Can you still walk after having a torn anterior cruciate ligament for several years?

Apr 06, 2023 Source: Cainiu Health

Dr. Lin Yunfei

Introduction

The ability to walk years after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture may be related to compensatory mechanisms or a mild degree of the tear. If conservative treatment was initiated soon after the ACL injury, it could provide a certain level of stability, allowing the patient to walk normally for several years. It is recommended to undergo arthroscopic ligament reconstruction surgery under a doctor's guidance to prevent worsening symptoms. Timely treatment is essential following an ACL rupture.

In general, if a person can still walk several years after an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture, it may be due to compensatory mechanisms, a mild degree of tear, or prior conservative treatment. Targeted treatments can be carried out under medical guidance. The specific analysis is as follows:

1. Compensatory Mechanisms

In patients with good physical fitness, surrounding tissues and muscles around the knee joint may compensate for the instability caused by the ACL rupture, allowing normal walking even several years after the injury. Under medical advice, immobilization using braces or proper plaster casting may be recommended.

2. Mild Degree of Tear

If the ACL is only partially torn and the individual avoids vigorous or high-amplitude movements, joint stability may be somewhat affected, but normal walking is usually still possible. It is important to get adequate rest and avoid strenuous activities. With physician guidance, treatments such as traditional Chinese physical therapy or massage may be beneficial.

3. Conservative Treatment Received

If conservative treatments such as plaster immobilization were promptly initiated soon after the ACL rupture, some degree of joint stability may be preserved, enabling the patient to walk normally over the following years. However, it is recommended to undergo arthroscopic ligament reconstruction surgery under medical supervision to prevent worsening symptoms.

Although walking may still be possible after an ACL rupture, the ligament typically does not heal spontaneously; therefore, timely treatment according to medical advice is essential.

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How to treat tendon and ligament injuries

1. Daily care: It is recommended to get plenty of bed rest, properly protect the affected area, and apply local heat therapy two days after the injury. 2. Medication: Take medications such as meloxicam granules, lornoxicam tablets, and celecoxib capsules. 3. Surgical treatment: Patients should promptly go to the hospital for surgical procedures such as ligament reconstruction or early repair surgery for anterior cruciate ligament rupture.

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Twisted knee with a cracking sound, swelling and pain, unable to walk.

A cracking sound accompanied by swelling, pain, and inability to walk after twisting the knee is usually caused by meniscus injury, knee osteoarthritis, anterior cruciate ligament rupture, patellar dislocation, or fractures. Treatment depends on the specific condition. In addition, it could also be caused by bone tumors. It is recommended that patients seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital once such symptoms occur.