ACL injury symptoms are very common among sports persons and active individuals. The ACL is simply one of the two ligaments connected in the knee. It connects the thigh bone and shin bone; therefore, it helps the knee become more stable and movable. ACL stands for Anterior Cruciate Ligament. An ACL injury means a tear or sprain in this ligament.
In this blog, we discuss the ACL injury symptoms that people often ignore. When the pain worsens, they consult a doctor, and such a delay may turn into surgery. So, know about the main symptoms and consult a doctor early. Dr. Arun Jyothi, the top sports medicine doctor, explains the ACL injury symptoms you should never ignore. Let’s dive into the blog.
What is ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament is also referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament. ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is a ligament that connects two knee bones: the thighbone and shinbone. This ligament helps keep the knee stable, control front-to-back movement, and provide rotational stability. Therefore, due to these functions, this ligament is considered one of the most commonly injured ligaments.
Understand ACL injury symptoms
ACL injury is common but serious too. People who overuse their knees and stay active in sports often come across ACL problems. Excessive knee pain, swelling, and a freezing sensation in the knee can be signs of an ACL injury. Mainly, tears and sprains are common causes of ACL injuries.
The main ACL injury symptoms are as follows:
- A popping sound or popping sensation in the knee
- Knee swelling
- Reduced range of motion
- Knee instability
- Severe knee pain
Major Causes of ACL Injury
ACL injuries can happen during both contact and non-contact sports. They often occur when you make a sudden movement that puts extra stress on your knee.
Some common situations that can cause an ACL injury include:
- Suddenly slowing down or changing direction
- Turning or twisting while your foot stays firmly on the ground
- Landing awkwardly after a jump
- Stopping suddenly while running
- Getting a direct hit to the knee or colliding with another player, such as during a football tackle
When you injure the ACL, the ligament can stretch or tear. A mild injury may only stretch the ligament, while a more serious injury can cause a partial or complete tear.
Risk factors of ACL injury
There are certain factors you should consider to avoid an ACL tear or sprain. The main cause of ACL injury can be a lack of awareness about ACL injuries. So, let’s explore the main risk factors:
- The possibility of an ACL injury is higher in women than in men due to differences in body structure and hormones.
- Wearing improper or ill-fitting footwear.
- Lack of awareness about improper landing after a jump.
- Playing on artificial turf.
- Playing sports such as football, volleyball, basketball, soccer, and gymnastics.
- If you have experienced an ACL injury once, you have a higher chance of experiencing it again.
Conclusion
If you come across any of the above-mentioned symptoms, do not ignore them. Instead, consult a doctor who specializes in ACL injury treatment. Dr. Arunjyothi is one of the specialists who can help you understand your ACL injury and guide you towards the right treatment.
Don’t let knee pain or instability stop you from staying active. Recognize the symptoms, seek expert advice early, and take the right step towards better knee health. Consult Dr. Arun Jyothi today!
