What is ACL tear?
The bone structure of the knee joint is formed by the femur, the tibia, and the patella. The ACL is one of the four key main ligaments within the knee that connect the femur to the tibia. The knee is essentially a hinged joint that is joined together by the medial collateral (MCL), lateral collateral (LCL), anterior cruciate (ACL) and posterior cruciate (PCL) ligaments. The ACL runs diagonally in the middle of the knee, preventing the tibia from sliding out in front of the femur, as well as giving rotational stability to the knee. Research has shown that Women are more likely to have an ACL tear as compared to men.
Causes of ACL injury: An ACL injury can occur if you:
Quickly stop moving and make changes in direction while running, landing from a jump, or turning.
If you get hit very hard on the side of your knee, such as in the course of a football tackle.
Basketball, football, soccer, and skiing are common sports linked to ACL tears.
Over extend your knee joint.
ACL injuries frequently occur with other injuries. For example, an ACL tear often occurs along with tears to the MCL and the shock-absorbing cartilage in the knee (meniscus). Most ACL tears occur in the mid of the ligament, or the ligament is pulled off the thigh bone. These damages form a gap between the torn edges; do not heal on their own. It requires medical assistance.
Symptoms of ACL injury: Early symptoms:
You may experience a "popping" sound at the time of injury
Knee swelling can be seen within 6-7 hours of injury
You may experience pain, especially when you try to put weight on the injured leg
Those who have only a mild damage may notice that the knee feels unstable or seems to swell when you’re trying to move.
Things to avoid:
Do not move your knee if you have had a serious damage.
Use a splint to keep the knee straight until you see a doctor/surgeon.
Do not return to your regular work or other activities until you have been diagnosed.
When to Contact a Medical Professional?
Call your provider right away if you have serious knee damage. Get immediate medical attention if the foot is feeling cool and blue after a knee damage. This means that the knee joint may have been dislocated and blood vessels to the foot got injured. This can be a medical emergency.
Alternative Names:
Cruciate ligament injury - anterior; ACL injury; Knee injury - Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
