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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Lower Costs and easy financing support
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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
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?
Consult your doctor if you encounter any of the above-mentioned ACL injury symptoms. You may need medical attention if you suffer from severe pain. Do not delay your visit to your doctor. Early diagnosis is key to early initiation of 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
Different treatment options are available depending on the severity of your ACL tear. Additional damage inside your knee is also taken into account while making ACL tear treatments choices. You must not engage 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: 1. Rest: Take a break and refrain from the activity that hurt you. Avoid overusing your knee while it is healing. 2. Ice: Use a thin towel-wrapped ice pack or cold compress on your knee for 15 minutes at a time, several times a day. 3. Compression: To help with swelling reduction, you can wrap an elastic bandage around your knee. 4. Elevation: Raise your leg and knee as high as possible above your heart. A treatment plan may be recommended by your doctor, depending on your condition. This will help control the symptoms and reduce discomfort. You may be advised to use crutches. These braces help in stabilising and securing the knee. Your physician may also suggest over-the-counter pain relievers. These might include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or paracetamol. Your doctor might advise you to perform certain exercises in order to help you feel better. Physical therapy is the cornerstone of any programme for treating injuries. An ACL tear does not self-heal. You can manage your condition if your injury is not too serious. Some people may need surgery to repair the ACL, especially if the individual is an athlete or wishes to resume exercising. ACL surgery is the most commonly used method of treating an ACL tear. The ACL operation is performed in an outpatient facility. Your surgeon will perform a minimally invasive procedure called a knee arthroscopy to repair your torn knee ligament. This type of surgery enables the healing process of the knees. You are allowed to return home the day following the procedure.
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
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
Some people can walk normally after an ACL injury. You must not walk over your injury even if you do not feel the pain. You must learn to identify ACL injury, especially if you are an athlete. See your doctor if you suspect an ACL injury.
See your doctor as soon as you have a knee injury. Do not ignore any of the signs mentioned above and symptoms. If you have suffered from a car accident or trauma, go to the emergency room. Some accidents and traumas can affect other parts as well.
It is not the end of a career in most cases. Take the right ACL injury treatment, and do not rush to recovery. Many athletes have returned to their passion after an ACL injury. Rehabilitation is a very important aspect after surgery. It will help in bringing back knee strength and flexibility. Ask your doctor the right time to resume your sport and start your practice.
It is very rare that you will injure the same ACL. Less than 10% of individuals injure the same ACL. Talk to your doctor about what you should expect after an injury and its surgery.
The ACL surgery cost varies in every city. The cost depends on the hospital, the surgeon involved, and the severity of the injury.
