The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a strong band of tissue that runs diagonally in the center of the knee joint, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Its primary role is to prevent excessive forward movement and rotation of the tibia on the femur. ACL tears are one of the most common sports-related injuries due to their location at a vulnerable point within our body’s largest joint.
Injuries to this ligament are most commonly caused by sudden stops or changes in direction, pivoting with your foot firmly planted, landing awkwardly from a jump, receiving a direct blow to the knee, and landing during certain sports such as soccer, basketball, football, and skiing. An ACL injury is a serious issue that can have long-term effects on an individual’s ability to engage in sports and physical activities. In the case of a damaged ligament, there is usually a partial or complete tear of the tissue. A mild injury may stretch the ligament but leave it intact.
The symptoms associated with an ACL injury include pain around the knee joint accompanied by swelling within 24 hours after sustaining trauma. Other signs include instability when walking or running as well as hearing a popping sound or feeling a pop at the time of injury. If these symptoms are present individuals need to seek medical attention immediately so they may receive proper diagnosis and treatment options which could range from rest and rehabilitation exercises up through surgical intervention depending on the severity of damage done to the ligaments involved.
In conclusion, An ACL Injury can be very serious if not treated properly due to its potential impact on mobility over time. It is therefore important for individuals who experience any type of symptom mentioned above related to their knee joints to take action right away and seek out medical advice to diagnose the condition accurately and followed the appropriate treatment plan prescribed to them to ensure the best possible outcome return to full activity levels desired.
For any surgical problem or orthopedic problem contact Dr. Rahul Grover, Glyra Orthopaedics, and here.