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
It is common for your doctor to grade ACL injuries. The severity of the injury determines its grading. Grades for ACL injuries range from I to III. A Grade I injury is one that is extremely less severe. A more serious injury is called a Grade III injury. Let us understand what the three grades mean. 1. Grade I: The injury stretched your ACL to the point of destruction, but it is still in place and supports your knee bones. 2. Grade II: The excessive stretching that resulted from the injury partially tore and loosened your ACL. 3. Grade III: The ACL is broken into two pieces. Speak with your doctor if you have any questions about the type of ACL injury you may have in order to understand your situation better.
When to See the Doctor?
You must visit a doctor right away if you think you may have an ACL injury. If you have symptoms like sharp pain, swelling, joint instability, popping sound during injury, or trouble walking, get medical help. Early detection and action reduce the likelihood of side effects and increase the possibility of a successful outcome. 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
A clinical examination that evaluates knee stability, range of motion, and swelling is required to diagnose an ACL injury. Orthopaedic specialists can order an MRI to obtain fine-grained ligament imaging. Bone fractures could be ruled out with X-rays. 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. 1. When participating in sports or physical activities: 2. Make sure you are wearing the appropriate clothing. 3. Do not play through your pain if you have injured your knees during or after physical activity. 4. Give your body time to relax and heal following an intense exercise regimen. 5. Stretch, unwind, and warm up before working out or playing sports. 6. Stretch and relax following a workout. Join programmes during the off-season to strengthen your lower body and knees. This will lessen the strain on your knees while you play sports. The following safety recommendations must be followed in order to lower your chance of suffering an ACL injury. 1. Do not plant your foot and turn over your knee. This is the most common cause of meniscus and ACL injuries in athletes. 2. Make use of a cane or a walker if you have trouble walking or are at risk of falling. 3. Make sure nothing in your home or workplace could trip you. 4. Always use the right tools or equipment when reaching for items around the house. 5. Avoid standing on tables, chairs, or countertops.
Post-surgery Procedure
Follow the rehabilitation guidelines created by your orthopaedic surgeon and physical therapist after undergoing ACL surgery. Start by using ice and prescribed medication to reduce swelling and manage pain. As directed by your healthcare team, start with mild range-of-motion exercises and work up to strengthening exercises. Reintroduce weight-bearing activities and sports-specific training gradually. Attend physical therapy sessions regularly to track your progress and make necessary adjustments to the rehabilitation plan. Observe all post-operative guidelines about the use of braces, limitations on weight bearing, and degree of activity. Maintaining regular contact with your medical team is crucial to a full recovery following ACL reconstruction.
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Frequently Asked Questions
You almost never injure the same ACL twice. The same ACL is injured in fewer than 10% of cases. Consult your physician about what to anticipate following surgery for an 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.
If you have a knee injury, consult your physician right away. None of the symptoms and indications listed above should be disregarded. Proceed to the emergency room if you have experienced trauma or a car accident. Certain traumas and accidents can also affect other areas.
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.
The ACL surgery cost varies in every city. The cost depends on the hospital, the surgeon involved and the severity of the injury.
