People may find lot many treatments for ACL tear. These therapeutic measures include R.I.C.E. formula, physical therapy, painkillers, and steroids. However, people may find only short-term relief from the intense pain due to ACL tear.
Usually, physicians recommend surgery as the last resort. Before going for surgery, it is high time to try regenerative treatment. This natural treatment can permanently heal your ACL tear and give permanent relief from the nagging pain.
Before understanding the consequence of regenerative treatment for ACL tear, let us know the condition of ACL tear in detail!
What is ACL tear?
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is found in the front portion of the knee, which runs diagonally in its middle. The function of the ACL is to give rotational stability to the knee. It will also inhibit the tibia (shin bone) from coming out in front of the femur (thigh bone).
By over-stretching the knee ACL, a tear might occur which can be partial or complete. Mostly the ACL tear takes place along with the injury to other knee structures including the meniscus, articular cartilage, as well as other ligaments.
Causes of the ACL tear
Usually, women are three times prone to ACL tears compared to men.
ACL tear mostly takes place if you:
- Overstretch the knee joint
- Are wounded in the knee part
- Change the direction at once
- Stop at once all of a sudden
- Slow down at once while running at full speed
- Inappropriately land from a jump
Moreover, people who are involved in sports such as basketball, football, etc. increase the risk of developing ACL tear. Wearing inappropriate footwear or using improper sports equipment can develop ACL tear. One who has an ACL tear are more prone to develop knee osteoarthritis.
Symptoms of the ACL tear
The signs and symptoms of the ACL tear include intense pain, swelling, discomfort, restricted range of motion, trouble in walking, instability, as well as popping sound.
An ACL injury can be categorised into three grades according to the severity range:
Grade 1 – The ACL is slightly injured, somewhat stretched, but not torn. The patient will undergo slight pain as well as swelling.
Grade 2 – The ACL extends to the level where it loosens and creates a partial tear. The patient in this stage will experience moderate pain as well as swelling with a slight loss of function. Even the knee joint may lose its stability.
Grade 3 – In this stage, the ACL causes a complete tear which splits into two parts. Here, the knee joint becomes completely unstable. The patient may experience pain as well as swelling. Haemarthrosis may also occur within 1-2 hours.
Diagnosis of the ACL tear
The physician may conduct a physical examination that includes touching the knees at varied spots as well as bending them in certain directions. Certain tests such as the Lachman’s test and Anterior drawer stress test can determine a grade 2 ACL injury. Similarly, the Pivot shift test can determine the grade 3 injury. Furthermore, an MRI or ultrasound examination can determine any damage in the ACL.
Treatment of ACL tear
There are varied conventional treatment methods for ACL tear that includes R.I.C.E. therapy (Rest, Ice therapy, Compression, and Elevation), activity modification (wearing a knee brace), physical therapy (strengthening exercises), administration of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or analgesics, and corticosteroid injections. Due to the absence of a significant improvement in the prevailing symptoms, the physician may finally recommend ACL reconstruction surgery. However, surgery involves a lengthy rehabilitation period. Moreover, the younger individuals who undergo surgery may again end up with arthritis problems by the age of 30-40.
This is where regenerative treatment works as the right alternative to surgery. Regenerative cellular treatments and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy can naturally restore the affected tissues. These nonsurgical methods resolve the related symptoms and revive the cells by giving permanent relief. The patient can observe the proof of regeneration on a follow-up MRI scan test. It is a minimally invasive procedure with reduced downtime and minimum recovery time. As this natural therapy uses your body cells, there is no possibility of any infection, allergy, or rejection.
For more details about the regenerative treatment options for the ACL tear, refer http://www.medicastemcells.com. If you think that either you or your dear ones may benefit from regenerative cell therapy in the UK, contact our London clinic on 020 8 168 2000. We also provide physical therapy as well as nutritional therapy as a standalone service or in combination with regenerative treatment.
