An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury is a common sports-related injury, particularly in activities involving sudden stops, changes in direction, or pivoting motions. This crucial ligament in the knee helps stabilize the joint and prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia (shinbone) in relation to the femur (thighbone). When the ACL is torn or injured, it can lead to instability, swelling, and pain in the knee, affecting mobility and athletic performance. Treatment options range from conservative management to ACL surgery.
ACL Injury
San Antonio
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What is an ACL injury?
Our ACL Injury Specialist and Orthopedic Surgeon -
Dr. Abyar
Dr. Eildar Abyar is our distinguished orthopedic sports medicine surgeon renowned for his expertise in joint regeneration and preservation. With over a decade of experience in sports medicine, Dr. Abyar specializes in ACL reconstruction, employing cutting-edge techniques to restore stability and function to the knee joint. His holistic approach includes personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s needs, whether they are professional athletes or fitness enthusiasts. Dr. Abyar also uses cutting-edge regenerative medicine to help patients heal naturally and return to an active lifestyle.
Symptoms of ACL Injury:
- Sudden onset of intense pain in the knee
- Swelling and inflammation around the knee joint
- Audible “pop” or snapping sensation at the time of injury
- Instability or a feeling of the knee giving way during weight-bearing activities
- Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
- Limited range of motion in the knee, particularly during bending or straightening
- Tenderness and sensitivity to touch along the joint line
- Bruising around the knee or lower thigh area, appearing within hours to days after injury
Your ACL Injury Treatment Options
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in ACL injury management. It focuses on strengthening surrounding muscles, improving joint stability, and enhancing flexibility. Physical therapists use targeted exercises and techniques to rebuild strength, proprioception, and neuromuscular control, aiding in the recovery process and reducing the risk of re-injury.
Regenerative Medicine
Corticosteroid Injections
Corticosteroid injections can provide short-term relief from pain and inflammation associated with ACL injuries. Administered directly into the joint, these injections help alleviate symptoms, allowing patients to engage in physical therapy and other rehabilitative measures. However, corticosteroid injections offer temporary relief and may not address the underlying cause.
PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections harness the body’s natural healing properties to accelerate tissue repair and regeneration. By concentrating platelets and growth factors from the patient’s blood, PRP injections stimulate the healing process and promote tissue remodeling in the ACL. This can enhance recovery in cases of partial tears or mild to moderate ACL injuries.
Amniotic Membrane Injections
Amniotic membrane injections deliver potent anti-inflammatory and regenerative factors derived from placental tissues. By harnessing the therapeutic potential of amniotic membranes, these injections aim to reduce pain, inflammation, and tissue damage in individuals with ACL injuries, supporting the body’s natural healing mechanisms.
Exosome Injections
Exosomes are extracellular vesicles that contain bioactive molecules. By delivering signaling molecules and growth factors to damaged tissues, exosome injections promote tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and enhance healing in the injured ACL. This cutting-edge approach offers a non-invasive, transformative treatment for individuals seeking to restore knee function.
Wharton’s Jelly Injections
Wharton’s Jelly is a gelatinous substance found in the umbilical cord and contains a rich source of mesenchymal stem cells and growth factors. Injecting Wharton’s Jelly-derived products into the knee joint can facilitate tissue regeneration, modulate inflammation, and promote healing in individuals with ACL injuries, thus enhancing recovery and improving outcomes.
ACL Surgery
In cases of severe ACL injury or persistent symptoms despite conservative measures, surgical intervention may be necessary. ACL reconstruction surgery aims to restore stability and function to the knee by replacing the torn ligament with a graft. Dr. Abyar may use various graft options to reconstruct the ACL and facilitate healing. ACL surgery is recommended for individuals with significant tears or those requiring restoration of knee stability for sports or daily activities.
Your Personalized Consultation
Cutella Medical Spa is your destination for personalized ACL injury treatments. Our experienced orthopedic team, led by Dr. Abyar, offers comprehensive evaluations and tailored treatments to address your unique needs. Whether you’re an athlete seeking to return to peak performance or an individual experiencing knee pain and instability, we offer a comprehensive selection of conservative, regenerative, and, in extreme cases, surgical treatments. Schedule your consultation with Dr. Abyar to explore your treatment options in San Antonio.
