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Non Surgical ACL Treatment – When Is It an Option?

Surgery is the most common treatment for an ACL injury, but did you know that there are times when a non surgical ACL treatment may actually be better?

This is great news for people who are not crazy about the idea of having surgery.

Keep in mind that this may not be the best course for everyone.

There are only certain situations when it is preferable to not fix the problem with surgery.

If you have suffered an ACL injury and do not want to have surgery, it is worth a shot to check with your doctor and see if you are a candidate for a non surgical treatment.

Patients who have only experienced a partial tear of the anterior cruciate ligament without instability symptoms may be good candidates for a non surgical ACL treatment.

Instead of surgery, these patients would be treated with a progressive physical therapy and rehabilitation plan to improve their symptoms.

This can allow the knee to practically be almost as good as new.

A knee brace may be involved in non surgical treatment, but your doctor will need to make the final decision.

Non Surgical ACL Treatment – You Must Protect Yourself

If you opt to not have surgery, you need to be aware that another injury could happen later so you can protect yourself.

You may also be able to avoid surgery if you have experienced a complete tear of your anterior cruciate ligament, but your knee does not exhibit any suggestions of instability when you take part in low-impact sports.

However, you must be willing to give up high-impact sports as a whole.

This might be an option if you are not a professional athlete or a particularly athletic person in general.

You should be very certain of your decision in this case, because choosing to have surgery later can make the process much more difficult.

Finally, you can opt for non surgical ACL treatment if you do light manual work or are not very active.

In instances like this, it is appropriate to treat an ACL injury with physical therapy and hinged knee braces.

Patients who choose to not receive surgery can also receive education on how to prevent knee instability.

This can be vital to your long term recovery because preventing instability can keep you from experiencing another injury to your anterior cruciate ligament.

Being an informed patient will help you make better choices for yourself and your health over time.

{ 4 comments… add one }
  • lorraine

    Im not having surgery even though I have total acl mcl ligament tare but want to know if I have to tell dvla people even though I can drive ok as Im weight bearing .I am morbidly obese and twisted my knee but after 3 months I am using 1 crutch but can drive.

    • Jim Wnek

      Hey Lorraine.

      I don’t have an answer for you.
      I am not sure if you have to inform them.

      interesting question though

      thanks
      jim

  • lorraine

    Im not having surgery even though I have total acl mcl ligament tare but want to know if I have to tell dvla people even though I can drive ok as Im weight bearing .I am morbidly obese and twisted my knee but after 3 months I am using 1 crutch but can drive

  • cibi

    Hello;I am Cibi.I have a partial acl tear and a complete mpfl tear.my doctor told that I don’t have to undergo surgery. But I wish to be a professional athlete.should I undergo surgery?now I am 15years old and so I am told that I don’t need surgery.so please give ur opinion.

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