An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear tear or injury need not be sustained by athletes or sportspersons only. Obesity, poor fitness levels, and several other risk factors can also increase the risk of an ACL injury. The sudden stress on the ligaments in the thigh bone, knee, and shin areas can be experienced by anyone. Even if you’re not an athlete!
Did you know?
Women are the most prone to suffering injuries to the knee, especially an ACL tear. Their wider hips and looser joints among other unique physiological features put them at greater risk.
Recovering from an ACL injury depends on the patient’s fitness level and severity of injury. Physiotherapy, assistive devices, knee replacement, and surgical reconstruction are some of the widely recognised methods to manage an ACL injury. Besides these, stem cell therapy has proven to be extremely effective in alleviating pain and other symptoms of ACL injury.
Let’s read on to know more about stem cell therapy for ACL tear and/or injury.
What is an ACL tear?
One of the most common types of sports injuries, an ACL tear is an acute sports injury that is the result of sudden changes in direction or stops while performing a particular activity, such as jumping or landing on your feet. Sports like football, basketball, cricket, and skiing may be regarded as the most common perpetrators of an ACL tear.
Symptoms of ACL tear or injury
A well-known symptom of an ACL tear is a “popping” sound or sensation in the knee. This may be accompanied by swelling, the inability to rest the corresponding foot down on the ground, and/or loss of balance. The patient may also find their movement restricted. Buckling of the knee is another common symptom of an ACL tear.
Causes of ACL tear or injury
These can include:
- Trauma to the knee as a result of a collision or a direct blow to the knee
- Abrupt landing after a jump
- Pivoting while foot is planted firmly
- Slowing down or changing directions all of a sudden
- Stopping suddenly
Risk factors of ACL tear or injury
The below factors need not necessarily be the primary cause of an ACL injury. However, they can exacerbate an injury. The risk factors include:
- Wearing ill-fitting or smaller size footwear
- Playing for long hours on artificial turf (futsal, indoor cricket, and other sports)
- Playing sports that involve a lot of running and strain on limbs, such as football, basketball, tennis, gymnastics, and more
- Incorrect posture during exercise and weight-lifting
- Using faulty equipment in gyms
- Being female (physiological, anatomical, and/or hormonal influences)
Types of ACL injuries
Grade 1
- Not severe
- More likely a result of stretching
- Knee joint still remains stable
Grade 2
- Partial tear of ACL
- Caused by excessive stretching
Grade 3
- Most severe form of ACL
- Caused by complete or almost complete tear
Stem cell therapy for ACL tear
Aimed at helping you get back on your feet, stem cell therapy for ACL Tear comes with a range of benefits.
Stem cells are known to secrete growth factors and support the body’s natural self-healing capabilities. They help regulate the immune system, reduce inflammation, and alleviate pain. Additionally, stem cells also generate supporting cells that protect damaged tissue from further deterioration.
Simply put, stem cell therapy for ACL tear or injury repairs the cartilage tissues that have been damaged, and supports the regeneration and growth of healthy tissue.
Research indicates that over 80% of patients who’ve received mesenchymal stem cell therapy to repair their ACL have shown tremendous improvement 3 to 8 months after the procedure.
ACL Rehabilitation at Plexus
At Plexus, we use autologous mesenchymal stem cells taken from the patient’s own body to help you manage your condition.
When you choose stem cell therapy for ACL injury at Plexus, you can avail the following benefits:
- No side-effects and no risk of immune rejection as stem cells are procured from the patient’s body
- Non surgical and painless procedure
- Speedy recovery guaranteed
- Boosts brain activity
- No prolonged periods of bedrest/immobilisation
If you wish to know more about our ACL Rehabilitation Programme at Plexus, reach out to us today.
WhatsApp +91 89048 42087
Call +91 78159 64668 (Hyderabad) | +91 82299 99888 (Bangalore)
FAQs
Can stem cell therapy heal a torn ACL?
Yes, stem cell therapy can reduce inflammation or prevent further injury to the ligament. The percentage of recovery, largely depends on the severity/grade of the injury. In order for the patient to lead a pain-free life, regular exercise and physiotherapy are important.
What is the best treatment for ligament tear?
Over the last two decades, stem cell therapy has been gaining due recognition for providing an effective method to care for patients with ACL tear/injury.
Can stem cells make you heal faster?
Injected stem cells secrete growth factors, and repair/regenerate damaged tissue. In doing so, it sets the body’s self-healing capabilities in motion. This leads to faster recovery.
Do torn ligaments ever fully heal?
Though time consuming, grade 1 and 2 ACL injuries have the potential to heal themselves. Grade 3 injuries generally require surgical intervention.
Can a complete ACL tear heal without surgery?
Only Grade 1 and Grade 2 ACL tears can be managed with stem cell therapy. Grade 3 ACL injuries are complete injuries and may heal without surgery.
Can you walk with a torn ACL?
Popping sensation in the knee, buckling of the knee, and localised swelling can interfere with the patient’s ability to walk independently. Walking may be possible, but will be painful.
What should I avoid with a torn ACL?
Pivoting, turning, twisting, and other such dangerous activities must be avoided.
Bend at the knee or hip to avoid further stress to your ACL. Follow your physiotherapist and doctor’s orders at all times. Exercise regularly. Be diligent with follow ups. And remain positive. You can recover from an ACL tear.
