Torn Knee Ligament

[radical]

I have a friend who tore ligaments in her left knee about 6 weeks ago. She decided not to have surgery to repair the knee, waiting for it to heal naturally with rest and physical therapy. She is currently walking with the aid of a cane, but has difficulty lifting her leg. It drags, and she says it is not terribly painful, but stiff and heavy. It is better for keeping an ice pack on it.

What remedies will help the ligament to heal more quickly? Would Arnica be useful at this point, followed by some other remedy? Thanks for any help!

[sumit_hmed]

Arnica Montana would be useful for swelling. However, Rhus Tox in the 6X potency will help with the healing as well as Ruta Graveolens in a 6X.

Which are the torn ligaments in the knee?

[radical]

It's the ACL in the left knee. It happened on March 31st, so it's been a few weeks now and the swelling is gone. There is little pain at this point, she complains mostly of inability to lift the knee when walking, and stiffness.

How often and how long should she take the Arnica, Rhus T and Ruta? Thanks!

[sumit_hmed]

This may have to be taken indefinitely. A torn ACL may require surgery if she wants the knee to be somewhat normal. There will be mobility issues because of the torn ACL. I would definitely recommend surgery. She may want to talk with an orthopedic surgeon about her options. Depending on her age, she could get an ACL Cadaver or use her own tissue to repair the ACL.

Here is a good article about ACL Tears.

Cadaver Tissue Fails Nearly 25 Percent Of The Time In Young ACL Reconstructions

[radical]

Actually, she and the orthopedic surgeon decided together not to do the surgery. They watched and waited 2 or 3 weeks before deciding to go the physical therapy route instead. At this point, I think she just wants to use a homeopathic approach to encourage a speedier process. It seems to be healing well, it just is taking forever.

She has been using ice packs to relieve pain and swelling, as well as NSAIDs. She's on a very limited activity schedule, and uses a walker to get around. She'd just like to be able to come back to work, and that doesn't look like it will happen any time soon.

[VegaSinclair]

Reading that article, I never knew they used cadaver tissue to repair ACL injuries. That's kind of gross. Besides the NSAIDs and ice packs, I wonder if a compression knee sock would help with limiting the irritation of the injury? It seems that the more she walks or moves the knee, the slower it will take to heal because she is irritating the injury.