Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, happen in 100,000 to 200,000 Americans every year. This knee problem is common in athletes, especially those in high-impact sports such as football, soccer and gymnastics. Because the ACL provides stability and support, prompt and accurate treatment of injuries is important to mobility and long-term orthopedic health. Here is more about the ACL injury symptoms, diagnosis and treatments.
Symptoms of an ACL Injury
Symptoms of an ACL injury can vary depending on the severity of the tear. In mild cases, individuals may experience pain and swelling in the knee, as well as instability when trying to bear weight on the affected leg. A more severe tear of this important ligament may result in a loud “popping” sound at the time of injury. This may be followed by very intense pain and immediate difficulty bearing weight on the knee.
What circumstances surround an ACL injury? Knee pain and other symptoms develop when someone plants a foot and suddenly twists a lower extremity at the knee. This places substantial force on the ACL, and the ligament is stretched beyond its natural strength and structure.
Diagnosis of an ACL Injury
Proper diagnosis of an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament takes the expertise of a board-certified orthopedic specialist. Your physician will examine your knee, noting your expressed symptoms, circumstances of the injury and of course, your overall health and medical history.
You may need some imaging studies, such as X-rays and an MRI or CT scan. Your doctor will manipulate the joint through various movements, too.
If there is a tear, your injury will be graded one, two or three, according to its severity. A grade three is a complete ACL tear. Then, you and your orthopedic physician will discuss ways to treat your pain and other symptoms.
Treatment of an ACL Injury
Thankfully, most people can recover well from an ACL injury–even from the most severe kind. Your treatment plan will depend on the grade of your injury and your individual health profile, including your age, activity level and any other existing health conditions.
For a grade one or two injury, non-surgical treatment may be recommended. This can include rest, ice, compression with an elastic bandage and elevation of the affected limb, and physical therapy.
Your orthopedic specialist may recommend you work with a physical therapist because they can create an exercise plan that is specific to you and your injury. This plan will strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability. You may be given a brace to wear during activities which put strain on the knee.
For a complete ACL tear (grade three), surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the ligament. Most of the time, surgery is done using a minimally invasive, small incision technique called arthroscopy. After surgery, you will likely need to rest the knee and use crutches to get around. You will also be prescribed physical therapy to regain strength and range of motion in your knee.
Preventing ACL Injuries
Consider these lifestyle changes if you wish to avoid joint problems, such as tears in the anterior cruciate ligament.
To keep your knees healthy, orthopedic doctors recommend you:
- Use proper movement patterns and protective gear when playing your favorite sport.
- Keep an appropriate body weight.
- Never play through pain or other joint symptoms.
- Wear a knee brace.
- Always warm up and cool down with intense physical activity.
- Avoid falls at home by decluttering living areas and never use chairs as step stools or ladders.
- Use an assistive device, such as a cane, if you are a fall risk.
- Rest when you are tired or physically overworked.
- Exercise regularly (walk, cycle or swim)
Healing Your ACL Injury in Naples, FL
At the Joint Replacement Institute, our team of highly qualified professionals see and treat knee pain related to ACL injury. Our sports medicine expert and arthroscopic surgeon is Dr. Brian Wallace. He and his team will address your knee pain symptoms, make the right diagnosis and get you moving safely and comfortably once again.
Learn more about our sports medicine and other orthopedic services by contacting us for an in-depth consultation. Call today at (239) 261-2663 or request your appointment here. Whether you are an athlete or simply an active individual, we can support your very best joint health and function. We look forward to speaking with you soon.
