Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries and Tears
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury Treatment in Portland OR, Bellevue, WA, and Tempe, AZ
Injuries and tears of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) are common, as the ACL is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee. Patients, especially athletes and active people, often think an ACL injury means costly surgery and long recovery. Surgical treatment is not always necessary or the best treatment. At Reflex Knee Specialists, based in Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, we provide patients with non-surgical treatments for knee injuries, including ACL tears. Learn more about ACL injuries and the treatments we offer.
Appointment Request
What Is the Anterior Cruciate Ligament?
The knee joint is stabilized by four ligaments, or strong bands of tissues, that connect the femur and tibia bones. The anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally in the middle of the knee and is one of two cruciate ligaments that help stabilize the knee joint.
It is also the most injured ligament in the knee. ACL injuries can be minor stretches, partial tears, or complete tears. These injuries mainly occur in athletes, especially skiers and those who play soccer, football, and basketball. ACLs can become injured through non-contact mechanisms like pivoting, stopping, and jumping or through direct contact hits. When the injury occurs, many people can hear a popping noise or feel a popping sensation.
Other main symptoms of an ACL injury or tear include intense, deep pain, rapid swelling, inability to walk or move the leg completely, and knee instability.
ACL Injury Risk Factors
There are a few factors that can increase a person’s risk of getting an ACL injury:
- Gender: Females are more likely to experience ACL injuries than males because they have different anatomies and muscle strengths.
- Obesity: People who are overweight are more likely to experience an ACL injury than those who aren’t because of the additional strain on the knees.
- Conditioning level: People who are not in good physical condition are more likely to get an ACL injury, as they may use improper movements or not warm up properly.
- Sport: Athletes of certain sports like soccer, football, basketball, and skiing are more often afflicted with ACL injuries than those who play other sports.
Other factors, like playing sports on artificial turf and using sports equipment that is poorly maintained, can also increase a person’s risk for an ACL injury. However, just because a person has certain risk factors for an ACL injury does not necessarily mean they will get one.
Diagnosing an ACL Injury
Patients who experience an ACL injury or tear often seek medical care promptly because of the intense pain, immobility, or swelling they experience. The medical team will perform a few diagnostic tests to determine whether the injury is related to the ACL. These include:
- Physical examination: The knee will be examined for swelling, movement limitations, and tenderness related to ACL injuries.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): MRIs develop detailed images of the hard and soft tissues in the body, allowing doctors to see the extent of an ACL injury.
- Ultrasound: Although the ACL is not well-visualized on ultrasound, other signs such as excessive fluid in the knee are easily seen and can help support the diagnosis of an ACL injury.
Often, a physical exam is sufficient to diagnose an ACL injury, but imaging can ensure a correct diagnosis. X-rays can also be used to rule out other knee issues but do not show tendons or ligaments.
Treatment Options for ACL Injuries
ACL injuries can range from mild to severe. The severity, along with the patient’s age, activity level, sports participation, and overall health, will determine which treatment option is best. Both non-surgical and surgical treatments can be used.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Treatment for most acute ACL injuries involves conservative solutions, especially in older patients, those with partial tears, or those who do not participate in high-demand sports. Non-surgical treatments that can help to heal ACL injuries include:
- Using the RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) method to reduce swelling and pain
- Taking medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and swelling
- Using crutches or a wheelchair to prevent weight bearing on the injury
- Participating in physical therapyor rehabilitation therapy to improve range of motion, build strength, and reduce the risk of another ACL injury
- A ligament brace can be used to increase knee stability
- Joint fluid and Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments can help reduce inflammation and pain
At Reflex Knee Specialists, we take a non-surgical approach to treating ACL injuries and other conditions, getting patients back to their activities without unnecessary surgeries.
Surgical Treatment
In some cases of ACL injuries, surgical treatment is the best option. That is usually for athletes who want to keep playing their high-impact sport, patients with multiple injured ligaments, or those with injuries causing debilitating side effects. Surgeries often reconstruct or replace the torn ACL with a substitute graft made of tendon.
Although surgical treatment is required in some cases, many patients with ACL injuries can be treated without surgical intervention. At Reflex Knee Specialists, we are dedicated to getting patients back to their pre-injury lifestyle while preventing unnecessary knee surgeries.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACL Injuries
How common are ACL injuries?
ACL tears and injuries are quite common. According to the National Library of Medicine, the ACL is the most commonly injured ligament in the knee, accounting for almost half of all knee injuries.
What are the grades of ACL tears?
ACL tears usually are categorized into a grade to describe the extent of the injury. There are three grades, with one being the least severe and three being the most severe:
- Grade 1 is where the ACL is stretched but still in one piece and holding the knee together.
- Grade 2 is when the ACL is partially torn and loosened.
- Grade 3 is a complete tear of the ACL.
How long does it take to recover from an ACL injury?
The recovery time of an ACL injury is different for every patient and depends on the level of activity the patient wants to return to. On average, it takes between six to 12 months before patients can return to their activities and over a year for a full return to sports. The patient’s medical team will monitor their progress in rehabilitation therapy to determine how strong and stable the knee is.
Can healed ACLs be re-torn?
Yes, ACLs that have healed with non-surgical or surgical treatment can still become torn again. People with a previous ACL tear are more likely to experience another tear, but studies have shown that the chance of a re-tear is fairly small, ranging from two to 20 percent.
Can ACL tears be prevented?
Not all ACL tears can be prevented, but employing proper training and warm-up techniques helps decrease the chances of an ACL injury. Working with a physical therapist, athletic trainer, or rehab specialist can help patients learn proper body movements, stretches, and jumping techniques. They also can help patients strengthen their legs, hips, and core muscles to prevent further injuries down the road.
The Difference at Reflex Knee Specialists
At Reflex Knee Specialists, we believe we can offer patients a unique experience because conservative treatment options are our standard and patients come first. We provide non-surgical treatment options to help patients reduce their pain and improve their mobility without costly or invasive surgeries. The team at Reflex Knee Specialists educates our patients on all their options so they can make treatment decisions that align with their goals and values.
Other reasons Reflex Knee Specialists is a go-to for knee-focused care include:
- Cutting-edge treatments, such as joint fluid therapy, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment, and ozone joint therapy, which help patients avoid surgery
- Highly trained medical providers who are compassionate and understanding
- Friendly office staff who are knowledgeable and provide exceptional patient experiences
- Accessible appointments with no long waiting lists
- Acceptance of most major insurance carriers
These are just some of the ways our dedication to our patients is shown at Reflex Knee Specialists. Patients can read through our patient testimonials or frequently asked questions for further insight into our approach.
Learn More About ACL Injury Treatment Today
ACL injuries are a common affliction, but the medical providers at Reflex Knee Specialists have a unique way of treating them. Our non-surgical approach to knee-specific medical care helps our patients get back to living actively without surgery. Reflex Knee Specialists has offices in Portland, OR, Bellevue, WA, and Tempe, AZ, so patients can access conservative care for ACL injuries in multiple places. For more information on ACL injury treatment, call 503-719-6783 or contact us to schedule an appointment today.
Shedule an Appointment with a Knee Specialist Today
Patients experiencing recurrent pain or swelling in the knee can expect comprehensive, patient-centered care at Reflex Knee Specialists. Several types of health insurance are accepted at our offices in Portland, Oregon, Bellevue, Washington and Tempe, Arizona. We accept most insurance including Medicare. However, we do not accept Medicaid at this time. Call or contact us to schedule an appointment for top-notch evaluation and treatment.
