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Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears Treatment

Understanding, Diagnosing, and Treating Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is essential for knee joint stability, and a tear in it can be devastating. This blog sheds light on ACL tears and the comprehensive approach to managing this frequent knee injury, including everything from the origins and symptoms to the diagnostic and therapeutic options.

Understanding ACL Tears:

The ACL is one of two essential ligaments that help to stabilise the knee joint. A robust band of connective tissue and collagenous fibres keeps the tibia from sliding too far forward or backwards around the femur during knee flexion and extension. When this ligament rips, it can cause various symptoms, such as severe pain, swelling, discomfort, and instability.

Causes of ACL Tears:

ACL tears may occur abruptly and in both contact and non-contact sports. Athletes’ hamstrings can be torn while changing directions fast, cutting or twisting, or landing on one leg in sports like basketball or volleyball. Direct knee hits, sudden stops or slowing down when jogging, and recurring stress on the knee, which results in hyperextension or twisting, are all possible causes.

Diagnosing ACL Tears:

A correct diagnosis is required for effective therapy. Physical exams, such as the Lachman and anterior drawer tests, can aid in diagnosing knee oedema, discomfort, and general joint function. X-rays rule out bone fractures, but magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) offers comprehensive pictures of soft tissues such as ligaments and tendons. Ultrasound is another method of assessing damage to the knee’s inner tissues.

Treatment Options for ACL Tears:

The therapy for ACL rips is determined by the degree of the damage. Non-surgical treatment may be considered in less severe situations. Pain and swelling can be treated with anti-inflammatory medicines and steroids. However, before taking any drug, it is critical to speak with a healthcare expert.

In more severe situations or for those with knee instability, surgery may be considered. The torn ACL is removed during surgery and replaced with tissue to allow for the formation of a new ligament. ACL surgery is frequently required for athletes or people who have had severe ACL injuries.

Physiotherapy for ACL Tears:

Physiotherapy is critical in repairing ACL tears, whether after surgery or as a stand-alone treatment in less severe cases. Physiotherapy at affordable price will help you in dealing with the ACL. The following physiotherapy techniques are commonly used for AC:

• Rest: By limiting movement, you can allow the knee joint to recover.
• Knee Brace: A knee brace provides extra support, especially during activities that stress the knee, such as jogging or sports.
• Compression: Wrapping an ace bandage over the knee helps minimise swelling.
• Elevation: Elevating the afflicted limb helps to reduce swelling and oedema.
• Cryotherapy: Applying ice packs to the knee regularly helps reduce swelling.
• TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Stimulation): TENS can treat knee discomfort and oedema.
• Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES): NMES aids in restoring quadriceps muscle strength and control.
• Laser Therapy: This therapy employs light to alleviate pain, speed healing, and reduce inflammation.
• Shockwave Therapy: Shockwave therapy improves healing and speeds up recovery in ACL injuries.
• Gait Training: Assistive aids such as crutches help with gait training, progressing from walking with assistance to regular walking.
• Exercises for Range of Motion: Simple exercises can help enhance and normalise knee mobility.
• Strengthening workouts: To regain strength, various activities target the quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip muscles.
• Balance exercises: such as wobble boards or BAPS boards help restore normal proprioception after an accident.
• Plyometrics: Plyometric training focuses on appropriate leaping and landing methods, which are essential for returning to high-level sports.

Patient Education:

Educating patients on how to avoid re-injury of the ACL is vital. Even after recovery, physiotherapy strengthening exercises should be performed to maximise strength and reduce the risk of future injuries.

Anterior cruciate ligament tears are common injuries that can significantly limit a person’s mobility and athletic abilities. Understanding the symptoms, causes, and treatment options, such as physiotherapy, is crucial for effective management and recovery. The goal, whether by surgery or non-surgical measures, is to restore knee stability and function and the patient’s confidence in their ability to engage in everyday activities and sports.

Gold Medal Physiotherapy provides a complete treatment plan for anterior cruciate ligament rupture. Their dedication to patient education enables optimal healing and avoidance of future injuries, from precise diagnosis through physical tests and modern imaging to personalised treatment programmes, including surgery and physiotherapy. Select Gold Medal Physiotherapy for superior orthopaedic care.

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