Condition
What is ACL/PCL injury?
ACL Injury: Causes
Who is at Risk?
ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injuries are relatively common, and several factors can increase the likelihood of experiencing this type of knee injury. Women have a higher risk, being 2-8 times more susceptible to ACL injuries than men. This difference in risk might be due to various factors such as differences in muscle strength, the way muscles activate during movements, and hormonal influences. Participation in certain sports can also heighten the risk of ACL injuries. Sports involving quick changes in direction, sudden stops, and jumping movements like soccer, basketball, and volleyball put individuals at an increased risk due to the demanding movements involved in these activities.
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Enhanced Quality of Care
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Symptoms of ACL injury
Let us understand the signs and symptoms of ACL injury. These include the following: 1. A sudden sound or sensation of "popping" in the knee 2. Excruciating pain 3. Sudden swelling 4. Limited mobility 5. Feeling of instability or giving way when bearing weight ACL injuries can result in severe pain in most patients. However, some patients only feel slight discomfort. Consult your physician if you believe you may have injured your knee. Do not ignore your condition, particularly if you feel or hear a popping sound.
Types of ACL injuries
Your ACL injuries may often be graded by your doctor. The grading is dependent on the extent of the injury. ACL injuries are categorised into grades I through III. Grade I injuries are those that are extremely minor. A Grade III injury is considered to be more serious. Let us understand what the three grades mean. 1. Grade I: Your ACL is still intact and supporting your knee bones even though the injury stretched it to a point of destruction. 2. Grade II: The injury caused your ACL to become partially torn and loosened due to excessive stretching. 3 Grade III: The ACL is broken into two pieces. Talk to your physician if you have any doubts regarding the type of ACL injury you are suffering from. This will help you better manage your condition.
When to See the Doctor?
You must see your doctor if you experience any of the above-mentioned ACL injury symptoms. Your condition may need your doctor’s attention, especially if you experience pain. Early diagnosis is critical to initiate early treatment. Do not delay an appointment with your doctor if you suspect an injury.
Diagnosis and Tests for ACL injury
ACL injury is first diagnosed using a thorough physical examination. A few tests may also be recommended by your physician. Your doctor may start by asking you questions regarding your symptoms. What you were doing prior to the onset of any injury-related symptoms must be disclosed to your doctor. Your doctor may also want to know about the early symptoms you had following the injury. Your doctor may try adjusting the position of your leg and knee to assess your condition. You should let your doctor know if there are particular positions that hurt more than others. Your doctor may also recommend a few tests. These may include an X-ray, CT scan, or MRI.
Treatment for ACL Injury
Based on the severity of your ACL tear and any additional damage inside your knee, different ACL tear treatments may be necessary. You must avoid engaging yourself in any activity that could further strain your knee. This includes sports or fitness activities. As soon as you experience pain or other symptoms, apply the RICE method: Rest: Take a break and refrain from the activity that hurt you. Avoid overusing your knee while it is healing. Ice: Use a thin towel-wrapped ice pack or cold compress on your knee for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day. Compression: To help with swelling reduction, you can wrap an elastic bandage around your knee. Elevation: Raise your leg and knee as high as possible above your heart. Based on your condition, your doctor may recommend treatment. This will help in reducing the pain and managing the symptoms. You may be asked to use crutches. These are braces that help to secure and stabilise your knee. You may also be asked to take OTC painkillers. These may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or paracetamol. Your physician will also ask you to perform certain exercises that will help in elevating your symptoms. Physical therapy is key to treating any kind of injury. ACL tear cannot mend on its own. But you can manage it if the injury is not very severe. However, you will require surgery to repair your ACL if you are an athlete or wish to resume physical activity. ACL operation is the most common option for treating an ACL tear. An ACL reconstruction may also be suggested based on the severity of the injury. ACL repair surgery to repair the damaged knee is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. You can return home the same day after the ACL surgery. Your surgeon will do a minimally invasive procedure called a knee arthroscopy to fix the tear inside your knee.
Prevention of ACL injury
Athletes cannot avoid the situation of an ACL injury. ACL tears are typically caused by unexpected accidents and injuries related to sports. 1. When participating in sports or physical activities: 2. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate clothing. 3. Do not play through your pain if you have injured your knees during or after physical activity. 4. Give your body time to relax and heal following an intense exercise regimen. 5. Stretch, unwind, and warm up before working out or playing sports. 6. Stretch and relax following a workout. Join programmes during the off-season to strengthen your lower body and knees. This will lessen the strain on your knees while you play sports. The following safety recommendations must be followed in order to lower your chance of suffering an ACL injury. 1. Do not plant your foot and turn over your knee. This is the most common cause of meniscus and ACL injuries in athletes. 2. Make use of a cane or a walker if you have trouble walking or are at risk of falling. 3. Make sure nothing in your home or workplace could trip you. 4. Always use the right tools or equipment when reaching for items around the house. 5. Avoid standing on tables, chairs, or countertops.
Post-surgery Procedure
1. Immediate Postoperative Care: Following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery, patients usually receive instructions on wound care and pain management. 2. Start of Physical Therapy: To regain range of motion, strengthen muscles, and restore function, physical therapy begins soon after the ACL operation. The emphasis may be on mild exercises at first, then progress gradually. 3. Bracing and Support: A knee brace may be used initially to provide support based on the surgeon's recommendation. Its duration of use varies. 4. Weight-Bearing Progression: Under the supervision of a physical therapist, a gradual introduction of weight-bearing activities takes place, progressing from non-weight-bearing to partial and full weight-bearing. 5. Activity Graduation: Returning to regular activities and sports is a gradual process. The physical therapist and surgeon frequently supervise the patient's recovery goals and progress. 6. Follow-up Appointments: To track development, address concerns, and modify the rehabilitation plan as necessary, follow-up appointments with the surgeon and physical therapist are crucial.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Although recovery times vary, they usually take six to nine months.
Ans: ACL surgery is the best chance of recovery for complete tears; however, partial tears may respond to non-surgical treatments.
Ans: Indeed, following ACL surgery, physical therapy is essential for regaining function, strength, and flexibility.
Ans: Although entirely avoidable, the risk of ACL injuries can be decreased with strengthening exercises, appropriate technique, and neuromuscular training.
