ACL Injury

Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

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What is ACL Injury?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a strong band of tissue that connects the femur and tibia or the thigh bone and shinbone. It helps to stabilize the knee joint. Any kind of tear or sprain in the ACL is referred to as an ACL Injury.

An ACL Injury is most common amongst sportspersons involved in soccer, football, skiing or basketball etc. as sudden jerky movements are a part of these sports. Abrupt changes in motion can put stress on the ACL leading to an injury.

Get in touch with the specialist ACL Injury surgeons at the Healing Hospital, Chandigarh to avail the best treatment facilities at the most economical prices.

What is ACL Injury?

Following is a list of causes of an ACL Injury:

Any activities or sports that put a stress on the knee can lead to an ACL Injury.
Suddenly stopping while you are in a fast motion can also cause an ACL Injury.
Landing in an awkward position after a jump is also a reason behind an ACL Injury.
A sudden change in direction is also a common reason for an ACL tear.
Pivoting, while your foot is firmly secured on the ground.

What are the risk factors for an ACL Injury?

Multiple reasons can make you more prone to an ACL Injury. Some of these are listed below:

Sportspersons involved in high-motion sports such as gymnastics, soccer, volleyball or basketball are at a higher risk.
Females are more likely to have an ACL Injury as compared to males probably due to anatomical differences and hormonal fluctuations.
Not using proper movement patterns while exercising can also lead to an ACL tear.
Using degraded or ill-maintained sports equipment can cause an ACL Injury.
Improper footwear also poses a risk for developing an ACL Injury.
Playing on artificial turf is another risk factor.

How is an ACL Injury diagnosed?

Physical examination is the first step towards diagnosing an ACL Injury. Your specialist doctor will look for inflammation and tenderness in the injured knee.
You might be asked to move your knee in various directions to check the range of motion.
Diagnostic tests such as X-Rays, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Ultrasound can also be used to look at the ACL Injury in detail.
All the diagnostic tests are performed to rule out any chances of a bone fracture or damage to ligaments, tissues, tendons and muscles of the knee.

What is the treatment for an ACL Injury?

Utilize the R.I.C.E. method for first-aid care at home. This involves Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation.
Several weeks of rehabilitative therapy are generally the first step towards ACL Injury treatment. This helps in reducing pain and inflammation along with assisting you in regaining normal range of knee motion.
Your specialist doctor can also recommend you to wear a brace to avoid stress on the knee.
Use of crutches is also advised many times to avoid putting any kind of strain on the knee.
Physical therapy works best for individuals who are involved in light recreational exercises and similar activities.
Surgical treatment can be recommended by your specialist doctor if you are an athlete and want to pursue your sporting journey further.
A knee injury or buckling of the knees can also make your doctor advise you to undergo surgery.
Surgical methods include ACL reconstruction wherein the surgeon takes out the damaged ligament and uses a segment of tendon to replace it. This tendon can be taken from a deceased donor or your own knee.