The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) and the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) are the two major ligaments in the knee that work together to provide stability in the knee. They cross each other and form an 'X' which allows the knee to flex and extend without side to side movement.
What Is an ACL Injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four major ligaments that provide stability to the knee joint. ACL injuries are most common during sports that require a sudden change of direction, sudden, abrupt stops and starts and lots of jumping. The most common treatment for a torn ACL is arthroscopic surgery and ACL reconstruction.
Injuries to these cruciate ligaments of the knee are typically sprains. The ACL is most often stretched, or torn by a sudden twisting motion while the feet remain planted.
ACL and PCL Injury Causes: ACL injuries are common in sports that involve sudden changes of direction, such as football, and soccer. Most are non-contact injuries that occur during sudden twisting motion (for example, when the feet are planted one way and the knees are turned another way) or when landing from a jump. ACL injuries, including partial or complete tears, can occur when an athlete changes direction rapidly, twists without moving the feet, slows down abruptly, or misses a landing from a jump. This type of movement may cause the ACL to stretch to the point of tearing. The degree of ACL injury may determine the type of treatment recommended.
PCL injuries are likely with impacts to the front of the knee, or from hyper-extending the knee. The PCL can also be injured by a direct impact from the outside of the knee joint, such as those that occur during soccer or football. Both the ACL and PCL can be injured or torn by a sudden twisting of the knee joint. Cruciate ligament injuries don't always cause pain, but typically a loud popping sound can be heard at the time of the injury.
ACL and PCL Injury Treatment
Incomplete ACL and PCL tears are treated conservatively to allow the body to hear on its own. Rest, ice, compression and elevation are the immediate treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications and Nsaids can help reduce pain. Physical therapy is often recommended to regain and build muscle strength over time.
For a complete tear of the ACL Arthroscopic surgery and ACL Reconstruction is usually performed.
Sometimes preventing common sports injuries is beyond our control, but many times sports injuries are preventable. Some injuries, we bring on ourselves because we’re not conditioned for the activity. Work out daily and get double benefit — enjoy your weekend activities and garner the health benefits. Every workout should start with a gentle warm-up to prevent common sports injuries. Getting warmed up increases blood flow to the muscles, gets you more flexible, and could decrease injuries. Overuse injuries are common and preventable, Don’t come out and hit the ball for an hour after not playing for a while., Whether it’s hiking, running, or team sports, do some “pre-participation stretching” first by lightly working the relevant muscle groups before the activity. And learn to recognize when you’ve already left it all on the field. Stop when you are fatigued, Muscle fatigue takes away all your protective mechanisms and really increases your risk of all injuries.
Professional athletes often seek better, newer treatments outside the teams facility. We have treated players from the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL and the PGA. Of course we can't list the name of the players for security reasons but below is a list of the teams that they play for. And yes we have to treat the players from teams opposing our home town favorites, Sorry Guys. Go CARDS
