What Is An ACL Injury And How To Deal With One?
What Is An ACL Injury And How To Deal With One?
An ACL injury refers to a strain or a tear in a ligament called the anterior cruciate ligament. It is one of the major ligaments in the knee. These injuries are very common and occur while engaging in certain types of sports. These include soccer, football, basketball and skiing, i.e. sports that involve making sudden changes in direction or stops. It can also be caused from sudden jumps or other rapid movements. ACL injuries present with a sudden “pop” in the knee and causes instability, swelling and pain.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?
If you are wondering whether you have an ACL injury, here are some symptoms to look out for:
- If you experience a “popping” type of sensation in the knee region
- An extreme degree of pain that makes you unable to continue with the activity
- Swelling at a rapid pace
- Unable to perform full range of motion
- Feeling unstable while bearing any weight
When should I see a doctor?
If you have sustained any type of injury and you suspect an ACL injury, see a doctor immediately. It is very important that you get an accurate diagnosing because the knee is a very complex area. With prompt diagnosis, you can prevent further injury and complications.
What causes an ACL injury?
ACL injuries are often sustained while partaking in different types of fitness and sports activities. These can cause strain to the knee. For example:
- Slowing down all of a sudden or changing direction unexpectedly
- An awkward landing after a jump
- Pivoting while your foot is planted firmly
- Stopping all of a sudden
- Getting a direct hit to the knee or colliding into hard objects
What are the treatment options for an ACL injury?
Self-care: The first step to treating ACL injury is to go for a R.I.C.E model of emergency care. The steps of this model are outlined below:
- Rest: The first step you must follow is to take weight off the knee and get some rest. Do not try to be brave and continue with your exercises if it hurts.
- Ice: Whenever you are awake, apply an ice pack to your knee. You should ice your knee every two hours at the very least and hold the pack for 20 minutes.
- Compression: Apply pressure to the area by using a compression wrap around your knee area. You can also use an elastic bandage for this purpose.
- Elevation: Don’t dangle your legs. Use pillows to prop up your knee when you lie down. This will help reduce swelling in the area.
Rehabilitation: You will need to undergo a lot of rehabilitative therapy for ACL injuries. You will be undergoing different exercises to strengthen the area with a physical therapist. You may also need to use a brace or use crutches for some time.
Surgery: Surgery may be recommended in certain cases where meniscus of the knee also sustains an injury. It can also be recommended if the injury is severe enough to cause the knee to buckle. It can also be an option for athletes who would like to keep on partaking in a specific sport.
