How is an ACL injury treated?

In acute phase of ACL injury includes swelling and pain. Follow RICE therapy as below:

Rest General rest is necessary for healing and limits weight bearing on your knee.

Ice Try to ice your knee at least every two hours for 20 minutes at a time.

Compression Wrap an elastic bandage or compression wrap around your knee.

Elevation Lie down with your knee propped up on pillows.

Medical treatment for an ACL injury begins with several weeks of rehabilitative therapy. You may also wear a brace to stabilize your knee and use crutches for a while to avoid putting weight on your knee. The goal of rehabilitation is to reduce pain and swelling, restore your knee's full range of motion, and strengthen muscles.

Surgery (ACL reconstruction) is recommended in complete ACL tear if,

• You're an athlete and want to continue in your sport, especially if the sport involves jumping, cutting or pivoting
• More than one ligament or the fibrous cartilage in your knee also is injured
• The injury is causing your knee to buckle during everyday activities

ACL repair can be done If

• Avulsion of ACL ligament with bony chunk from the bone
• In high grade partial tear

ACL reconstruction- the surgeon removes the damaged ligament and replaces it with a segment of tendon — tissue similar to a ligament that connects muscle to bone. This replacement tissue is called a graft.

After surgery you'll resume another course of rehabilitative therapy. Successful ACL reconstruction paired with rigorous rehabilitation can usually restore stability and function to your knee.