Does Your ACL Tear Need Surgical or Nonsurgical Treatments?

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common injury for most athletes whose knees are continuously subjected to fast turns that can strain the ligament beyond the normal extent. While athletes often undergo surgery to repair the ACL, not all ACL tears need surgery. If you have been diagnosed with an Oklahoma city ACL tear, several nonsurgical treatments can help relieve and heal the condition. The key to recovery is working with a medical professional with significant experience using conservative and surgical treatments. Here is a look at how to tell whether your ACL requires surgery or if conservative techniques might be a perfect choice.

How Do ACL Tears Occur?

The ACL is one of the four main ligaments that link the bones of your knee joint. Situated in the center of the knee, the ACL has a role in rotational movements and holds the shin bone in position, preventing it from going too forward when you flex and bend the joint. ACL strains and tears occur when you overextend or twist your knee during physical activity. However, it can also occur after a traumatic accident or fall.

An ACL tear that extends through the ligament, tearing it into two parts, is known as a complete tear. On the other hand, if the tear only extends partly through the ligament, this is a partial tear. The symptoms vary based on if the tear is partial or full. The common symptoms include; knee instability, knee pain, a snapping sensation during the injury, and swelling around your knee.

Treating ACL Tears

The main goal of ACL treatment is to relieve pain. However, the treatment also focuses on stabilizing the knee, restoring its normal function, and reducing the risk of getting another ligament injury in the future. Your doctor will thoroughly examine your knee and conduct diagnostic imaging of the joint before recommending any treatment. Depending on these results, the doctor will determine whether your ACL tear is best treated through surgery or conservatively. The treatment will also depend on if you have a partial or full ACL tear.

Conservative Treatments Vs. Surgery

If you have a mild ACL tear without any substantial joint instability, there is a likelihood it can be treated through nonsurgical, conservative techniques. Some of the conservative treatments used include; rest, physical therapy, crutches or bracing, pain relievers and anti-inflammatory medications, and lifestyle changes.

On the other hand, if you lead an active lifestyle or want to resume activities that take a toll on your knee, you will require surgery even for mild partial tears. Surgery is normally recommended for complete, full-thickness ACL tears. Today, innovative minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery techniques use tiny incisions to repair your ACL injury.

Generally, some mild partial ACL tears can heal by themselves, while more severe tears need surgery. The best way of knowing whether surgery is the appropriate choice for your ACL injury is to have your doctor examine your injury using innovative diagnostic techniques. When you work with an experienced doctor treating ACL injuries, you will be confident of getting the best treatment.