If you have injured your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), you will experience some telltale symptoms. There is usually a popping sensation in the knee, quickly followed by pain and instability. And as with other sudden injuries, once you’ve had a chance to rest and ice your knee, it’s a good time to learn about the best treatment options.
ACL injuries can be treated both surgically and non-surgically. The best option for you will depend on several factors. Read on to learn why treatment is necessary, what non-surgical treatment entails, and when to consider ACL surgery.
The types of ACL injuries are based on severity.
An ACL injury can range from being somewhat stretched but with a stable knee joint, to a partial tear or even a complete tear. A complete tear occurs when the ACL tears or detaches from the bone. Most complete tears cause instability in the knee, with rare exceptions.
Most ACL tears are partial or complete, and half also involve damage to other ligaments. The extent of the injury can be a deciding factor in determining which treatment is best for you, as completely torn ligaments cannot reconnect on their own. However, non-surgical treatment is generally the first recommendation for all ACL injuries in order to start the healing process and prevent further damage.
Treating a torn ACL without surgery requires physical therapy and rehabilitation
Partial and complete ACL tears require physical therapy and rehabilitation, either as a stand-alone treatment or in preparation for possible surgery. Physical therapy for an ACL injury focuses on reducing pain and swelling, restoring range of motion to the knee, and strengthening supporting muscles to increase stability.
If your knee is stable, you have no swelling or pain, and you are not trying to return to activities that involve sudden twists or changes in direction, nonsurgical treatment may be the right option for you.
Without surgery, ACL injury recovery time can vary
The time it takes to recover from an ACL injury depends on several factors, such as:
- The severity of the injury.
- Your activity level before the injury
- How closely you adhere to your physical therapist’s rehabilitation plan
Physical therapy programs for ACL tears can last between 3 and 6 months, but it can take up to a year to reach the desired level of function.
The main risk of non-surgical treatment is instability.
While treating an ACL tear without surgery may be enough for certain people to return to their usual activities, one of the main risks of not having surgery is instability, especially if you have a complete tear. Since a tear does not go away on its own, there is no guarantee that you will be able to prevent your knee from bending or giving way. Over time, this can begin to damage the other ligaments in the knee, which can lead to other injuries and osteoarthritis in the joint.
When to consider ACL surgery
In general, treating an ACL tear without surgery is acceptable for people without symptoms of instability, without damage to other ligaments, and with a lower level of activity. ACL surgery is often highly recommended for people with significant knee joint instability, as well as for:
- athletes
- Children and adolescents
- People who do heavy manual labor or other strenuous activities.
If you have torn your ACL, the best place to start is with an expert. A knee ligament injury specialist can evaluate your injury and make treatment recommendations based on your preferences and lifestyle.
