ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tears are one of the most common knee injuries, affecting thousands of patients every year. While surgical reconstruction is often recommended, non-surgical treatment options can be effective for many patients, depending on the severity of the injury and individual goals.
Let us explore the top non-surgical treatments for ACL tears to help you understand your options if you have an ACL tear.
What Is an ACL Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of four essential ligaments stabilizing the knee joint. Located in the center of the knee, the ACL helps control movement, prevents excessive forward motion of the tibia, and ensures stability during rapid changes in direction.
Tears usually result from sudden twisting, stopping, or pivoting movements, often related to sports or physical activities. Symptoms typically include pain, swelling, instability, and limited range of motion.
While surgery is a common recommendation, some individuals can manage with non-surgical treatment for ACL tears. This approach is particularly suitable for those with partial tears, low activity levels, or medical conditions that make surgery risky.
Benefits of Non-Surgical Treatment for ACL Tear
Before exploring specific options, it is important to understand the benefits of non-surgical treatment approaches. These include the following.
- Avoidance of Surgery Risks: Surgery comes with risks like infections, blood clots, and anesthesia complications. Non-surgical options eliminate these.
- Reduced Recovery Time: Non-surgical treatments often have shorter recovery periods compared to surgery.
- Cost-Effectiveness: Non-surgical treatments are generally more affordable than ACL reconstruction surgery.
It is important to consult the best orthopedic doctor near you to evaluate whether a non-surgical approach aligns with your treatment goals.
Top Non-Surgical ACL Tear Treatments
The following are the top non-surgical treatments for ACL tear.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is often the foundation of non-surgical treatment for ACL tears. A trained physiotherapist creates a customized rehabilitation program to strengthen surrounding muscles and improve knee stability.
Key components of physical therapy include:
- Strength Training: Exercises focusing on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves to support the knee joint.
- Range of Motion: Stretching exercises to regain flexibility and reduce stiffness.
- Balance and Stability: Techniques to enhance your knee’s ability to handle daily movements.
Patients typically undergo therapy 2–3 times per week, with additional exercises at home. Continuous evaluation by an orthopedic doctor ensures progress and prevents complications.
Bracing
Knee braces are often used to stabilize the joint, especially during recovery. Functional braces are designed for use during physical activity, providing extra support and preventing further injury.
- Custom Braces are tailored to fit individual patients and provide optimal stabilization.
- Off-the-counter Braces are more affordable and readily available, though they may not fit as accurately.
Consulting the best orthopedic doctor can ensure you select a brace suitable for your specific condition and activity level.
Rest and Activity Modification
While physical therapy and bracing play important roles, rest and activity modification are critical in healing. This involves avoiding high-impact activities that could worsen the injury.
Instead, patients are often encouraged to adopt low-impact exercises, such as swimming or cycling, to maintain overall fitness while giving the ACL time to recover.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) can be prescribed to reduce inflammation and manage pain during the healing process. Always use medication under the guidance of a doctor for knee problems to ensure proper dosage and avoid side effects.
Corticosteroid Injections
If pain and swelling are severe, corticosteroid injections might be suggested as a temporary solution. Orthopedic doctors administer these knee injections to quickly alleviate ACL tear symptoms.
While effective in the short term, they are not a permanent fix. Corticosteroid injections are often combined with other treatments like physical therapy for long-lasting improvement.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy has emerged as an advanced option in non-surgical ACL tear management. This involves injecting a concentrated dose of the patient’s platelets to promote tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
While PRP therapy is still being researched, some studies suggest it can support healing in partially torn ACLs. Discuss this option with your best orthopedic surgeon to determine its suitability for your condition.
How to Decide Between Surgical and Non-Surgical Treatments
The decision to pursue non-surgical treatment for ACL tears depends on several factors, including the following.
- The severity of the tear (partial or complete)
- Your age, activity level, and overall health
- Long-term functional goals
A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist is essential to determine the most suitable treatment plan.
If you are researching the best orthopedic surgeon for ACL reconstruction, also explore their expertise in non-surgical options, as they may offer equally effective solutions.
Non-Surgical Treatment for ACL Tear in Lauderdale Lakes & Pembroke Pines, FL
Non-surgical treatments for ACL tears provide a safe and effective alternative for many patients. Whether it is physical therapy, bracing, or innovative therapies like PRP, these options can help you regain strength and confidence without the need for extensive surgery.
If you are ready to explore your treatment options, get in touch with the experts at Total Orthopaedic Care. Our team of board-certified orthopedic specialists specializes in personalized orthopedic care for knee injuries like ACL tears. We offer state-of-the-art treatments, including physical therapy, bracing, and PRP therapy, to help you heal effectively.
Schedule a consultation today by calling us at (954) 735-3535 and take the first step towards an active, pain-free life. You can also fill out our appointment request form to see one of our doctors for ACL tear treatment. We offer same-day appointments for acute & new orthopedic injuries.
