Specialized PCL Tear Treatment Near Jeffersonville, IN

The knee has four main ligaments: the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the medial collateral ligament (MCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL). The largest and strongest of the four, the PCL connects the thigh bone (femur) with the lower leg bone (tibia), serving as the knee’s primary stabilizer.

A PCL tear can result from a fall or direct blow to the area just below the knee. This type of injury is particularly common among athletes who participate in sports that often involve collisions or falls, such as football, soccer, baseball, and skiing. If you’ve injured your knee, you can receive specialized care at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic near Jeffersonville, Indiana.

What Are the Signs of a PCL Tear?

Usually, a PCL tear does not produce the distinctive “popping” sound that often occurs with an ACL tear. Some common symptoms of a PCL tear include:

• Pain at the back of the knee
• Difficulty walking
• Swelling around the knee
• A sensation that the knee is about to give out

How Is a PCL Tear Treated?

A mild to moderate PCL tear can typically be treated at home with PRICE therapy, which involves protection, rest, ice applications, compression, and elevation. However, if the pain and other symptoms do not improve within a few days, it’s best to seek professional medical attention.

A knee injury specialist at Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic can suggest an appropriate course of action to help you recover. In general, the diagnostic process will involve evaluating your injury, testing the strength and stability of your knee, and reviewing X-ray or MRI scans. Your PCL tear treatment plan may include crutches, a knee brace, and/or rehabilitative exercises to strengthen your quadriceps and hamstring muscles, which support your knee. If your PCL tear is accompanied by other knee damage, a surgical repair may be necessary.

With a team of experienced medical professionals who specialize in knee pain diagnosis and treatment, Louisville Orthopaedic Clinic provides comprehensive care for many common knee conditions, including osteoarthritis, runner’s knee, ligament tears, meniscus tears, and fractures. To learn more or schedule a consultation at our location near Jeffersonville, IN, contact us today.