees to carry) is also of benefit, though if you are eating a fair amount of food raw, this probably isn't a problem.
Stretching and light strengthening work are also of benefit.
As to advice, if you are able to get the ACL surgically repaired, I would tend to go that way.
However, if you dont, it is not the end of all exercise and activity.
It can also have its positives as a greater awareness of how one moves develops.
PS. I am a great lover of the woods too, though not jumping! and when swelling goes down you can go and sit and healing will benefit.
Dont get too down on the situation, talk and express what you are feeling with those you feel comfortable doing so.
And there is the seed of opportunity in all experience, no matter how grave we may see it at the time.
Kind wishes, J
