ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT (ACL) – INTERNAL KNEE LIGAMENTOUS INJURY
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four main ligaments in the knee
and is the primary stabilizer for rotational movement such as, cutting to change
direction. The most common sports in which we see ACL tears are soccer, basketball,
football, skiing and tennis. Injury to the ACL results in a "trick knee," that gives
out or “buckles” during activity. The diagnosis of an ACL injury can be made by
physical examination by a physician and confirmed with an MRI. The goal of treatment
is to prevent the knee from going out of place or buckling. When the knee buckles
damage occurs slowly by chewing away pieces of the cartilage, which can lead to
early arthritis. If you can keep your knee from going out again by giving up cutting
sports and wearing a brace, then you have accomplished the goal of treatment.
Recommendations:
- Consult a physician if you think you injured your ACL
- Stretch before, during, and after an activity, for muscle and tendon flexibility
- Vigorous leg strengthening program and cross-training to build endurance and prevent
injuries due to fatigue
- Preventative ACL Braces