The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a crucial stabilizing structure in the knee joint. It keeps the knee stable during activities. It is no wonder that sudden pivots and changes in direction can result in an injury of this ligament.
An ACL injury is usually a partial or complete tearing of the anterior cruciate ligament. This is a very common injury and for athletes, a most dreaded one. Understanding the causes and symptoms, as well as the ACL injury treatment and preventative measures is useful information for any active individual.
Causes of ACL Injuries
Below are some of the most common causes of ACL injuries:
#1 Non-Contact Injuries
Many ACL injuries occur without direct contact from an external force. Sudden deceleration, changes in direction, and landing from a jump are common scenarios that can lead to non-contact ACL injuries.
#2 Contact Injuries
Direct impact or collision, often observed in sports such as football, basketball, and soccer, can also result in ACL injuries.
#3 Gender Disparity
Studies have shown that female athletes may be at a higher risk of sustaining ACL injuries compared to their male counterparts, possibly due to anatomical and biomechanical factors.
Symptoms of ACL Injury
Is it an ACL injury or another type of knee injury? The symptoms of an anterior cruciate ligament injury can vary and may share similarities with other knee injuries. However, the most commonly reported symptoms include:
- Popping Sensation: Many individuals report hearing or feeling a popping sensation at the time of the injury.
- Pain and Swelling: Immediate pain and swelling in the knee are typical symptoms following an ACL injury.
- Instability: The affected knee may feel unstable or give way during weight-bearing activities, such as walking or standing.
- Limited Range of Motion: Difficulty fully extending or bending the knee due to the presence of swelling.
- Discomfort with Weight Bearing: Pain or discomfort when attempting to put weight on the injured leg.
- Tenderness: Tenderness around the knee joint, particularly along the joint line.
What Are the Treatments for ACL Injuries?
There are several non-surgical approaches that can promote healing of an ACL tear, provided it is not a complete tearing of the tissue. In which case, the right combination of therapies can help the patient have restored knee function.
Some of the non-surgical treatments for ACL injury are:
- Prolozone Therapy: This therapy involves the injection of a mixture of ozone and nutrients into the affected area. It aims to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation, potentially aiding in the healing of soft tissue injuries, such as ACL tears.
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) Therapy: PRP therapy involves using the patient’s own blood plasma, enriched with a high concentration of platelets, to promote healing and tissue regeneration at the site of the ACL injury.
- Stem Cell Regenerative Therapy: Stem cell therapy focuses on harnessing the regenerative potential of stem cells to facilitate tissue repair and regeneration within the injured ACL.
- Dry Needling: This technique involves the insertion of thin needles into trigger points or tight bands of muscle, aiming to alleviate pain and improve musculoskeletal function around the knee joint.
- Chiropractic Care: Chiropractic treatments may include joint mobilization techniques to enhance knee joint function and alleviate symptoms of an ACL injury.
- Bracing and Supportive Devices: Depending on the severity of the injury, the use of knee braces or supportive devices may be prescribed to provide stability and aid in the healing process.
- Physical Therapy: A structured physical therapy program is essential for non-surgical management of ACL injuries, focusing on strengthening the surrounding muscles, improving range of motion, and restoring functional stability of the knee.
In cases of complete ACL tears, surgical reconstruction of the ligament may be recommended, particularly for individuals who wish to return to high-demand physical activities. Every ACL injury is evaluated on a case-by-case basis, with the sports doctor making decisions that will help the patient achieve the best outcomes.
How Can ACL Injuries Be Prevented?
There is a heavy emphasis on prevention of injury in every athlete’s sports medicine treatment program, particularly in the case of a completely torn ACL, which almost always calls for surgery.
Prevention of an ACL injury can be helped through the following:
#1 Neuromuscular Training
Incorporating specific exercises to improve balance, agility, and proprioception can help reduce the risk of ACL injuries, especially among athletes.
#2 Proper Technique and Movement Patterns
Education and training on correct jumping, landing, and cutting techniques can minimize the likelihood of ACL injuries during athletic activities.
#3 Strength and Conditioning
A comprehensive strength and conditioning program targeting the lower extremities can contribute to improved muscle strength and joint stability, potentially reducing the risk of ACL injuries.
ACL Injury Treatment in Dallas, TX
At Reagan Integrated Sports Medicine, our sports medicine doctors specialize in non-surgical treatment and rehabilitation of athletes and active individuals. Our physicians have extensive experience in sports treatments and offer the most advanced treatments that are not available anywhere else.
To schedule a consultation for treating an ACL injury, call our office today at (972) 503-7272 or use our online form to schedule your visit. We have friendly staff that is ready to welcome you to our sports and rehabilitation facility in Dallas.
