How do you heal a PCL ligament?

How do you heal a PCL ligament?

Nonsurgical Treatment of Posterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

1. Using crutches at first, then gradually walking with more weight on the knee.
2. Having a machine or therapist move your leg through its range of motion.
3. Temporarily wearing a knee brace for support.
4. Strengthening your thigh muscles to help make the knee more stable.

How do you strengthen your PCL ligament?

Knee flexion with heel slide

1. Lie on your back with your knees bent.
2. Slide your heel back by bending your affected knee as far as you can. Then hook your other foot around your ankle to help pull your heel even farther back.
3. Hold for about 6 seconds, then rest for up to 10 seconds.
4. Repeat 8 to 12 times.

How long does a PCL tear take to heal without surgery?

Expected recovery usually occurs in about three months at which time swelling may be resolved and strength recovered. A full return to active sports is usually possible. If PCL reconstruction is needed, full recovery may take 9-12 months.

How long does posterior cruciate ligament surgery take?

The average surgery takes around two hours. This is a minimally invasive operation. You’ll likely go to an outpatient surgical center. You can expect to wear a brace and use crutches for the first four weeks or so.

Can PCL heal itself?

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.

Can PCL heal without surgery?

Less severe posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) tears of the knee generally heal well without surgery. Immediately after the injury, management consists of the RICE method: Rest. Any activities that causes knee pain, such as running or walking, should be avoided until symptoms are relieved.

How do you test for PCL?

This test is performed with the person laying on his or her back. The doctor will bend the affected knee so that it and the hip are each at a 90º angle, with the foot in the air, and hold the heel for support. If there is an increased posterior sag in the affected knee (due to gravity), a PCL tear is likely present.

Where is PCL pain located?

People who have injured the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) of the knee often report a combination of the following symptoms: Sharp or dull pain around the back of the knee. This can occur immediately or develop in the hours or days after the injury. Swelling.

Does PCL need surgery?

Complete PCL tears often require surgical treatment to regain knee stability. When the PCL pulls off a small piece of bone from the back of the lower leg (tibial avulsion), the PCL may be surgically repaired.

Is PCL surgery painful?

Here is what you can expect and how you can cope during the first days after PCL reconstruction surgery: You will likely feel pain or discomfort for the first few days. Take pain medications as your doctor advises.

Does PCL require surgery?

There are both nonsurgical and surgical treatment options for posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) knee injuries. Surgery is typically only recommended for the most severe tears and for people who have multiple ligament injuries.

Can you walk with a PCL injury?

It depends. In mild cases, people may still be able to walk and their symptoms may be less noticeable. However, many people have difficulty walking after a PCL injury — especially if the damage is severe.