ACL Injuries Evaluated and Treated in Arlington, VA
ACL injuries are sprains or tears of the anterior cruciate ligament, a major ligament that supports and stabilizes the knee joint. These complex injuries can result from a quick change in direction, an awkward landing from a jump, an abrupt stop, or a direct blow to the knee, which can potentially overstretch the ligament to the point of tearing. Most ACL injuries occur without contact with another, but can also occur with tackling. ACL tears can occur in anyone, but are common in sports that require twisting and change of direction, such as basketball, football, lacrosse, and gymnastics.
In addition to sudden and severe pain, ACL injuries can cause knee instability, rapid swelling, and an inability to bear weight on the affected leg without pain. Sometimes, a “popping” sensation is felt as the injury occurs. If an ACL injury is suspected, it’s important to promptly see a physician who can perform a thorough evaluation to determine the severity of the injury and suggest appropriate treatment.
How Are ACL Injuries Treated?
In addition to traditional P.R.I.C.E. therapy, which involves protection, rest, ice applications, compression, and elevation, mild-to-moderate ACL injuries can often be treated conservatively with a combination of:
- Bracing — A knee brace can be worn to stabilize the injured joint during movement.
- Assistive walking devices — A cane or crutches can be used to keep weight off the knee as it heals.
- Physical therapy — Rehabilitative stretches and exercises can be performed to enhance range of motion and strengthen the muscles that support the knee.
Nonsurgical treatment may be sufficient for an ACL injury, particularly in an individual who does not regularly participate in sports or strenuous exercises that involve repetitive jumping, cutting, or pivoting. On the other hand, some patients cannot tolerate the instability caused by the ACL tear, even with trying to limit activities.
The traditional surgical treatment for ACL tears is ACL reconstruction. This surgery may be suggested for a serious athlete who would like to continue to play a demanding sport. Surgical treatment may also be appropriate for addressing extensive ACL injuries that involve damage to another ligament or cartilage, or cause the knee to buckle during daily activities, such as stepping off a curb. When performing this type of procedure, a surgeon may remove the damaged ligament through a small incision and reconstruct it with a tissue graft, which can strengthen the knee as it heals.
A newer way of treating ACL tears is ACL repair. This takes advantage of modern sports medicine arthroscopic techniques that allow the torn ACL to be re-anchored back in place.
See a Specialist in Northern Virginia
For comprehensive evaluation and treatment of ACL injuries, many athletes and other active individuals in the Arlington, Virginia, area, turn to the specialized orthopedic surgeons at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center (NOC). NOC is consistently rated as one of the top orthopedic and sports medicine centers in the Washington, DC, metropolitan area.
If you’d like to consult with an orthopedic specialist at Nirschl Orthopaedic Center, contact us at (703) 525-2200 to schedule an appointment at our office in Arlington, VA.