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 following are typical symptoms and signs of an ACL tear: 1. A sudden "popping" sound in the knee ·2. ntense pain and lack of mobility 3. Sudden inflammation 4. Limited range of motion 5. Feeling of instability or giving way when bearing weight ACL injuries can result in severe pain. 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 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?
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
The diagnosis of ACL depends on physical examination. Your doctor may also recommend a few tests. Firstly, your doctor may ask you questions related to your symptoms. You must tell your doctor about the activities you did before experiencing the symptoms of any injury. You may also be asked about the initial symptoms. Your doctor may try moving your leg and knee in certain positions to assess your condition. You must highlight to your doctor if any particular position hurts you the most. Your doctor may recommend a few tests. These may include an X-ray, CT scan or an 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. You must comply with the following safety advice in order to reduce your risk of suffering an ACL injury. Avoid planting the foot and pivoting over the knee. This is the most frequent reason why athletes sustain meniscus and ACL injuries. 1. Check your home or workspace to make sure nothing could trip you. 2. Make sure you always use the proper tools or equipment when reaching for items around the house. 3. Avoid standing on tables, chairs, or countertops. 4. 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
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.
