Knee injuries can stop you in your tracks. Whether you are an athlete or someone who enjoys daily walks, knee injury treatment depends on which part of your knee is damaged.
Understanding the difference between ACL, MCL, and meniscus tears helps you make better decisions about your care.
Let us explore the difference between these injuries and how doctors treat them.
Understanding ACL Injuries
The ACL runs through the center of your knee. It prevents your shin bone from sliding too far forward. ACL tears often happen during sports that involve sudden stops or direction changes.
You might hear a “pop” when an ACL tear happens, and the knee usually swells quickly. Walking becomes difficult or impossible right after the injury.
A study published in Military Medicine found that ACL injuries affect over 200,000 people each year in the United States.
ACL Injury Treatments
Non-surgical ACL injury treatments work well for some people.
Conservative ACL Injury Treatments
Physical therapy helps strengthen the muscles around your knee. Anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve) reduce knee swelling and pain.
Surgical ACL Injury Treatments
Surgery becomes necessary for active individuals who want to return to sports. ACL reconstruction uses a graft to replace the torn ligament. The graft often comes from your own hamstring or patellar tendon.
Recovery from ACL surgery takes 6-12 months. Physical therapy starts within days of surgery. You gradually return to normal activities as your knee heals.
MCL Injuries Explained
The MCL runs along the inside of your knee. It connects your thigh bone to your shin bone. MCL tears usually happen when something hits the outside of your knee.
MCL injuries cause pain and swelling on the inside of your knee. You might feel like your knee is unstable or giving way. Most people can still walk after an MCL injury.
MCL Injury Treatment Options
MCL injury treatment rarely requires surgery. These ligaments heal well on their own with proper care. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) form the foundation of treatment.
Knee braces provide extra support during healing. Physical therapy helps restore strength and flexibility. Most MCL injuries heal within 2-6 weeks with conservative treatment.
Grade 3 MCL tears represent complete ruptures. These severe injuries might need surgery if they do not heal properly. However, surgery for MCL tears remains uncommon.
Meniscus Tear Basics
Each knee has two menisci. These C-shaped pieces of cartilage cushion your knee joint. Meniscus tears can happen from sports injuries or everyday activities.
Age affects how meniscus tears occur. Young people usually tear their meniscus during sports. Older adults might tear their meniscus from simple movements like squatting or twisting.
Meniscus Injury Treatments
Meniscus injury treatment knee approaches depend on the tear’s location and size. Small tears in the outer part of the meniscus might heal on their own. These areas have a good blood supply.
Conservative Treatments for Meniscus Injury
Conservative treatment for this knee injury includes rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. Physical therapy helps maintain knee strength and flexibility. Corticosteroid injections might provide temporary relief.
Surgical Treatments for Meniscus Injury
Surgery becomes necessary for large tears or tears that cause mechanical problems. Arthroscopic surgery allows doctors to repair or remove damaged meniscus tissue. The goal is to preserve as much healthy meniscus as possible.
Choosing the Right Knee Injury Treatment Path
Knee ligament injury treatment varies based on several factors. Your age, activity level, and injury severity all influence knee injury treatment decisions. A thorough evaluation by an orthopedic specialist helps determine the best approach.
Imaging tests like MRI scans show the extent of damage. Physical examination reveals how stable your knee feels. Your doctor considers your goals and expectations when recommending treatment.
Conservative treatment works well for many knee injuries. Surgery should be considered when non-surgical methods fail. Recovery success depends on following your knee injury treatment plan carefully.
Knee Injury Treatment Near Me in Walnut Creek, CA
Knee injuries do not have to keep you on the sidelines forever. The right knee injury treatment plan can help you return to the activities you love. Early intervention often leads to better outcomes.
If you are experiencing knee pain or instability, do not wait to seek help. Dr. Laura Timmerman specializes in knee injury treatment and can help you get back on track. Her expertise in sports medicine and orthopedic surgery provides you with comprehensive care options.
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified sports medicine doctor to discuss your knee injury treatment options. Call our staff today at (925) 952-4080 to schedule your consultation. We look forward to serving you!
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