If you’ve heard about sports injuries, you might have come across the term “ACL injury.” What exactly is an ACL injury? How does it happen, and how can it be treated?
In this article, we will discuss ACL injuries and their causes, symptoms, and treatment. Plus, we’ll talk about why seeing a knee doctor is important.
What is an ACL?
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is one of the key ligaments in your knee – a strong band of tissue that connects bones to each other. The ACL helps keep your knee stable by preventing the shinbone (tibia) from sliding out in front of the thighbone (femur).
An ACL injury can be a tear of the ACL or a sprain.
Causes of ACL Injuries
ACL injuries most commonly happen during activities that involve sudden stops, jumps, or changes in direction. Here are some common causes:
- Sports: Playing sports like soccer, basketball, football, and skiing can put a lot of stress on your knees. Quick movements can sometimes lead to ACL injuries.
- Sudden Stops: Stopping quickly after running at high speed can strain the ACL.
- Twisting: Twisting your knee while keeping your foot planted can cause the ACL to tear.
- Jumping and Landing: Incorrectly landing from a jump can stress the ACL.
Symptoms of ACL Injuries
How do you know if you’ve injured your ACL? Here are some common symptoms:
- A Loud Pop: Many people who injure their ACL hear a loud “pop” sound from their knee.
- Severe Pain: Right after the injury, the knee will likely hurt a lot.
- Swelling: The knee typically swells within a few hours of the injury.
- Instability: You might feel like your knee is “giving out” or unable to support your weight.
- Limited Movement: It becomes difficult to move your knee properly.
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a knee doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosis
When you visit a knee doctor, they will perform a physical exam to check for signs of an ACL injury. They might also use imaging tests like X-rays or MRI scans to check the extent of the damage.
Physical Exam
During the exam, the knee doctor will:
- Check for swelling and tenderness around the knee.
- Move your knee in different directions to see how stable it is.
- Compare the injured knee with the healthy one.
Imaging Tests
- X-rays: These help rule out any bone fractures.
- MRI Scans: These provide detailed images of the soft tissues in your knee, including the ACL.
Treatment Options
Treating an ACL injury depends on how severe the injury is and how active you want to be in the future. Here are some common treatment options a knee doctor recommends:
Rest and Rehabilitation
For minor ACL injuries or for people who don’t play sports, rest and physical therapy might be enough. This includes:
- Rest: Avoiding physical activities that put stress on the injured knee.
- Ice: Applying ice packs to reduce swelling.
- Compression: Using an elastic bandage to support the knee.
- Elevation: Keeping the injured leg raised (above heart level) to reduce swelling.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is a crucial part of recovery after an ACL injury. A physical therapist will guide you through exercises to strengthen the muscles around your knee and restore normal movement. This helps stabilize the knee and prevent further injury.
Surgery
In severe cases, especially for athletes or those wanting to stay very active, surgery may be needed to repair or reconstruct the ACL. Here’s what happens:
- Repair: The torn ACL can be sewn back together.
- Reconstruction: The knee doctor will replace the torn ACL with a piece of tendon from another part of your body or from a donor.
After surgery, you’ll need physical therapy to help your knee heal and regain strength.
Prevention
While you can’t always prevent ACL injuries, you can reduce the risk by:
- Strengthening Exercises: Focus on strengthening the muscles around your knee, especially the hamstrings and quadriceps.
- Proper Technique: Learn and practice safe techniques for jumping, landing, and changing direction.
- Wearing Proper Gear: Use supportive footwear and protective gear, especially when playing sports.
Why See a Knee Doctor?
Seeing a knee doctor is important because they specialize in diagnosing and treating knee injuries. A knee doctor can:
- Provide Accurate Diagnoses: Ensure you get the right diagnosis based on your symptoms and test results.
- Recommend the Best Treatment: Get the most effective treatment plan tailored to your needs.
- Monitor Your Recovery: Get help throughout the recovery process, making adjustments as needed to ensure proper healing.
Knee Doctor in Plantation, FL
ACL injuries can be painful and affect your ability to move, but understanding them can help you manage and treat them effectively. Knowing the causes, symptoms, and treatment options is essential.
If you suspect an ACL injury, see our knee doctor, Dr. Robert Baylis, here at Baylis and Brown Orthopedics. Dr. Baylis has the expertise to diagnose your knee problem accurately and recommend the best course of action for your recovery.
To learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Baylis, call us today at (954) 476-8800 or use our easy-to-fill appointment form. We look forward to serving you!
