If you’ve ever experienced sudden knee pain, swelling, and difficulty moving after a sports-related accident or an awkward twist, you may be familiar with an ACL tear in Burbank. This common injury can sideline you and disrupt your active lifestyle. Dr. Jonathan Gelber offers personalized treatments to help you reclaim mobility and get back on your feet.
An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is a traumatic tearing or overstretching of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the key stabilizing ligaments in the knee joint. This ligament is vital for maintaining stability and controlling rotational movements of the knee. ACL tears often occur during activities involving sudden stops, pivoting, or changes in direction, such as sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing. These injuries can range from mild sprains to complete tears, leading to pain, swelling, and instability in the affected knee.
For less common symptoms of an ACL injury or ACL tear in Burbank, contact our office.
Dr. Jonathan Gelber offers various treatments to aid in your recovery. Dr. Gelber will carefully evaluate your case to determine the most suitable approach, ranging from regenerative medicine options like PRP and stem cell injections to arthroscopic surgery as a last resort.
Regenerative medicine includes PRP injections, stem cell injections, cortisone injections, and viscosupplementation. PRP and stem cell injections harness the body’s natural healing abilities, while cortisone injections can help manage inflammation. Viscosupplementation involves injecting lubricating fluid into the joint to alleviate pain and improve mobility.
Functional and integrative medicine approaches may focus on holistic healing for an ACL tear in Burbank. This involves addressing underlying issues such as muscle imbalances, biomechanical problems, and dietary factors that can affect your recovery. These methods can include physical therapy, nutritional guidance, and specialized exercises to improve your overall health and knee stability.
When conservative treatments do not yield the desired results, or for severe ACL injuries, arthroscopic surgery may become the last resort. During this minimally invasive procedure, the damaged ACL is reconstructed using tissue grafts. Surgery is typically followed by an extensive rehabilitation program to regain strength, stability, and range of motion in the knee.
An ACL tear typically does not heal on its own due to poor blood supply to the ligament. While minor injuries may improve with physical therapy, complete tears often require medical or surgical intervention to restore full function and stability to the knee.
An ACL tear is diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests such as MRI or X-rays. These methods help determine the extent of the injury and plan appropriate treatment.
The typical recovery time after ACL reconstruction surgery ranges from six to nine months. Depending on individual progress and rehabilitation protocols, this period includes phases of rest, physical therapy, and a gradual return to activities.
Yes, an untreated ACL tear can lead to long-term knee problems like chronic instability, increased risk of further injuries, and the development of osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential for preventing these complications.
You should see a doctor if you experience knee pain, swelling, instability, or difficulty bearing weight after a knee injury. Early medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of a suspected ACL tear.
Dr. Jonathan Gelber is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in sports medicine. As a lifelong athlete, Dr. Gelber understands the importance of returning to an active lifestyle. With his comprehensive knowledge and experience, he’s dedicated to providing personalized care that aligns with your unique needs as an athlete. Consult Dr. Gelber to embark on your journey toward recovery and reclaim peak performance, after an ACL tear in Burbank.
Dr. Jonathan Gelber of LA Ortho & Wellness provides comprehensive orthopedics, blending functional and integrative medicine for the LA area.
