ACL Injuries Non-Surgical Treatment

Initially following the injury, it’s essential to rest the knee and avoid activities that worsen the pain or lead to episodes of instability. As previously mentioned, repetitive episodes of instability can lead to further damage of other structures of the knee joint, including the menisci and cartilage. Therefore, activities that include pivoting, lateral movement, cutting, jumping, or quick deceleration from running may need to be avoided following an ACL injury in order to avoid instability episodes.

Oral anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving medications, such as Meloxicam, Naproxen, Advil, or Ibuprofen, may help to manage the pain and reduce inflammation of the knee following an ACL injury. Applying ice packs and compression to the knee can also help reduce swelling and inflammation. Remember to use a cloth or towel between the ice pack and your skin to avoid frostbite.

A structured physical therapy program can be beneficial for strengthening the muscles around the knee and improving overall joint stability. A physical therapist can guide you through exercises that focus on the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calf muscles to provide this additional support to the knee. Additionally, proprioceptive training can enhance knee stability. Proprioception is the body’s ability to sense joint position and movement, and improved proprioception can help with knee stability and control during activities. It is important to complete any home exercises that your physical therapist provides to you in order to optimize your recovery.

A functional ACL brace is a type of knee brace designed to provide support and stability to the knee joint, particularly for individuals with an ACL injury or instability. While a functional brace cannot fully replace the role of the ACL, it can help limit certain movements that could put additional stress on the knee and reduce the risk of further injury during physical activities. Here’s how a functional ACL brace works:

Mechanical Support: The brace provides mechanical support to the knee by limiting excessive movements, such as forward sliding of the tibia relative to the femur. Recall, that this is the primary function of the ACL.

Stabilization: The functional brace helps stabilize the knee joint by restricting certain ranges of motion. For example, it can prevent excessive hyperextension and limit rotational movements that might strain the injured ACL or destabilize the knee.

Protection: By restricting certain movements and providing stability, the brace can protect the knee from further injury during physical activities or sports, most specifically downhill skiing.

It’s important to note that while functional ACL braces can provide some benefits, they are not a substitute for proper rehabilitation or surgical management, especially in cases of complete ACL tears. Functional braces are more commonly used for individuals with partial ACL tears or those returning to downhill skiing following an ACL reconstruction.

The goal of an intra-articular injection is to manage pain and inflammation of the knee. Therefore, injections may be used as a short-term measure to manage these symptoms following an injury. However, it’s crucial to understand that an intra-articular injection will not heal the torn ACL itself, nor will it provide long-term stability to the knee. Additionally, receiving an intra-articular injection to the knee will delay any surgical intervention for at least 3 months following the administration of the injection.