ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) Injury Specialist Near Me in Massapequa, NY

Among the prevalent knee injuries, an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) sprain or tear stands out. Such a tear can range from partial to complete. When the ACL is damaged, a complete recovery of knee function might necessitate surgery.

The need for surgery hinges on factors like the extent of the injury and your level of physical activity. Various scenarios can lead to ACL injury or tearing. One of the most common triggers is the sudden twisting or sharp directional change typical in sports activities.

Additionally, workplace incidents or car accidents can also cause ACL tears. Physicians can diagnose an ACL tear by conducting a thorough assessment of your medical history and a physical examination. During the physical evaluation, the doctor gauges the extent of motion and ascertains if the ACL has indeed suffered a tear.

The ACL is a vital ligament within the knee, imparting essential stability. This ligament safeguards against excessive knee rotation and prevents the shinbone from shifting forward.

Those with an ACL tear typically detect a popping sensation or sound in the knee. This can lead to feelings of knee instability and weakness. While ACL tears often cause significant pain, some individuals might only experience mild discomfort.

If you attempt to put weight on the injured leg, you might notice increased difficulty in walking. Additionally, some individuals perceive a sense of looseness in the knee joint, beyond what is considered normal.

ACL injuries are often categorized into three grades: Grade 1, Grade 2, and Grade 3.

A Grade 1 sprain signifies minimal ligament damage, allowing for the maintenance of knee joint stability. In the case of a Grade 2 sprain, the ligament has been stretched to the extent of partial tearing. When it comes to a Grade 3 sprain, the ligament is fully torn, resulting in its separation into two distinct pieces and causing instability in the knee joint.

An ACL tear can potentially lead to damage or tearing of other knee ligaments as well. This underscores the complexity and interconnectedness of structures within the knee joint.

Walking is achievable even with a torn ACL, yet it can be accompanied by discomfort. While the individual should manage to walk in a straight line, abrupt turns or pivoting movements are likely to be challenging. The use of a knee brace can aid in stabilizing the knee, but surgical intervention is almost always necessary for ACL tears. Should your doctor approve walking post an ACL tear, it’s crucial to refrain from turning, twisting, or pivoting on the affected knee. These actions could potentially lead to the knee giving way or buckling, causing additional harm to the knee’s cartilage.

Engaging in walking prematurely after an ACL injury might intensify pain and contribute to further damage.

In cases of milder injuries, it might be feasible to resume walking on a torn ACL after a few weeks of dedicated rehabilitative therapy. The duration necessary for a full recovery of self-supported, stable walking hinges on the specifics of the injury and your response to the rehabilitation process.

For a partially torn ACL, the prognosis is generally favorable, and the process of recovery and rehabilitation usually spans a minimum of three months. In the case of a complete ACL tear, the healing period is typically around six to nine months. Particularly when injuries to the ACL are accompanied by other knee-related injuries, surgical treatment is usually advised.

Your healthcare provider will communicate when it’s appropriate to resume physical activities. It’s crucial not to re-engage in sports or workouts prior to receiving the green light from your provider.

Athletes engaged in competitive sports might require slightly more time than these estimates to achieve full recovery before receiving clearance for a return to their sport. Returning to these activities prematurely, before your ACL has fully healed, heightens the risk of reinjury.

Dr. Paul Dicpinigaitis, MD, treats ACL injuries. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 5840 Merrick Road Massapequa, NY 11758. We serve patients from Massapequa NY, Amityville NY, Wantagh NY, Bethpage NY, Bellmore NY, Merrick NY, Plainedge NY, Farmingdale NY, and surrounding areas.