The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) and the Posterior Cruciate Ligament (PCL) work together to provide stability in your knee. The ACL and PCL ligaments cross each other to form an X to allow for safe flexing and extending of the knee. The ACL and PCL ligaments are the two of four major ligaments in your knee. The other two ligaments are the MCL and LCL.
The ACL is in the middle of the knee and prevents the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone. The PCL works with the ACL to prevent the shin bone from sliding backwards under the femur. While most of the sports injuries incurred to these ligaments are minor ligament sprains such as ACL Sprains and PCL Sprains, tears can result and may require surgery.
A Ligament Injury such as an ACL or PCL tear typically occurs when the knee is twisted in a sudden motion while the feet are still planted. ACL and PCL tears can also be the result of a direct shot to the knee. While football players are among the most common athletes to incur this type of sports injury, anyone can suffer a torn ACL or PCL Ligament by even jumping incorrectly.
The most common symptoms of an ACL injury or PCL injury include:
Treatment for minor ACL or PCL Sprains usually includes the RICE Method: Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. Physical Therapy and stretching can be helpful to strengthen the ligaments and also prevent future injury.
Not all ACL or PCL Tears require surgery. While at times, surgery may be necessary; treatment for ACL or PCL Tears may also include Physical Therapy, Pain Management, stabilization, and strengthening and motion exercises.
At New York Pain Care, personalized treatment plans for knee injuries or sports injuries are designed for each individual patient by our expert staff.
The first step in treating a Ligament Injury or knee injury is to make an appointment to see a doctor who specializes in sports medicine for a diagnosis and to learn your treatment options.
Call us at 212-604-1300 or request more information using the form on this page. At New York Pain Care our goal is to get you started on a personalized treatment plan to find relief.
Customized treatment designed to increase strength, restore motion and alleviate pain.
At New York Pain Care we do things differently - ensuring that you get the right care from the start.
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