ACL Tears Aren’t Just for Athletes

If you are a sports fan, especially basketball, soccer, or football, you can probably think of at least one star player who has been cut down in their prime because of an ACL injury. Unfortunately, though – as many of us know all too well – ACL tears aren’t just for athletes, and they can happen to any one of us.

What is the ACL?

ACL stands for “anterior cruciate ligament.” It helps to brace the knee and keep it stable, along with other ligaments in the knee. The ACL is easily torn when someone makes an intense and sudden movement – as athletes often do. During the heat of a game, an athlete might have to change direction suddenly, make a sudden stop, or jump up, only to land in an awkward way. All of these movements can result in a tear.

But you have probably noticed that you might do any one of these kinds of movements in your everyday life. You might trip over your dog and hurt yourself when you land, make the wrong move when you are in an exercise class, or twist the wrong way when playing with your kids.

If you have torn your ACL, the first sign is often a popping sound. You might feel like your knee is giving out from under you. Your knee may swell and hurt, feel tender, and you may have a reduced range of motion.

How is an ACL tear treated?

Most ACL tears won’t heal on their own and have to be treated with surgery. At Specialty Orthopaedics, the latest surgical techniques are used so that you can get back to your normal activities (and be pain-free) as soon as possible. Healthy tissue from another part of your body will be used to reconstruct your ACL. After the surgery and some time for recovery, physical therapy is an important part of restoring your knee back to its usual function.

You may not be a professional athlete with a multi-million dollar paycheck, but you can still get injured like a professional athlete. If you are having knee pain, don’t wait – call Specialty Orthopaedics in Harrison, New York. Call 914-686-0111 for an appointment today!