An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee occurs when the crucial ligament connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) is damaged. It often occurs during activities that involve pivoting or sudden changes in direction. It happens due to various reasons like sudden stops, improper landing from a jump, or direct impact to the knee.
Symptoms
- Popping Sensation: Individuals report feeling or hearing a pop at the time of injury.
- Swelling: The knee may swell rapidly after the injury due to bleeding within the joint.
- Pain: Pain is common, especially during movement or weight-bearing.
- Instability: The knee may feel unstable or give out, particularly during activities that involve twisting or pivoting.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty in straightening or bending the knee.
Treatment
It may vary depending on ACL tear grade and any other damage inside knee.
- Don’t play sports or any activity that can give more stress on knee. If symptoms persist, follow the RICE method.
- Rest: Avoid the activity and don’t overuse knee before it heals.
- Ice: Wrap ice packs in a thin towel before applying them to the knee.
- Compression: Apply an elastic bandage around the knee to alleviate swelling.
- Elevation: Prop your knee and leg up above the level of your heart as often as you can.
- Physical therapy.
Prevention
- During sports or physical activities: Wear the protecting equipment.
- Don’t “play through the pain” if your knee hurts after physical activity.
- ·Rest your body and get recover after intense activity.
- Stretch and warm up before playing sports
- Cool down and stretch after physical activity.
- Offseason knee and lower body strengthening programs can help prepare your knee joints for the stress a sports season puts on them.
- Always use the proper tools or equipment at home to reach things. Should not stand on chairs, tables.
- If there is any difficulty in walking use cane or walker.
