Typically, ACL tears are associated with individuals who consistently put great amounts of pressure on their knees. Athletes that play basketball, football, soccer, tennis, MMA (mixed martial arts), boxing, and hockey are at higher risk of ACL tears. One wrong turn, twist, or fall can result in an ACL tear. People in certain professions, including those who do heavy manual labor (for example lifting 50-plus pounds of material constantly), are also at a higher risk of ACL tears.

At Horst Chiropractic in Temecula, CA, we offer chiropractic treatment for ACL tears. Some of the treatments we may recommend to prevent and treat ACL tears include:

Anti-inflammatory Diet

Antioxidant levels can aide in reducing bone marrow lesions before and after diagnosis. Fruits and sources of vitamin C are heavily considered for this specific diet.

Exercise and Stretching

Before any injuries occur, it is recommended that individuals who knowingly put pressure on their lower body stretch before engaging in strenuous activities. This relaxes and prepares the muscles for continuous movement. In addition, after ACL tears, chiropractors recommend that patients begin exercise as soon as possible. While the amount will be light (and progress over time), exercise techniques rehabilitate the knee to normal (or as close as possible) functionality.

Injections

Many athletes receive FDA-approved medications via injections to relieve knee pain. Proceed with caution if you decide to seek injections as a form of pain relief. Consult your doctors before making any decisions.

Hot and Cold Therapy

We may offer soft or cold soft tissue therapy after an ACL tear to aid in faster healing and reduce pain.

Associated Injuries

If left untreated, ACL tears may also cause associated injuries, such as:

Arthritis

One of the most common signs of possible anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears starts with arthritis. Arthritis is a symptom that causes problems within the knee joints. If left untreated and continuous pressure is applied to the knee joints, it will begin to affect other associated structures.

Cartilage Injuries

Cartilage injuries are also associated with chondromalacia patella, which simply means that the knee cap(s) are slowly softening and deteriorating.

Illotibial Band Syndrome

This is inflammation within the tendon that rubs on the outer surface of a knee bone.

Ligament Injuries

The most basic injuries that can lead to ACL tears include ligament sprains. These types of minor wounds can lead to stretchered or torn ACL’s in the long run.

Meniscus Injuries

Instant rotations or twists effect the meniscus of knees, which plays a major role in ACL tears. Athletes who consistently run and jump tend to experience these injuries.

Osgood-Schlatter Disease

Recurring tension or stress on the upper area of a tibia causes it to become inflamed.

Tendon Injuries

Tendonitis to an already torn knee tendon can cause it to stretch.

Referred Pain

Compression pain to any area that relies on your knees including lower back hips, ankles, feet, and pelvis can travel up (or down) to the knees.

For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact Horst Chiropractic today.