Your ACL, also called anterior cruciate ligament, helps keep your knee stable. It is located in the center of your knee. Your ACL prevents forward movement and rotation of your tibia (lower leg).
Two of the most common ACL injuries are ACL sprain and ACL tear.
These injuries can happen when your ACL is stretched beyond its limit causing sprain or tear as a result of sudden twisting motion in your knee.
ACL injuries often occur in active individuals or athletes. This injuries can happen in people who participate in sports that require sudden running and stopping or twisting motions at the knee such as in basketball, football, tennis and soccer.
Symptoms
Depending on the severity of your ACL injury you may have
ACL Injuries - What You Can Do
You should immediately stop your activity and apply ice pack on your injured knee for not more than 20 minutes at a time and elevate your limb. Remember to wrap the pack in towel. Taking over-the-counter pain reliever may help ease your pain.
Severe cases of ACL injuries should be examined by your health care provider. Your doctor may recommend bracing or ACL surgery.
Physical Therapy for ACL Injuries
Physical therapy can help you get back in shape following your ACL injury. Often, your physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve your muscle strength and knee flexibility. Your therapist may also use other electrotherapeutic modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulator.
Your personal physical therapist will also provide you with more information on how to prevent future ACL injuries.
Related Topics
Suggested Readings
More Physical Therapy Conditions.
Disclaimer
- Know more about the anatomy and functions of the ACL
Two of the most common ACL injuries are ACL sprain and ACL tear.
These injuries can happen when your ACL is stretched beyond its limit causing sprain or tear as a result of sudden twisting motion in your knee.
ACL injuries often occur in active individuals or athletes. This injuries can happen in people who participate in sports that require sudden running and stopping or twisting motions at the knee such as in basketball, football, tennis and soccer.
Symptoms
Depending on the severity of your ACL injury you may have
- Pain
- Swelling
- Popping sound
- Difficulty walking or moving your knee
- Buckling of your knee when you try to stand on it
ACL Injuries - What You Can Do
You should immediately stop your activity and apply ice pack on your injured knee for not more than 20 minutes at a time and elevate your limb. Remember to wrap the pack in towel. Taking over-the-counter pain reliever may help ease your pain.
Severe cases of ACL injuries should be examined by your health care provider. Your doctor may recommend bracing or ACL surgery.
Physical Therapy for ACL Injuries
Physical therapy can help you get back in shape following your ACL injury. Often, your physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve your muscle strength and knee flexibility. Your therapist may also use other electrotherapeutic modalities such as therapeutic ultrasound and electrical stimulator.
Your personal physical therapist will also provide you with more information on how to prevent future ACL injuries.
Related Topics
Suggested Readings
More Physical Therapy Conditions.
Disclaimer
