We’ve seen it far too often when watching sports, a star athlete is heading down the field to make a great play, but right before he can make the game winning score, goes down holding his knee, and carted off while you wait to find out if he is going to be okay, as you realize “their goes your season”. More than likely you have just witnessed an ACL injury and you didn’t even know it. ACL injuries are most commonly associated with sports, but they can happen to anyone, at any time.
So what is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) are one of four ligaments in the knee that connects the femur to the tibia. The ACL is used to stabilize the knee, controls the rotation of the leg, and forward movement of the tibia.
Who does this affect and the cause?
Approximately 200,000 Americans experience ACL-related injuries each year. Almost half of these injuries require reconstructive surgery. ACL tears are four to six times more likely in females than in males.
Excessive stress on this ligament could cause it to stretch too far, which could result in a tear. People generally characterize the injury as a “pop” of the ligament followed by intense pain and swelling. Many would expect most ACL injuries to be a result of direct contact injuries. However, 70% of all ACL tears are the result of non-contact injuries. An ACL tear can occur when someone:
- Twists their knee while keeping their foot planted on the ground
- Suddenly stops while running
- Suddenly shifts their weight from one leg to the other
- Jumps and lands on an extended (straightened) knee
- Stretch their knee farther than they should
- Experiences a direct hit to their knee
What treatment is right for me?
After experiencing an ACL injury, loss of leg strength, motion, and stability of the knee happens. It is important to regain motion and strength as soon as possible. Surgery may not be necessary, but exercise to regain muscle and knee motion should begin before starting treatment. If you do not treat this injury, you may even develop osteoarthritis in your knee. You want to start slowly and not push yourself to the point where you feel pain. Consult your therapist (Trilogy Therapy) about the best progress for exercise. Your physical therapist at Trilogy Therapy will design a physical rehab program for you that takes into consideration your normal level of activity, fitness, and extent of your ACL injury.
Coming back from ACL Injury
When three-time Super Bowl MVP, Tom Brady, experienced his own battle with an ACL injury in the 2008 NFL season. The New England Patriots’s quarterback rehabbed in the offseason and came back to play the next season. All while he was only ten to eleven months out of post-op recovery. This is a remarkable recovery that displays his incredible work ethic and patience. ACL injuries are never fun, but with the right mindset and work ethic, the results will show and you can recover from it.
So if you are in the Russellville, Dover, Little Rock areas, please give us a call at: (479) 331-3303 or come visit us at our location: 8952 Market Street, Suite 7b, Dover, AR 72837 We look forward to seeing you soon and have a great week.