What is the ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) joins the shinbone (tibia) to the thigh bone (femur). This ligament allows the knee to move back and forth. Since the ligament runs through the knee, damaging or injuring it can destabilize the joint it supports. ACL injuries can affect anybody, but they’re most commonly seen in athletes and those who are frequently active.
What are the signs of an ACL injury?
How severe your ACL injury significantly affects the symptoms you’ll experience. While a minor strain (grade 1) can cause a little discomfort, a complete ACL tear (grade 3) can keep you from walking. Common symptoms of an ACL injury include:
- Mild to severe knee pain
- Sudden swelling
- A “pop” in the knee
- Inability to bear weight
- Limited range of motion
- Loss of mobility
- Pain when walking
The sooner you seek treatment for an ACL injury, the more likely you’ll recover without complication. If you experience any symptoms of ACL damage, contact the orthopedic specialists at Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons right away.
What causes an ACL injury?
ACL injuries often develop suddenly when the knee turns in an awkward way. Common causes of ACL injuries include:
- Slowing down too quickly when running
- Stopping suddenly when moving
- Turning the knee too quickly
- Suffering a direct impact to the knee
- Landing awkwardly after jumping
Research shows that ACL injuries are more common in women than men, primarily due to differences in the alignment of the pelvis and legs in men and women. Proper conditioning, including stretching and building muscle strength, can help protect the ligament from damage.
What are the treatments for an ACL injury?
The first step in treating an ACL injury is determining how severe it is. Along with a complete physical exam of the knee, the team at Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons orders X-rays to view the ligament.
Once they make a correct diagnosis, the team will recommend one or more of the following ACL injury treatments:
Physical therapy
Physical therapy rebuilds the muscles surrounding your knee to protect the ACL from reinjury.
Bracing
Bracing holds the knee in a secure position to prevent the ligament from stretching any farther. Taking pressure off the knee by elevating it when possible and using crutches when you must walk can also help reduce swelling.
Soft-tissue injections
Regenerative medicine injections, like stem cells and other biologics, can repair ACL damage by stimulating the body’s natural healing response.
Surgery
If you have an ACL tear, surgery is the only way to repair the ligament. During the procedure, the team removes the ACL and replaces it with a tendon.
For expert ACL treatment, call the orthopedic specialists at Hudson Valley Bone & Joint Surgeons, LLP today or book an appointment online.
