ACLTear Ayurvedic Treatment

Anterior cruciate ligament is the thick and strong ligament that connects femur (thigh bone) and tibia (shin bone) passing over knee. The ligament stabilises the knee joint. It may become injured (tear or sprain) during sports or other activities which demand sudden change in direction, jumping, etc (eg: basketball, football) or direct trauma. The risk of ACL tear is more with poor conditioning, ill-fit footwear, poorly maintained sports equipment etc. Treatment of ACL tear varies depending on the type and severity. Rest and rehabilitation exercise are enough in some cases, but some need surgery to replace the ligament.

ACLTear Signs and Symptoms

Usual signs and symptoms of ACL tear are a popping sound or popping sensation in knee, sever knee pain, inability to move the joint, rapid swelling, difficulty to bear weight etc. ACL tear is classified as different grades-

Grade 1- mild injury of ACL, retaining the stability of knee joint.

Grade 2- a rare condition with partial tear and stretching of ACL.

Grade 3- complete tear of ACL with loss of stability of knee joint.

ACLTear Ayurvedic Analysis

Marmas are vital points in body. Janu sandhi (knee joint) is a vaikalyakara marma which means when the joint got injured, it leads to disabilities. This marma is comprised of mamsa (muscle tissue), asthi (bony part), sandhi (joint), sira (blood vessels and nerves) and snayu (ligaments). When the janu marma is injured, it results in khanjata (limping).

ACLTear Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

Abhighata (trauma) is the main cause of injury to marma. Vata is aggravated and cause severe pain, swelling, movement restrictions etc.

Possible Complications of ACLTear Disease

Chronic cases will develop osteoarthritis of knee. Other complications are severe knee pain, bleeding, joint stiffness, limping, weakness of joint etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other conditions like fracture, dislocation, arthritis etc before planning treatment.

ACLTear Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

Grade 1 and 2 injuries are usually managed by rest, immobilisation and physiotherapy. Grade 3 need surgical intervention. Any ACL tear should be treated with PRICE (protection, rest, ice pack, compression and elevation of the joint). Post-surgical rehabilitation include physiotherapy, medication, muscle strengthening etc. Ayurveda helps in strengthening the muscles and ligament in grade 1 and 2 injuries as well as post-surgical period in grade 3 tear. Internal medications along with procedures like abhyanga (oil application), njavara thepp (strengthening treatment), nasya, upanaha (bandaging with suitable medicine), janu vasti (retention of medicines over knee) etc. Passive exercises are to be done with the assistance of physician or physiotherapist.

Diet

Include more whole grains, milk, green vegetables, fruits and fruit juices, nuts, small fishes, meat soup etc in diet.

Exercise

1st degree- isometric exercise (straightening knee, elevation, and ice pack) followed by isotonic exercises (eg: knee movement, partial weight bearing). Sit or lay with legs elevated. Do not place towel under the knee to elevate it.

2nd degree- Isometric exercises (only contraction, no joint movements) are to be done.

ACLTear Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

Proper conditioning and training are needed while performing spots.
Regular exercise (to strengthen the core and leg muscles) can prevent the injury.
Regular oil massage is beneficial to strengthen the muscles and ligaments.
Eat healthy nutritious food that balance the tridosha in body.
Use proper footwear and sports equipment during practice.
Avoid chances of slip while playing games, walking etc.