If you are an athlete or love sporting events, you might have experienced a knee injury characterized by a popping sensation and pain. Such an injury is referred to as an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, and it occurs due to a sudden change of movement at the knee joint. A Bayonne ACL tear can vary in severity, which can affect your overall treatment plan.
After the assessment at your doctor’s office, they will determine whether you need surgery. They will recommend conservative treatment methods if it is a mild tear, but if it is severe, you might need to undergo surgery.
What symptoms can you experience with an ACL tear?
You are more susceptible to an ACL tear if you are physically active or an athlete. Common symptoms include pain, swelling, a popping sound, knee instability, and poor range of motion. An ACL tear can occur due to a sudden and sharp change of movement at the knee. The quick movement change is usually called cutting and is common in football and basketball players.
Treatment methods for ACL injury
When you suffer an ACL tear, you should visit your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. Your specialist will perform a physical examination and might order additional tests, including X-rays or MRI scans, to fully understand your injury. The following are common treatment methods for an ACL tear. Remember, your doctor might recommend combining them for the best outcome.
Rest
Rest can benefit a mild ACL tear, and you should try not to exert pressure on the injured knee. If you don’t require other forms of treatment, your specialist can advise you to rest at home with your injured knee propped up on pillows. You can use compression wrap or ice packs to reduce the pain and swelling.
Physical therapy
If your ACL tear is minor, your specialist can recommend physical therapy to help strengthen all the muscles that support your knee. Your physical therapist can prescribe exercises that work on your quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles. The activities will relieve pain, strengthen your muscles, and restore a full range of motion.
Braces
Following an ACL tear, you can use a knee brace to support your knee and avoid further damage. An ACL knee brace is beneficial before and after you undergo surgery. Although it supports and keeps your knee stable, it has compression to allow it to move, promoting blood flow.
Surgery
If your tear is severe, your doctor will recommend surgery which they will perform while you are under general anesthesia. Referred to as ACL reconstruction, your surgeon will remove the damaged ligament and replace it with a tendon that connects your muscle to the bone. They can graft the tendon from another part of your knee or acquire it from a donor.
What happens if an ACL tear is left untreated?
If you leave the anterior cruciate ligament untreated, you will be subjecting the other structures of the knee as they try to compensate for the movement of the ligament. Such strain leads to further injuries to your knee, damaging the cartilage and eventually leading to osteoarthritis.
If you have an ACL tear, visit Orange Orthopaedic Associates for evaluation and treatment. Your treatment plan will depend on the severity of the tear. Call or schedule your appointment online and restore your range of motion.