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
1. Immediate Pain and Swelling: ACL injuries frequently result in acute, palpable pain and knee swelling. 2. Popping Sensation: Many people say that they heard or felt a popping sound right after getting hurt. 3. Joint Instability: When performing weight-bearing activities, the knee may feel unstable and give way. 4. Bruising: Over time, bruises may appear around the knee, signifying internal bleeding. 5. Reduced Range of Motion: People may find it difficult to bend or straighten their knee, which results in a restricted range of motion. 6. Tenderness: Commonly, there is tenderness along the joint line, and specific movements may cause pain. 7. Walking Difficulty: Walking or bearing weight on the affected leg may be challenging due to pain and instability in that leg. 8. Increased Joint Laxity: People with an affected knee joint may experience increased laxity or looseness.
Types of ACL injuries
Your doctor may often grade the ACL injuries. The grading depends on the severity of the injury. The ACL injury is graded from I to III. Grade I describes a very less severe injury. Grade III indicates a more severe injury. Let us understand what the three grades mean. 1. Grade 1: Your ACL is still intact and supporting your knee bones even though the injury stretched it to a point of destruction. 2. Grade 2: 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. If you have any queries regarding the type of ACL injury, talk to your doctor to better understand your condition.
When to See the Doctor?
See your doctor if you suspect an ACL injury. Be vigilant about the above-mentioned ACL injury symptoms. Immediately draw your doctor’s attention if needed. Early diagnosis will result in early treatment and management of your condition. Do not delay an appointment with your doctor if you suspect an injury.
Diagnosis and Tests for ACL injury
Healthcare professionals usually start the diagnosis of an ACL injury with a comprehensive physical examination of the knee, noting stability, range of motion, and any signs of swelling or tenderness. They could ask about the specifics of the injury and any accompanying symptoms. Imaging tests such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are frequently used to evaluate possible concomitant injuries to surrounding structures and to visualise the extent of ligament damage. It is possible to perform X-rays to rule out fractures. A thorough diagnosis is probable when imaging is paired with clinical evaluation. Finding the best course of action, whether it entails non-surgical methods like physical therapy or surgical procedures like ACL reconstruction surgery, requires speaking with a healthcare professional for a timely and precise diagnosis.
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 6. Take the help of programs to strengthen your knees and lower body during the off-season. This will help your knees withstand the strain during your sports season. You must follow the following safety tips to lower your chances of having an ACL injury: 1. Refrain from putting your foot down and turning over your knee. This is the most common cause of meniscus and ACL injuries among athletes in this way. 2. Ensure that nothing could trip you or others in your home or workspace. 3. Always use the appropriate tools or equipment when reaching for objects at home. 4. Never stand on countertops or tables or chairs. 5. Take the support of a walker or a cane if you have trouble walking or are more likely to fall.
Post-surgery Procedure
Make sure you take all the required care after your ACL tear surgery. The ACL injury recovery time after the surgery is around 6 to 9 months. Some athletes may take longer to get back to normal and resume their sport. Observe what your doctor has prescribed. Exercise as your doctor recommended. You will regain your normal range of motion with these exercises. It will also stop blood clots from forming. Patients are typically expected to raise their legs on their own without assistance. Physical therapy typically begins seven to fourteen days after the surgery. Take your pain medicines as recommended by your doctor. Pay attention to the temperature of your body. Let your doctor know if you experience a persistent fever that does not go down. Do not hesitate to inform your doctor if you face any problems after the surgery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
See your doctor as soon as you have a knee injury. Do not ignore any of the above-mentioned signs 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.
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.
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.
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.
