Can a completely torn PCL heal on its own?

Can a completely torn PCL heal on its own?

PCL injuries are usually partial ligament tears, and typically heal on their own, without causing stability issues, so long as the knee is protected during healing, and there are no other knee joint injuries.

How do you treat a PCL tear?

Treatment of a PCL Tear 1 Initial treatment of the pain and swelling consists of the use of crutches, ice, and elevation. Once these symptoms have settled, physical therapy is beneficial to improve knee motion and strength. Nonoperative treatment is recommended for most grade I and grade II PCL tears.

Can a torn PCL heal without surgery?

Key results from two studies show that: Isolated PCL tears heal without surgery. Some laxity does not reduce activity, strength or range of motion. The incidence of moderate to severe osteoarthritis is the same for non-operative treatment and PCL reconstruction.

How long does it take for a PCL tear to heal?

The duration for a PCL injury also depends on the severity of the sprain, but typically full recovery is achieved between 4 to 12 months.

How bad is a PCL tear?

PCL tears make up less than 20% of injuries to knee ligaments. Injuries that tear the PCL often damage some of the other ligaments or cartilage in the knee, as well. In some cases, the ligament can also break loose a piece of underlying bone.

Can you walk on torn PCL?

You may have trouble walking. If you only have mild damage to the PCL and no other parts of your knee, you may not notice pain, swelling, or other problems at first.

How bad does a PCL tear hurt?

Most people who damage their PCL feel pain and have swelling. Your knee may feel stiff and sore. It might also feel unstable. Or the joint may feel loose, as though it can’t support your weight.

Is PCL tear worse than ACL?

Although it is larger and stronger than the ACL, the PCL can be torn. PCL tears make up less than 20% of injuries to knee ligaments. Injuries that tear the PCL often damage some of the other ligaments or cartilage in the knee, as well.

What should I do if I have a PCL tear?

Non-surgical treatment should include physical therapy to gain and maintain range of motion at the knee and strengthen the muscles around the knee to provide stability around the joint. Physical therapy rehabilitation will progress through exercises targeting specific muscles and progressing the knee’s movement through increasing ranges of motion.

How to treat posterior cruciate ligament ( PCL ) injury?

Treatment 1 Medications. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or naproxen sodium (Aleve), can help relieve pain and reduce swelling. 2 Therapy. A physical therapist can teach you exercises that will help make your knee stronger and improve its function and stability. 3 Surgery.

How to treat a Grade 1 PCL sprain?

Most isolated grade 1 and 2 PCL sprain injuries should be treated with a non-operative program to include functional rehabilitation of the quadriceps mechanism and the possible use of a jack brace to help reduce the knee into a normal (neutral) position. Dr.

Can a PCL tear cause swelling in the knee?

A PCL tear commonly causes just a little bit of swelling in the knee, and when it occurs by itself (that is without any other ligaments torn), there may not be a lot of swelling within the knee. What is a PCL tear in the knee? A PCL tear in the knee is when the major ligament of the back of the knee is torn.