How to treat acl injury

What Is ACL Injury?

It is a severe knee trauma. The Anterior Cruciate ligament is sprained or torn. Most seen in skiers or athletes (baseball, football, volleyball, soccer and jumping related sports).

ACL Injury Symptoms:

• “Popping” sensation in the knee when it happens

• Immediate pain in the knee at the time of injury.

• Swelling of the knee joint often occurs within a few hours of the injury.

• The ability to fully bend or straighten the knee may be compromised.

• Walking or weight-bearing on the affected leg can be challenging due to pain and instability.

ACL Injury Causes:

• A sudden twisting or hyperextension of the knee can strain or tear the ACL

• Landing from a jump with improper technique can place excessive stress on the ACL, leading to injury.

• A direct blow to the knee, often seen in contact sports, can also lead to ACL injuries.

• While less common, repetitive stress or overuse of the knee joint can lead to chronic ACL problems, particularly in athletes who engage in strenuous training and activities.

Immediate Steps Post-Injury:

1. Pain Management and Initial Care:

   • Ice: Apply ice packs to reduce swelling for 20 minutes every two hours.

   • Compression: Use an elastic bandage or a compression wrap.

   • Elevation: Keep the injured leg raised above heart level.

   • Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured leg.

2. Consult a Specialist:

   • Seeing a sports medicine specialist or an orthopedic surgeon is crucial. They can assess the extent of the injury and suggest the best course of action, which might include surgery.

Non-Surgical Treatments:

For those whose lifestyles don’t demand the same rigorous physical activity, or for partial tears, non-surgical treatment may be advisable.

• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the knee will stabilize the joint and help compensate for the torn ligament.

• Bracing: Wearing a knee brace can help prevent the knee from giving out during activity.

• Lifestyle Adjustments: Modifying your activity levels and avoiding high-impact sports are advisable to avoid further injury.

• Soft Tissue Massage: Release trigger points and knots, reduce muscle tightness.

• Assisted Stretching: Help improve flexibility, increase range of motion, and reduce muscle tension

Surgical Treatments:

In cases where the ACL is completely torn, surgery might be the best option, especially for competitive athletes or highly active individuals.

• Types of Surgery:

  • Autografts: This procedure uses a tendon from another part of your body.

  • Allografts: This procedure uses a tendon from a deceased donor.

  • Synthetic Grafts: This uses artificial materials to replace the ACL.

• Recovery Post-Surgery:

  • The first few weeks involve managing pain and reducing swelling.

  • This phase is followed by gradual physical therapy, which aims to restore joint mobility and strengthen the muscles.

Rehabilitation Exercises:

Rehabilitation plays a pivotal role in your return to full function. Tailored exercise programs will vary, but generally include:

• Phase 1: Mobility Work: Gentle exercises to help regain range of motion.

• Phase 2: Muscle Strengthening: Exercises like leg presses or stationary cycling.

• Phase 3: Functional Training: Mimics certain aspects of your sport or daily activities to prepare your knee for them.

Preventing Future ACL Injuries:

• Proper Training: Techniques that improve landing and pivoting can reduce the risk.

• Strength Training: Particularly, strengthening hip and core muscles.

• Using Proper Gear: Wearing knee braces during risky activities.

Wrap-Up:

Recovering from an ACL injury is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires patience, careful planning, and following professional medical advice. Remember, every recovery journey is unique, so stay positive and focused on your rehabilitation goals.

FAQs:

Q: How long does it take to recover from an ACL surgery? A: Recovery times can vary widely, but typically, it takes six to nine months to return to full activity levels.

Q: Can an ACL injury heal itself without surgery? A: Partial tears may heal with physical therapy and proper care, but complete tears almost always require surgery.

Q: What are the signs of an ACL injury? A: Common signs include a loud pop at the time of injury, severe pain, rapid swelling, and instability of the knee.

Q: Is ACL surgery risky? A: As with any surgery, there are risks involved, but complications are rare when the surgery is performed by an experienced surgeon.

Further Reading:

• ACL Injury: What to Know – Johns Hopkins Medicine

• ACL Reconstruction – Mayo Clinic

We hope this information is useful for you. If you need advice or have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us near Essex Rd in Angel Islington. We are always happy to help. If you like this blog, please share!