Why Continue Suffering: ACL Injury Treatment

No matter how you slice it, an ACL injury can be a terrible condition to deal with, causing significant pain and keeping you from the activities you love. Many individuals, after sustaining an ACL tear, whether partial or full, are concerned that surgery is the only option, or are not even fully aware that the injury sustained is actually an ACL injury at all.

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the four ligaments in the knee that provides stabilization. That being said, it is also one of the ligaments of the knee most commonly injured. An ACL injury occurs when that ligament is stretched (partial tear) or torn completely. It has been estimated that approximately 70% of all ACL injuries are a result of non-contact (usually when the knee locks and twists or pivots), although 30% are attributed to direct contact.

When an ACL injury is sustained, it is usually accompanied by pain and swelling and instability. This can later manifest as a loss of full range of motion and further pain and swelling. Although some choose to ignore the pain in the hopes that rest will make it go away, this is often the worst thing that you can do. An ACL injury can be quite serious and so seeking medical attention and ACL injury treatment right away is critical to avoid further damage to the knee.

As mentioned, many are concerned that the only option for treatment is surgery, but this may not be the case. Speaking with an experienced sports medicine specialist will help you better understand the various options that exist as far as treatment. Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery might be the only option – but assuming that it is and thus avoiding seeking medical advice is never a good idea.

As far as non-surgical ACL injury treatment, there are a variety of methods. The most common method is physical therapy to help rehabilitate the knee to a condition as close to the pre-injury state as possible.

Another form of non-surgical treatment may include the use of a custom ACL knee brace, one designed to meet your body’s exact specifications. This can help to stabilize the knee and reduce the pressure place on the joint.

Don’t just suffer through the pain of an ACL injury. There are options available and those options don’t always involve surgery. Speak to an expert in sports medicine right away to find out how you can get relief.

For more about ACL injury treatment please contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 416-800-0800.