ACE YOUR ACL

ACL injuries are one of the most common knee injuries in athletes, both professional and recreational and in non-athletic group.

ACL injuries can range from a small sprain to a complete tear of the ligament which can prove disabling and career ending. Both internal and external risk factors can put you at risk of an ACL injury. Women are 3 times more at risk to have ACL injured than men due to various factors. Your risk of ACL injury also depends on the type of the sport equipment, footwear and playing surface used.

How does it happen?

Sports such as football, kabbadi, athletics, cricket, badminton and basketball are most commonly associated with ACL injuries in India.

Common causes of an ACL injury can include the following:

  • Sudden change in direction.
  • Stopping suddenly while running or high impact activities
  • Direct collision with the opponent
  • Incorrect landing from a jump
  • Non Balanced body bio-mechanics

What are the common symptoms?

  •  Pain:may range from slight soreness on the knee to having difficulty in standing on the injured leg.
  • Swelling:is most likely to occur during the first 24hours of the injury.
  • Limitation of movement:You may be unable to completely bend or straighten your knee.
  • Difficulty in walking: due to pain/pressure on the hurt leg

How is it diagnosed?

  • The doctor or your physiotherapist will want to know how did you exactly injure the knee and then have a look at the injured knee and perform certain tests manually.
  • They can prescribe certain imaging to confirm their diagnosis.
  • – MRI or ultrasound
  • -Arthroscopy

What treatment options do you have?

  • First aid:for minor injuries and sprains
  • Medications: your doctor may suggest medicines for intense pain and swelling
  • Physiotherapy: to gain range of motion at your knee joint and regain the strength of your muscles
  • Surgery: depending on various factors, your surgeon might suggest you a surgery
  • Injury prevention: this is a structured plan from the experts on how to prevent incidences of ACL injury even before it occurs

Treatment decision:

  • Gathering an expert team of an orthopaedic doctor, sport medicine specialist, a physiotherapist, strength and conditioning coaches to work with you will ensure the quickest recovery.
  • Points to consider for best decision making:
    1. Do I have all the information
    2. What are my goals
    3. Prioritize your physical needs from the knee
    4. Risk v/s rewards of the treatment option
    5. Have I given enough time to make this decision?

When to return to play?

  • According to recent researches and guidelines, return to your Sports before 8-9 months from ACL surgery significantly increases your chance of re -injury
  • A specifically planned rehabilitation programme with qualified professionals who practice evidence based treatment is very important.
  • Sport- specific training after clearing a battery of performance tests is most efficient way to get back to your sport.
  • Make sure that you feel confident to return to sport.

How to reduce the risk of an ACL injury?

Exercise based injury reduction program can reduce the risk of ACL injuries. Getting a bio- mechanical assessment done on your body will tell you of any imbalances which can be worked upon under guidance. Meet the professional experts for the right advise and adhere to an individualised program for you.

Happy to share ACL rehab outcomes at YOS:

100% of all ACL injuries treated at YOS:

  • Walked without assistive devices, such as walking aids by 2 weeks
  • Could completely straighten their knee within 4 weeks
  • Started Strength and conditioning exercises by 3 months
  • Could do activities like running, jumping etcachieved within 6 months
  • Initiated return to playprogram within 8 months.

To know more about ACL injuries and rehabilitation, do reach out to us at YOS

Hear from our experts and also talk to others about their journey to recovery from ACL injury in the Q&A section below:

JOIN THE YOS-ACL SUPPORT GROUP!!!

Anmol Thomas
Sports physiotherapist

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