What is the ACL or PCL in the Knee?
The ACL or PCL knee refers to the injury sustained by the ligaments in the knee. This knee injury is excruciating and dramatically reduces our knee’s range of motion.
Causes of ACL/PCL Knee Injury
There can be many causes leading to an ACL/PCL knee injury, most commonly, it is likely to occur during sports and fitness activities.
- A direct blow to the knee.
- Improper landing during a jump.
- Rapidly slowing down and changing your direction.
Symptoms of ACL/PCL Knee Injury
- A loud ‘pop’ sound from the knee during high-intensity physical activities.
- Sudden severe pain in the knee.
- Compromised range of motion.
- Rapid swelling of the knee.
If these symptoms are experienced, it is likely that an ACL/PCL knee injury has occurred, and immediate care is strongly advised.
Treatment of ACL/PCL knee injury
The torn ACL in the knee is primarily managed by conservative treatment options including:
- Rest: The patient is advised to take rest and take a break from physical activities to encourage the body to heal the torn ACL/PCL in the knee.
- Ice: Application of ice packs is recommended on the affected knee after every two hours for twenty minutes.
- Compression: An elastic bandage is warped around the knee to provide compression.
- Elevation: the affected knee is elevated using pillows.                  Â
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FAQ’S
Can You Tear Your ACL and PCL?
- ACL and PCL knee injuries, both at the same time, can be considered as very rare or uncommon orthopedic medical conditions.
- It is very unlikely that you may tear both ligaments at the same time, but you can face the dislocation of the ligaments.
Which Is Worse: ACL or PCL Tear?
- The pain that may occur as a result of ACL knee injury is unbearable and very severe.
- You are at a higher risk of completely losing your range of motion as a consequence of ACL knee injury.
Can You Still Walk With a Torn PCL?
- The inflammation and swelling of the PCL injury can be felt at the posterior or backside of the knee.
- For some people, it is very difficult to walk with a torn PCL, as it is quite painful.
- And in rare cases, your knee may become unstable as a consequence of this injury.
Can a PCL Injury Heal on Its Own?
- A PCL injury is quite different from the ACL injury.
- The pain in the PCL injury stops as it starts to heal quickly as compared to the ACL injury.
- To make sure that your PCL has healed completely, visit an orthopedic specialist.
