I tore my ACL 3 years ago - should I wrap my knee when I run?

I tore my ACL in my high school dance class three years ago. We didn't have insurance, so all we were able to do was go to the ER once (I had a soft cast for two weeks). I never had surgery or physical therapy and I'm not sure how bad of a tear it was (I assume it was pretty minor).

I've started running lately, & I was wondering if I should wrap my knee or just let it be? The pain is pretty moderate but I can deal with it. I'm just afraid of re injuring it (I still don't have insurance). Would it be best to just stick with the elliptical?

Thanks :)

I'm just gonna start by saying you should be wearing a light brace at the very least.

The ACL really doesn't heal itself. Right now there are new techniques being developed to help the ACL heal on its own without surgery, but they just aren't ready yet. So, you can bet that your knee is just as weak as it was before.

Females are about 5 times more likely to tear their ACL than males are, mainly due to the differences in joint structure. That means that since your ACL is already weakened, you're more likely to experience problems, including further tearing of the joint in the future.

Its ok to run as long as the pain doesn't get worse. Obviously, pain is the the body's way of saying, "there is something wrong here." So, if the pain gets worse, just stop. It's not worth further damage.

It's safer to wrap it or wear a brace. Definitely ice it whenever it hurts at all because that will keep any swelling down.

you should wear a brace on it when you do exstensive activity and you might want to wrap it with an ace bandage and then put the brace on it

i reccomend a sports brace... i tore my acl 5 months ago and had surgery (it was an 85% tear) and have been in theapry since april (and still am today)... after i graduate from my full leg brace, i'm going to have to wear a sports brace when i do physical activity... you dont want to re-injure it thats for sure... braces are really expenscve though($300-1000+)

yes you should and if u have enough money get a knee brace and get to a knee dr soon.

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