ACL injury

Overview

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a powerful connective tissue of the thigh bone and shinbone which stabilizes the knee. When this ligament is torn or sprained during sports activities (most common cause) which involves excessive utilization of the knee, ACL Injury occurs.

Signs & Symptoms

The following are the signs and symptoms of an ACL injury:

• Loud popping sound or sensation
• Immediate Swelling
• Feeling unstable or inability to bear weight on the knee
• Intense pain
• Loss of knee motion
• Unable to pursue activities

If you feel any of these signs and symptoms when you had a knee injury, see a doctor immediately.

Causes

Non-contact injuries often cause ACL to tear  while engaging in sports or fitness activities which impacts the knee such as:

• Sudden switch of direction, rotating the knee
• Unstable landing from jumping
• Abruptly stops while running
• Strong impact of the knees with another person, such as during a football tackle

ACL injury is either incomplete or complete, although it can still be unimpaired from a minor injury even if it is being stretched.

Risk factors

The following are at risk of developing an ACL Injury:

• Athletes and those who engage in sports or fitness activities that impacts the knees
• Gender women has more risk due to physical structure or condition, hormonal changes and muscular power.
• Lack of conditioning
• Faulty movement during activities involving the knees
• Unstable or damaged sports equipment
• Unfit footwear or gear
• Using artificial grass on the ground during sports