Understanding ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as the ACL, is one of the most important ligaments in your knee, and connects the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). When it gets damaged or torn, the functionality of your knee is compromised. You can experience swelling, loss of mobility, tenderness, discomfort when walking, and instability.
They are very common among athletes like football, soccer, and basketball players. However, your ACL can tear because of:
- Sudden movements
- Strong pivoting
- Stopping suddenly
- Direct blows to the knee, etc.
Types of ACL Injuries
The anterior cruciate ligament, commonly known as the ACL, is one of the most important ligaments in your knee, and connects the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). When it gets damaged or torn, the functionality of your knee is compromised. You can experience swelling, loss of mobility, tenderness, discomfort when walking, and instability.
They are very common among athletes like football, soccer, and basketball players. However, your ACL can tear because of:
- Sudden movements
- Strong pivoting
- Stopping suddenly
- Direct blows to the knee, etc.
What to Do If You Tore Your ACL?
When you hurt your ACL, there are several things you can do to ensure a better recovery and manage your symptoms.
Take Care of Your Knee Before Anything Else
Before seriously considering knee surgery for an ACL injury, you should have full range of knee motion. If you have your ACL reconstructed on a stiff knee, you could be exposed to future re-tears, or prevent yourself from getting your full mobility back.
In the days following your injury, besides going to the doctor, you should try to reduce swelling with ice, compression, and elevation. In the weeks that follow, you need to carefully work on obtaining full extension and flexion of the knee to see if you qualify for surgery.
Get to Know Your Options
Surgery is not the only solution to an ACL injury. Depending on the severity of the tear, your doctor might recommend more conservative measures, like physical therapy or bracing. Even in the cases that need surgery, there are still criteria to be met. Some patients can take months of hard work to get them ready for their procedure.
It’s important to be patient and know that you and your doctor are taking the right steps to ensure the best recovery.
Stay as Active as Possible
Once the initial swelling has subsided, you can slowly work to get your knee mobility back. You need to be very careful during this process: avoid changing directions quickly, running, or any pivoting motions. If you feel the knee slipping or giving in during certain movements, stop—you could be causing more damage.
Learn About Recovery
Rehabilitation after an ACL reconstruction can be prolonged. On average, patients don’t return to contact sports until at least 9 months after the procedure. Nonetheless, you will be back to lighter activities like jogging after 2 or 3 months. Carefully follow your surgeon’s instructions, as they will be tailored to fit your individual needs.
Be Patient
We know how frustrating an injury can be, especially if you’re used to playing a sport or maintaining constant physical activity. While healing from an ACL injury requires commitment and patience, its reconstruction has great outcomes and satisfaction among patients.
If you follow your doctor’s instructions, you should be able to gradually return to the activities you enjoy the most.
Visit a Sports Injury Specialist in Georgia
Visiting a sports injury specialist will give you the peace of mind and necessary information to make the best decisions for your body. At Ashford Orthopedic Specialists, we offer comprehensive care for different sport-related issues, so you can restore mobility, strength, and go back to doing what you love.
You can call our offices or book an appointment online at any of our two Georgia locations.
