Overview
An ACL or anterior cruciate ligament tear is a frequent knee injury that creates intense pain, inflammation, and instability.
An ACL is a strong ligament connecting the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shinbone). It keeps the knee in place and helps you to jump, make turns, and move and rotate your leg on all sides. An ACL sprain can occur if the knee is twisted, overstretched, or has been hit hard.
You will immediately notice an ACL tear. You can hear a pop sound at the time of the tear, intense pain in and around the knee, swelling, and difficulty in walking or running.
Do all ACL tears need surgery?
No, all ACL tears may not need surgery. The consideration of whether to have an ACL surgery depends on your level of activity and the grade of ACL tear. If the tear is interfering with your daily course of life and you are experiencing repeated bouts of instability, surgery is needed.
An ACL tear surgery is recommended based on the following factors:
ACL tear grades
An ACL tear grade is categorized by its severity. A grade 1 ACL tear occurs when the ligament is overstretched, not torn, and the knee is still stable. You may not need an ACL tear surgery.
A grade 2 ACL tear is rare and occurs when the ligament is overly stretched and becomes loose or there is partial tear or damage to the ligament. The decision for surgery depends on the level of instability, degree of pain, and discomfort. Most people recover through nonsurgical rehabilitation treatments.
A grade 3 ACL tear is a complete tear and the ligament is damaged badly. You may feel severe pain and instability and surgery may be the only treatment.
Active lifestyles
If you want to go for conservative treatment for pain and swelling, your doctor will ask you about the level of your activity.
If you are an active sportsperson and there is significant ACL damage, surgery is required for a stable and strong knee. Similarly, if you have a physically demanding job or manual work, you will need ACL reconstruction surgery.
If you do not want to return to heavy-duty jobs or active sports, the doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen and stabilize your knee.
Major knee instability
An unstable fall, blow to the knee, or an accident may cause major knee instability. If you have recurrent episodes of knee instability during movements, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Growth plates are still open
Children who have undergone a partial ACL tear need special attention and evaluation. In children, the growth plates are not closed until the age of 15 to 17. The doctor may not recommend surgery as it may stunt the growth.
How to recover from ACL tears at home?
Some at-home treatments can help you recover from an ACL injury. If there is a partial ACL tear, then it can heal with adequate rest. These home treatments promote natural healing and help the knee to gain strength.
Home treatment for ACL tears:
- Practice R.I.C.E. Rest your joint. Apply ice to the affected knee. Compress using wraps and elastic bandages. Elevate the knee
- Spend less time on your feet. Use knee braces or crutches for walking
- Limit your activities for a few weeks
- Use anti-inflammatory medications for inflammation
- Include fruits, vegetables, vitamins C and E, lean proteins, and omega-3 fatty acids that help in tissue repair
How long does it take for a torn ACL to heal without surgery?
Healing from an ACL injury depends on your overall health and the extent of the injury. Partial ACL tears may take up to 3 months to heal. However, you may have to undergo physical therapy to build strength and gain stability in the affected knee.
Competitive athletes will need a longer time to recover completely before they can return to sports. Your doctor will advise you when to return to physical activities. Resuming physically demanding work or sports before recovering fully can likely re-injure the ligament.
If non-surgical treatments are not working or you have not gained full stability, you may have to undergo surgery.
Active individuals or sportspeople with completely torn ACLs have to undergo ACL reconstruction surgery. Healing and full recovery after an ACL surgery may take 9 months to 12 months.
Stop your suffering NOW
Don't just jump into a surgery because your doctor is advising you to go for it. Consult our doctors to know if you need a surgery at all. Rest assured, we WON'T recommend you surgery unless it's the last resort.
What are the exercises for a torn ACL?
The aim of ACL exercises is to:
- Boost your range of motion
- Improve stability
- Increase blood flow
- Strengthen the muscles.
Exercises for ACL tear:
Bridging (heel dig)
Follow these simple steps:
- Lie down on your back
- Lift your back and hips from the ground
- Lift both knees
- Bent your knees and ankles so that only the heels touch the ground
- Tighten your abdomen by squeezing in your abdominal muscles
- Keep breathing. Do not hold your breath
- Push your heels down on the ground
- Hold the position for 5-6 seconds
- Slowly bring your hips and shoulders down to the ground
- Repeat this exercise for 8-12 times
Hamstring curl
Follow these simple steps:
- Lie down on your stomach
- Keep your legs straight
- Lift the affected foot and bend the knee
- Bring the foot toward your buttock
- Now return to your position and bring the foot on the floor
- Repeat this motion 8-12 times
Avoid bending your knee if the motion is too painful. You can place a soft cushion or pillow under your abdomen for comfort.
Heel raise
Follow these simple steps:
- Stand straight on your feet
- The feet should be slightly apart
- Rest your hands on a chair or a counter
- Slowly raise your heels one to two inches from the floor
- Keep your knees straight
- Hold this for 5-6 seconds
- Return to your position
- Do this 8-12 times
Shallow standing knee bends
Follow these simple steps:
- Stand straight and keep your shoulders and feet apart
- Rest your hands on a desk or a chair
- Bend the knees as if you are squatting to sit down on a chair
- Slowly squat down up to 5-6 inches
- Remember that your knees should not surpass your toes
- Slowly bring yourself up
- Do this for 8-10 times
Hip abduction
Follow these simple steps:
- Lie down on your side so that the affected leg is on top
- Your leg and knee should be in a straight line
- Use your hand or a soft pillow to support your head
- Gently lift your affected leg into the air at least 12 inches above the floor
- Keep the leg lifted for 10-12 seconds
- Gradually bring the leg down
- Do this for 8-10 times
