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
The signs and symptoms of ACL injury are mentioned below: 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 Most people who suffer from ACL injuries experience excruciating pain. Some patients only experience mild discomfort. Consult your physician if you think you might have hurt your knee. Do not ignore your condition, especially if you experience or hear a popping sound in your knee region.
Types of ACL injuries
Depending on their severity and degree of ligament damage, ACL injuries usually fall into one of several categories: 1. Sprains: Mild ACL injuries cause the ligament to stretch or partially tear without completely rupturing. They frequently cause localised oedema and pain. 2. Some Tears: The ACL is harmed but not torn in partial tears. The degree to which this kind of impacts stability and function varies.
When to See the Doctor?
Talk to your doctor if you think you may have an ACL injury. Keep an eye out for the ACL injury symptoms mentioned above. Get your doctor's attention on it right away if you have any of the above-mentioned symptoms. Early diagnosis means early management and treatment of your illness. Do not hesitate to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you think you have an ACL injury.
Diagnosis and Tests for ACL injury
A thorough physical examination is necessary for the diagnosis of ACL injury. Your doctor might also suggest a few tests. You may be first asked questions by your healthcare provider about your symptoms. Your doctor requires you 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 there are specific positions that hurt the most. A few investigations might be indicated by your doctor. 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
1. Strength Training: To improve stability and support, perform regular strength training exercises emphasising the muscles surrounding the knee, such as the hamstrings, quadriceps, and hip muscles. 2. Practices for Proprioception: Incorporate proprioceptive exercises, such as agility and balance drills, to improve joint awareness and reduce fall risk. 3. Correct Technique: To reduce strain on the ACL, use the proper landing and cutting techniques when participating in sports or activities requiring jumping or abrupt direction changes. Even though many procedures are available in the public and private hospitals, it's better to prevent the wear and tear of ACL by incorporating healthy habits.
Post-surgery Procedure
Ensure that you get all the necessary care after your ACL tear surgery. The ACL injury recovery time after the surgery is around 6 to 9 months. Regaining their normalcy and returning to their sport may take longer for some athletes. Follow your doctor's instructions about physical activity. These exercises will help you restore your natural range of motion. It will also prevent the formation of blood clots. It is usually expected of patients to raise their legs without assistance in the first week after the surgery. Physical therapy usually starts seven to fourteen days after the surgery. Follow your doctor's suggestions when taking pain medication. Take note of your body temperature. Inform your doctor if you have a persistent fever that does not go down. Do not be afraid to let your doctor know if you experience any issues following the procedure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The same ACL is rarely injured twice. Less than 10% of cases involve injuries to the same ACL. Speak to your doctor for information on what to expect after surgery for an injury.
Most of the time, it is not the end of a career. Take the right ACL injury treatment. Do not rush your recovery from an ACL injury. Get the proper care. Many athletes who suffered an ACL injury went back to their passion. Following surgery, rehabilitation is a crucial step. It will support the restoration of knee flexibility and strength. Consult your physician about the ideal time to start practising and returning to your sport.
See your doctor immediately if you have a knee injury. It is not appropriate to ignore any of the symptoms mentioned above or indicators. Go to the emergency room immediately if you have met with an accident or suffered trauma. Some accidents and traumas can also affect other areas.
Walking is not a problem in most patients after an ACL injury. It is important that you do not walk over your injury even if you are not in pain. Learn how to recognise an ACL injury if you are into sports or physical activity. See a physician if you think you may have injured your ACL.
The ACL surgery cost varies in every city. The cost depends on the hospital, the surgeon involved and the severity of the injury.
