KNEE
ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear
An ACL tear, also known as an Anterior Cruciate Ligament tear, is a prevalent knee injury, especially among athletes who participate in sports involving sudden stops, pivots, and directional changes. The ACL is a significant ligament responsible for stabilizing the knee joint, and when it tears, it can lead to instability and challenges in bearing weight on the injured leg.
Common Symptoms:
- Pain is typically experienced in the front and middle of the joint.
- Swelling
- Instability: A sensation of instability or “giving way,” making it feel unsteady when putting weight on it.
- Limited Range of Motion: Following an ACL tear, it may be challenging to fully extend or bend the knee.
- Popping Sensation: Often accompanied by immediate pain and swelling.
- Difficulty Walking on the affected leg
- Decreased Muscle Strength
Treatment
The treatment for a torn ligament depends on several factors including the severity of the tear, the person’s activity level, age, and overall health.
Initial care involves following the RICE protocol after the injury:
- Rest: Avoid putting any weight on the injured knee.
- Ice: Apply ice packs for 20 minutes every 2-3 hours to reduce swelling and pain.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage or brace to provide support to the knee and minimize swelling.
- Elevation: Elevate the leg to help reduce swelling.
Non-Surgical Approach: Not all cases of ACL tears necessitate surgery, especially if the person is less active or does not participate in high-demand sports requiring strong knee stability. Conservative treatment options may involve physical therapy to strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee and the use of braces for additional support during physical activities.
Surgical Intervention: ACL reconstruction surgery may be recommended for individuals who desire to resume activities involving cutting, jumping, or pivoting, or those who continue to experience instability despite non-surgical treatment. This procedure involves replacing the torn ACL with a graft, typically sourced from the patient’s hamstring tendon, patellar tendon, or a donor graft (allograft).
Rehabilitation after Surgery: After undergoing surgery, a comprehensive rehabilitation program plays a crucial role in restoring strength, flexibility, and stability to the knee. The physical therapy sessions are tailored to meet the individual’s specific needs and progress through different phases, gradually allowing the patient to resume normal activities.
It is important to emphasize that recovering from an ACL tear, whether through surgical or non-surgical treatment, requires time and a dedicated commitment to rehabilitation. Returning to sports or strenuous activities too soon can result in re-injury and long-term complications
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