Do I Have an ACL or MCL Ligament Injury?
Are you dealing with a swollen knee? Or what about having trouble walking or standing? If the answer is yes to either of these questions, you may be dealing with an ACL or MCL injury.
Dr. Bobby Bilitsis at Prestige Health and Wellness advises patients to seek treatment for these types of painful injuries before they worsen.
ACL/MCL ligament injuries may feel like:
- Knee instability
- Extreme pain
- Tenderness
Let’s examine the difference between ACL and MCL injuries, risk factors, and treatment options available for patients in Manhattan.
What are ACL and MCL Injuries?
One of the common questions our patients ask is: what’s the difference between ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and MCL (medial collateral ligament) injuries? Both of these ligament injuries affect the knee but have differing locations. An ACL ligament tear will be felt in the center of the knee, while an MCL ligament injury will present itself on the inside of the knee.
There are about 120,000 cases of ACL injuries in the country annually. Meanwhile, a (MCL) injury was reported to account for 7.9% of all athletic injuries.
Symptoms of ACL/MCL Injuries
ACL and MCL injuries show similar symptoms, just in different areas of the knees.
ACL Injury Symptoms
- Popping sound in the knee at the time of injury
- Drastic knee pain
- Knee instability
- Discomfort
MCL Injury Symptoms
- Mild to severe pain on the inside of the knee
- Tenderness
- Unstable or buckling knee
- Knee locking
Common Causes or Risk Factors of ACL/MCL Injuries
Usual causes or risk factors for ACL or MCL injuries include:
- Sport and physical activity
- Sex (ACL injuries are most common in females, MCL in males)
- Muscle imbalance
- Previous ACL or MCL injuries
Nonsurgical Treatment of ACL/MCL Injuries in Manhattan
Fortunately, symptoms of ACL or MCL injuries can be relieved with certain nonsurgical treatments. At Prestige Health and Wellness, we perform the following:
Physical Therapy for ACL and MCL Ligament Injuries
Physical therapy exercises can provide relief for ACL and MCL ligament tear injuries. Knee extension exercises, curls, bodyweight exercises, and other techniques that can strengthen and improve knee stability are key. Connecting with the physical therapy experts at Prestige Health and Wellness can provide patients with more insight.
Occupational Therapy for MCL Relief
Occupational therapy can encompass exercises that restore the knee’s range of motion and further strengthen and improve its balance. An occupational therapist can also guide you in proper training forms and further care to prevent a recurrence of an MCL or ACL injury.
Acupuncture in Manhattan
Acupuncture can help treat the pain, swelling, and inflammation that arise from an ACL or MCL ligament tear. It can relieve uncomfortable symptoms while allowing the patient to continue treating and resting from these injuries.
Chiropractic Care for ACL or MCL Injury Symptoms
One study showed that a 12-week chiropractic rehabilitation program greatly reduced ACL injury pain symptoms in a patient. Chiropractic interventions are key to helping many patients dealing with ACL or MCL injuries find comfort.
Massage Therapy
Ongoing massage therapy sessions may reduce pain, increase blood flow through the body, and decrease muscle tension.
Relieve Symptoms of ACL or MCL Ligament Injuries
Nonoperative management of ACL and MCL ligament injuries is available in Manhattan. Without prompt treatment, you increase your risk of these injuries turning into something more serious, like knee arthritis, later. As a result, visit Prestige Health and Wellness so that you can get back on the field and/or return to an improved quality of life.
Book an appointment for ACL/MCL ligament treatment injuries in Manhattan today. If you have any questions about our treatment options, please don’t hesitate to call our office at 212-393-4673.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our locations in Manhattan NYC: