An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear is a common injury of the knee. Athletes are especially at risk, including those who play soccer, football, or basketball. Whether you will need surgery to repair the injury depends on the severity of the injury and its impact on mobility.
Because it is a common injury, ACL tear treatment in Miami is often standard, and many people return to activity successfully.
What are the Causes of an ACL Injury?
Anyone can injure or tear their ACL; it is not limited to athletes. Frequent causes of injury include:
- A rapid change of direction
- Suddenly stopping or slowing down
- Landing from a jump incorrectly
- Contact or collision with another individual
Physical conditioning, muscle strength, and even genetics can all contribute to putting one at risk from an ACL injury due to how our bodies are built. If you suspect you have injured your ACL, you should schedule an appointment with a local knee specialist in Miami as soon as possible.
What Does ACL Tear Treatment Entail?
Treatment for an ACL tear may vary depending on the severity of the injury. It is not uncommon for athletes to require surgery, while injuries to those who are less active may do okay with conservative treatments.
Though a torn ACL will not heal independently without surgery, sometimes older individuals do okay if the knee is stable and do not live an active lifestyle.
Conservative treatments may include:
- Bracing- Your doctor may suggest a brace that will help stabilize the knee. Initially, you may be given crutches to help with mobility.
- Physical Therapy – Exercises are taught to strengthen the muscles that support the knee. Sometimes physical therapy is not started until some of the swelling subsides in the area that was injured.
If the ACL injury requires surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will rebuild the ACL with an arthroscopic procedure. It is a minimally invasive procedure. The surgeon makes small incisions and uses a camera to repair the ACL. There is usually less pain and a faster recovery with arthroscopic procedures.
What Should I Know About Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation plays a vital role in returning to normal after an ACL tear. Physical therapy helps with both strength and mobility. Usually, the focus is on mobility at first, then building into a strength-focused program. For athletes, therapists specializing in sports medicine will then design specific treatment plans to help them return to play.
Looking for ACL tear treatment in the Miami area? South Florida International Orthopaedics is the Best Place for Sports Medicine
If you require treatment for an injury, South Florida International Orthopaedics offers comprehensive sports medicine care. We also treat many injuries non-sports related. Our team, with some of the best South Florida orthopedics doctors, is here if you need help with any orthopedic injuries.
We understand that when you have an injury, it affects many aspects of your life. Injuries can keep you from doing what you love to do. They can cause both physical and mental distress.
You can trust us to develop a plan that includes a comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and an effective treatment plan to get you back to doing what you love.
The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.
