ACL Tear Surgery FAQ’s
If you suffer from an injury to the ACL in your knee, you may have questions about the ACL tear and the surgery you need. Below we have listed the answers to some of the FAQ.
Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?
Small tears (sprains) may be treated non-surgically and with regenerative medicine therapy. However, full tears of the ACL cannot be repaired without surgery. In cases where you are not making pivoting movements on your knee, physical therapy rehabilitation may be enough to treat you.
What is the immediate treatment for an ACL tear?
Provide first aid. You may only need to apply ice to your knee, elevate your leg, and stay off your feet for a few days if your injury is minor. Ace bandages can help reduce swelling. Crutches can help you keep weight off your knee.
What happens if ACL injury is not treated?
In the absence of treatment, a small ACL tear can cause more pain and increase laxity in the knee. Due to the lack of a properly functioning ACL, the other structures in the knee are subjected to more strain, which leads to additional injuries.
How long does it take a torn ACL to heal without surgery?
The time it takes to recover is approximately 3 months.
Is surgery required for a partial ACL tear?
ACL injuries can either be complete or partial. While complete ACL tears almost always require surgery, partial ACL tears may be treated effectively with nonsurgical methods. Tears of the ACL are graded by severity and are referred to as sprains (a sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament).
Is an ACL tear a serious injury?
Any time you think you’ve experienced an ACL tear, it is important to seek medical attention. Pushing through or overcoming the pain can be harmful. Can ACL tears be treated? Despite its fearsome reputation, ACL tears are treatable.
Can you bend your knee with a torn ACL?
There are some people who feel their knees are looser than they should be. They have less range of motion. Your knee will be unable to bend and flex normally after you have damaged your ACL.
Does a torn ACL pop?
The popping sound that you hear when you tear your ACL is a clear indication that your ligament has been torn. People around you can also hear it. You usually experience pain right after hearing this pop, especially at the back and outside portion of your knee.
Can you walk immediately after an ACL tear?
Yes, that’s the short answer. You may eventually be able to walk straight lines, climb stairs and even jog in a straight line once the swelling subsides and there is no other injury to your knee.
Can you still work out with a torn ACL?
After an ACL injury, quad sets, straight-leg raises, and heel slides are common exercises. Once your symptoms have decreased and you are able to bear weight, you can do side-lying leg lifts, glute sets, bridges, mini-squats, heel raises, and prone hamstring curls.
