One of the powerful ligaments that helps in connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) is known as the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and damage to this is referred to as ACL injury. When this ligament gets sprained or torn, it can cause a massive issue that may interfere with living a normal life. In sports like soccer, basketball, downhill skiing, and football, which involve a landing, changes in direction or sudden stops, and jumping, ACL injuries are common. When an ACL is damaged, many people usually experience the sensation of popping or hear a pop in the knee. Book an appointment at our Orthopaedic Hospital in Millers Road Bangalore for the best treatment of all sports injuries.
There is a chance of the knee getting swollen, the knee can feel unstable and it can be painful to bear weight as well. Based on the degree of the ACL damage, treatment options are available such as rehabilitation/exercises and rest to regain stability and strength. Alternatively, surgeries may also be recommended followed by rehabilitation to reconstruct the torn ligament.
Among athletes, knee injuries are relatively common. Mainly people who are involved in playing pivoting sports are more likely to get such injuries. It has been seen that rather than males, females are more prone to have ACL injury with a higher incident rate.
Risk Factors involved in ACL Injury
ACL injuries can occur by contact injuries and non-contact injuries which are brought on by internal pressures in the athlete’s body. Though in the majority of the other sports injuries, energy is transferred from an eternal source but in this case, injury happens internally with minimal or no contact.
The typical mechanism that causes the ACL to tear is a cut and plant movement which involves a sudden change in direction or speed with the foot firmly planted.
Depending on the patient's specific requirements, the ACL tears treatment differs. For instance, a young athlete who competes in agility sports will likely need surgery before they can resume their sports activities safely. Whereas, older people who are less energetic or active may be able to resume a more sedate way of life without surgery.
Most Common ACL injuries
An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) injury is one of the most common injuries encountered in football as it’s a high pivoting sport. The injuries could be attributed to the ill maintenance of synthetic turf. Footwear makes it entangled in these synthetic turfs causing injuries to the knees, especially the Anterior Cruciate Ligament. Anterior Cruciate Ligament can be quite disabling and it can affect the performance and carrier of the sportsman. Consult with an Orthopaedician in Millers Road to know more about the types of sports injuries and their treatment.
A sportsman sustaining an ACL injury may not be able to perform his routine, or sporting activities because the knee may buckle and can cause instability of the knee which may lead to further damage to the ligaments, cartilage, and the meniscus inside the knee joint. Appropriate assessment and treatment of such ACL injuries are essential. Especially in a young active individual who aims to return back to the pre-injury activity level of sports and lifestyle.
Consultant - Orthopaedics, Joint Replacement, and Arthroscopy Surgery
Manipal Hospitals, Millers Road, Bangalore
