You can imagine the feeling when you get an injury during your workout or sports activity. Sports medicine involves dealing with the diagnosis and treatment of injuries related to sports and physical activities. With sports medicine, you can recover quickly and return to your routine. Bayonne ACL tear is among the most common physical injuries that occur to many sports athletes. Read on to learn more about ACL tears.
What does ACL mean?
ACL stands for the anterior cruciate ligament. It’s found in the middle of the knee. Usually, the knee consists of the femur, tibia, and kneecap.
A ligament is a loop of vital fibrous connective tissues that joins two bones, cartilages, or joints. They give the leg stability, enhancing the leg movement and maintaining its flexibility. The anterior cruciate ligament, ACL, found under the kneecap, enhances knee stability and prevents the tibia from moving in front of the femur.
How does an ACL tear happen?
ACL tear occurs when an athlete abruptly slows down and changes direction. An action referred to as cutting. It results from using your knee as the center part instead of the foot.
For instance, a basketball player is trying to pass the ball and change direction faster.
ACL tears may also occur due to:
- A blow to the knee
- Jumping
- Sudden stopping
The ACL tear may occur wholly or partially. Your provider examines your knee to see the degree of damage.
Some factors may increase the risk of an ACL tear, such as:
- Using poorly maintained sports equipment
- Engaging in certain sports such as basketball, football, downhill skiing, gymnastics, or soccer
- Being a female
- Wearing ill-fitting footwear
- Playing on artificial turf
- Using incorrect movement patterns
What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?
Your symptoms will depend on the extent of the injury. However, you are likely to have the following.
- Pain
- A popping sound in the knee
- Restricted range of motion
- Swelling
- A popping sensation
- Bleeding into the knee injury
- Tenderness and discomfort around the joint
It is essential to seek immediate medical attention when you experience these symptoms to avoid further damage to the knee. Any damage to the knee may also cause an ACL tear. Any form of knee pain shows a sign of knee damage and should be enough to schedule an appointment with your health provider.
Treatment for an ACL tear
Your provider at James M. Lee, Jr., MD, designs a treatment plan to address and treat the damage, including:
- Physical therapy
- Rest
- Surgery. Find the best orthopaedic surgery in Singapore.
How can you prevent an ACL tear?
Working with a sports medicine specialist can lower your risk of ACL injury. Your provider may recommend the following.
- Proper training and exercising
- Performing exercise to strengthen the core, which involves the pelvis, hips, and lower abdomen
- Exercises to enhance leg muscle strength and balance
Sports medicine helps treat your physical activity injuries to restore your body function and promote recovery. ACL tear causes pain and swelling that may interfere with your range of motion. Dr. Lee, an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, can help you recover and resume your routine sports activities. Contact James M. Lee’s office today for a consultation.
