Can I Recover from an ACL Tear without Surgery?

There are four ligaments that provide the majority of the support for your knee: The posterior cruciate ligament, the medial collateral ligament (MCL), the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). One of the most common injuries we see in athletes and non-athletes is an ACL tear. This is a serious tear that almost always requires surgery to enjoy a full recovery.

How Can I Tell if I Tore My ACL?

Beyond the oftentimes excruciating pain you may feel upon tearing your ACL, it will normally be accompanied by loud popping sound. The injury to the ACL normally occurs when the knee is bent the wrong way or sharply twisted. In addition to pain and the popping sound, you may experience selling, bruising, and stiffness in your knee.

How Do I Relieve the Pain of an ACL Tear?

Because an ACL tear is a sprain, it can be treated much like you would treat a sprain. Start by applying the RICE approach: rest, ice, compression, and elevation. It’s very important you get off the leg to prevent aggravating the injury. Anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen can be used to help with pain and swelling.

Will I Need Surgery?

Unless you have just a partial ACL tear, you will likely need to have surgery to repair the damage, but this is especially true if you are an athlete who wants to return to your chosen sport. You may also need physical therapy. It’s important to seek treatment from a physician who specializes in caring for orthopedic injuries like knees, and you will need to follow the post-surgery recovery plan for a better recovery outcome.

If you are experiencing symptoms of an ACL tear, visit Specialty Orthopaedics. Our New York orthopedic practice is home to a team of fellowship-trained orthopedists in a variety of orthopedic specialty areas. We offer comprehensive treatment for musculoskeletal disorders in a caring and responsive clinical atmosphere. Give us a call at 914.686.0111 or fill out the form on this page to schedule your appointment today.