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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Symptoms of ACL injury
Following are the signs and symptoms of ACL injury: 1. Sudden sensation or sound of popping in the knee 2. Severe pain 3. Sudden swelling 4. Limited movement 5. Feeling of giving way or instability when bearing weight Most patients with ACL injuries can experience excruciating pain. However, some patients only experience mild discomfort. See your doctor if you think you might have hurt your knee. Do not disregard your condition, particularly if you experience or hear a popping sound.
Types of ACL injuries
Your physician may frequently assign a grade for your ACL injuries. The degree of the injury determines the grading. Grades for ACL injuries range from I to III. A very minor injury is classified as Grade I. A more serious injury is called a Grade III injury. 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?
If you have symptoms of an ACL injury, such as severe knee pain, swelling, instability, or trouble bearing weight, get medical help immediately. Speaking with a healthcare provider is essential for a precise diagnosis and customised treatment plan, which may involve ACL operation. Seeking early medical assistance guarantees appropriate management and timely intervention for ACL injuries. Early medical evaluation increases the likelihood of a full recovery by enabling an accurate diagnosis and prompt initiation of the proper treatment. Getting medical help when you suspect an ACL injury can help avoid complications and facilitate a more successful recovery process. For a customised treatment plan that considers general health, lifestyle, and treatment objectives, consulting with a healthcare professional is essential.
Diagnosis and Tests for ACL injury
The physical examination is necessary for the diagnosis of ACL injury. Your doctor might also suggest a few tests. Your doctor might first ask you questions about your symptoms. Your doctor needs to know what you were doing before any injury-related symptoms appeared. Your physician might also inquire about the initial symptoms that you experienced after the injury. Your doctor might try putting your leg and knee in different positions to evaluate your condition. You need to let your doctor know if any specific positions hurt the most. Your doctor might suggest a few tests. These could be an MRI, CT scan, or X-ray.
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. Your doctor might suggest a course of treatment based on your condition. This wil l assist in managing the symptoms and lessening the pain. You may be asked to use crutches. These braces aid in stabilising and securing the knee. OTC painkillers might also be recommended by your doctor. These could consist of paracetamol or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Your doctor may ask you to engage in specific exercises that will help reduce your symptoms. The foundation of any injury treatment programme is physical therapy. An ACL tear cannot heal by itself. But you can manage it if you have the injury is not very severe. If you are an athlete or want to start exercising again, you will need surgery to repair your ACL. The most popular way of treating an ACL tear is through an ACL operation. The ACL surgery is done in the outpatient setting. It helps to repair the damaged knee. You can go back home on the same day after the surgery. Your knee tear will be repaired by your surgeon using a minimally invasive technique known as knee arthroscopy.
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. While you indulge in physical activities or sports: 1. Ensure that you are wearing the right gear 2. Do not play over your pain if you have hurt your knees during or after physical activity 3. Allow your body some time to rest and recover after a strenuous activity 4. Relax, stretch and warm up prior to engaging in exercise or sports 5. Stretch and cool down after working out Take the help of programmes to strengthen your knees and lower body during the off-season. This will help your knees withstand the strain during your sports season. 1. You must comply with the following safety advice in order to reduce your risk of suffering an ACL injury. 2. Avoid planting the foot and pivoting over the knee. This is the most frequent reason why athletes sustain meniscus and ACL injuries. 3. Check your home or workspace to make sure nothing could trip you. 4. Make sure you always use the proper tools or equipment when reaching for items around the house. 5. Avoid standing on tables, chairs, or countertops. 6. Use a walker or cane if you have difficulty walking or are at risk of falling.
Post-surgery Procedure
Take all the necessary care after your ACL tear surgery. The ACL injury recovery time after the injury is around 6 to 9 months. Some athletes may take longer to get back to normal and resume their sport. Follow your doctor's instructions. Perform exercises as suggested by your doctor. These exercises will bring your mobility back to normal. It will also prevent the formation of blood clots. In most cases, patients are expected to lift their legs without any assistance. Physical therapy usually starts seven to 14 days after the surgery. During the ACL surgery recovery time, take your pain medicines as recommended by your doctor. Monitor your body temperature. Inform your doctor if you have a persistent fever that does not subside. Do not hesitate to inform your doctor if you face any problems after the surgery.
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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.
