All About ACL Injury
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament is a vital part of the knee that is used for movement. When this ligament is torn, it can affect a person’s ability to perform certain physical activities depending on the degree of the injury. ACL injury is common among athletes who are involved in high impact sports like football and basketball. This type of injury is categorized according to degree.
The first degree involves the stretching of the ligament. Although no tear is found in the fibers, a little swelling and tenderness may be experienced. People who have first degree ACL injury have no problem walking at all. In fact, physical activity may still be possible without compromising the knee.
Once a fiber in the ACL ligament is partially torn, this can be considered a second degree ACL injury. The swelling and the tenderness is worse compared to what is experienced during a first degree and since there is a torn in the ligament, walking becomes a little bit difficult. In this case, involving in physical activity may worsen the problem.
The most serious case of this injury involves a completely torn ligament. At the time of the injury, constant pain may be felt, but after a while, the pain may subside. A third degree causes the knee to swell a lot, and because of that, walking is made completely impossible at times. Typically, a visit to a doctor is required for people who have third degree sprains. The doctor may advise the wearing of crutches, or worse, surgery.
Symptoms may include a popping or cracking sound when walking. Right after an injury, the knee joints may begin to inflame and be constantly in pain. It would also be difficult to stretch the leg that is injured. Usually, ice pack application is recommended to reduce swelling and pain in the injured knee.
For some individuals, a knee brace may prove to be an effective solution for this type of injury. For athletes however, ACL reconstruction is required. The reason for this is that athletes constantly involve themselves in heavy physical activities and only a surgery may reduce the risk for further complications such as arthritis. ACL surgery is usually followed by rehabilitation for physical therapy.