The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the major ligaments of the knee that is located in the middle of the knee and runs from the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It prevents the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur. Together with posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) it provides rotational stability to the knee.
An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is an injury to one of the major ligaments in the knee. The ACL connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and helps to stabilize the knee joint. ACL tears are most commonly caused by a sudden twisting or pivoting motion, as well as direct contact, such as a tackle in football or a collision in soccer.
Symptoms of an ACL tear include:
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- Pain: Pain is usually felt in the knee, especially in the center or on the inner side of the knee.
- Swelling: The knee may become swollen and stiff soon after the injury.
- Stiffness: The knee may feel stiff and difficult to move, especially when trying to straighten or bend it.
- Locking: The knee may “lock” or get stuck in one position, making it difficult to move.
- Popping or clicking: A popping or clicking sound can be heard when the knee is moved.
- Weakness: The knee may feel weak or unstable.
- Limited range of motion: The knee may not be able to move through its full range of motion.
- Difficulty to weight-bear: It may be difficult or impossible to weight-bear on the affected leg.
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Treatment options for an ACL tear may include rest, physical therapy, and in some cases, surgery. It’s important to have a proper diagnosis by a medical professional to determine the best course of treatment.
Symptoms of an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear can include:
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- Sudden and severe pain in the knee, often described as a “pop” or a “snap” sensation.
- Swelling and stiffness in the knee, usually within a few hours of the injury.
- Limited range of motion in the knee, making it difficult or impossible to fully straighten or bend the knee.
- Instability or “giving way” of the knee, making it difficult to walk or stand on the affected leg.
- A feeling of the knee being “loose” or “unstable”.
- Popping or clicking sound coming from the knee
- Bruising or discoloration of the knee
- Reduced ability to bear weight on the affected leg
- Weakness in the knee
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It’s important to note that not all people may have all the symptoms and that the symptoms of an ACL tear can be similar to those of other knee injuries such as a meniscus tear, so a proper diagnosis by a medical professional is needed to determine the best course of treatment.
The most common cause of an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear is a sudden twisting or pivoting motion, often combined with a direct contact, such as a tackle in football or a collision in soccer. Other causes of ACL tears include:
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- Overuse: Repetitive motions can cause the ACL to become fatigued and more susceptible to injury.
- Improper technique: Using improper technique during physical activity can put extra stress on the ACL and increase the risk of injury.
- Weak muscles: Weak thigh muscles, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, can make the knee more vulnerable to ACL injuries.
- Hormonal changes: Hormonal changes during menstrual cycle have been linked to increase risk of ACL injuries in female athletes
- Biomechanical factors: Some people may have a higher risk of ACL tears due to their biomechanics, such as having a high or low arched feet.
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It’s important to note that multiple factors may contribute to an ACL tear in an individual. An accurate diagnosis and treatment plan can be developed after a proper evaluation by a medical professional.
The treatment for an ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) tear depends on the severity of the injury, the individual’s overall health, and their lifestyle. Some common options include:
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- Physical therapy: A physical therapist can help you regain strength, flexibility, and range of motion in your knee through exercises and stretches.
- Medications: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Bracing: Wearing a knee brace can help stabilize the knee and protect it from further injury.
- Surgery: In many cases, surgery is recommended to repair or reconstruct the torn ACL. This can include an ACL reconstruction, which involves using a tissue graft to replace the torn ligament.
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It’s important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. In some cases, a multidisciplinary approach may be needed, involving physical therapy, orthopedic and/or sports medicine specialists, and/or surgeons.
Rehabilitation after an ACL surgery can take several months, with physical therapy being a crucial part of the recovery process. The goal is to regain strength, range of motion and stability of the knee. Return to sport or activities will depend on the progress of the recovery and it’s important to follow your surgeon and physical therapist recommendations.
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