Protecting Your Knee from ACL Injury
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can be defined in simple terms as a tear in the ACL. As we know, the ACL keeps the knee stable; but when the ligament is stretched way over its capacity limits (hyper-extended) and the knee is twisted in any way, the ACL may suffer injuries. Abruptly stopping from a speed run, turning awkwardly with one foot rooted to the ground, and clumsy landing subsequent to a jump with sudden deceleration, are common causes of ACL injuries. This is mostly true in sports, which rely heavily on the ACL such as football, basketball, soccer and skiing. Such ACL injuries are sometimes thought of as just “sprain”.
There are several symptoms that indicate the presence of ACL injury; but most especially obvious at the time when the injury occurs is the sound of “popping” in the knee area. In a matter of hours, swelling may be noticed, sometimes an indication that internal bleeding is taking place in the knee area. Agonizing pain is manifested along the outside and back of the knee when weight is imposed on the injured limb resulting in wobbly knees that may “give way” if there is an attempt to stand. ACL injuries can either be tolerably mild or so severe that immediate medical attention is necessary with possible surgery as part of the treatment.
Appropriate treatment may depend on how mild or how severe the injury is. In cases of mild ACL injury, fast and instant first aid may be administered by putting the knee at rest, placing ice on the affected area with a gentle compression applied and elevating the knee. Pain reliever may also be prescribed by the doctor to diminish the pain. Crutches or brace are sometimes recommended to protect the injured ACL during activity, ensuring that further damage doesn’t happen until swelling and pain has improved. In all likelihood, the doctor may advise physical therapy to help regain joint motion and leg strength.
A more aggressive treatment is required, however, if the ACL is completely torn or the damage is more severe. A replacement or the damaged ligament through surgery is likely in cases like this. A person with injured ACL who undergoes surgery usually has to go through extensive physical therapy for a rehabilitation program. Return to normal activities and even sports activities are highly possible for people who have injured their ACL after a successful surgery and subsequent rehab program.
There are instances, however, when people who have injured their ACL are known to suffer adverse effects long after treatment is done. Reports from studies prove that 70 out of every 100 cases, whose treatment ACL tears were fairly successful, will develop osteoarthritis five years or beyond after treatment was done.
ACL injuries caused by vehicular accidents are unpreventable. Other causes, however, may be preventable as long as there is awareness of which motions are likely to cause ACL tearing and extra caution is taken to ensure that ACL injuries are avoided. Among the motions that should be watched are: landing on the balls of the feet, making a conscious effort not to make sudden, awkward twisting movements, and deflecting sudden deceleration may just be what is needed to prevent ACL injuries. Strengthening the muscle surrounding and supporting the knee area is a necessity as well as the all-important warm ups and stretching to reduce the risk of ACL injuries.
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