Does an ACL Tear Require Surgery?
ACL injuries can cause knee pain and stability, but even though they seem serious, they don’t always need surgery. Here’s when surgery is typically recommended for an ACL injury.
Your knee is the largest joint in your body. When it hurts, it can slow you down or even completely debilitate you. In addition to acute or chronic pain, some of the main symptoms of knee problems include:
Aat Next Step Orthopedics, our experienced orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Dominique Nickson, specializes in chronic and acute orthopedic pain conditions in Mckinney, Texas. Here he details some common knee conditions, custom treatments for each unique need, and how to prevent knee pain in the future.
Though wear and tear from aging is a leading cause of knee problems, there are several specific conditions that are also closely linked to knee pain:
To diagnose your specific issue, Dr. Nickson conducts a thorough physical exam, takes X-rays and possibly an MRI or CT scan, and evaluates your complete health history.
Dr. Nickson is passionate about education and loves to share with clients how to protect your knees and other joints from injury. Some of the best ways to safeguard your knees and keep them healthy are lifestyle factors such as:
Five more tried-and-true ways to prevent knee injuries are:
While prevention is the best strategy, injuries happen, and conditions can develop abruptly or slowly over months and years. We offer a variety of treatment options to meet your specific needs and goals.
Depending on what’s causing your knee pain, Dr. Nickson tailors a plan that helps you regain function as quickly as possible. Some solutions he may recommend are resting icing, compressing, and elevating your knee, physical therapy, acupuncture, medical massage, select medications, steroid injections, hot and cold therapy, or a minimally invasive surgical procedure.
If you’re suffering from knee pain, turn to our trusted team for compassionate and comprehensive care. Call now to set up a meeting with our team or book your appointment online. We look forward to serving you soon.
