What is an ACL Tear?
Your Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is a strong band of tissues that help connect your thigh bones to your shin bones and is in charge of helping the knee rotate stably. An ACL or anterior ligament tear happens when a complete or partial rupture happens to this band of tissues. This injury usually requires surgery as the ligament is unable to recover on its own.
A torn ACL is particularly common in sports that involve sudden stops or pivoting as well as jumping and landing, such as soccer or basketball. Other knee ligaments or cartilage may also become injured.
What are the symptoms of an ACL Tear?
When an ACL tear happens, you may hear or feel a "popping" sensation in the knee. Your knee may start swelling, feel unstable, and become too painful to bear weight.
An ACL injury can be classified according to three grades, depending on if ligament fibers are stretched or torn. A Grade 3 injury refers to the most severe injury.
What are the risk factors of an ACL Tear?
There are a number of factors that can increase your risk of getting an ACL tear, such as:
- Gender: The rate of ACL injuries is three times higher in female athletes than in males. This is possibly due to differences in anatomy, muscle strength and hormonal differences.
- Improper footwear: Wearing shoes that do not fit you properly can increase your risk of an ACL injury.
- Participating in certain sports: ACL tears commonly occur in those that participate in sports such basketball, soccer, football, volleyball, downhill skiing, lacrosse, and tennis. These sports require movements that include pivoting, cutting, jumping and landing.
- Previous ACL injury: Your risk of injuring a previous ACL injury is approximately 15% higher as compared to injuring a normal ACL.
How do you prevent an ACL tear?
Proper training, warm-ups and exercises can help reduce your risk of an ACL injury. Here are some ways you can lower your risk of getting an ACL tear:
- Practice good technique: Proper form and technique when training and playing sports may help lower your risk of sports injuries. Consult your physical therapist or coach on whether you are exercising with improper form and correct it.
- Avoid working out when fatigued: It is easier to forget proper technique or make mistakes when you are tired. Getting enough sleep or stopping a workout when you are tired helps in preventing injuries.
- Eat a balanced diet: Poor nutrition leads to decreased strength, endurance, and attention. Improve your focus and performance by eating a well-balanced diet.
- Improve your muscle's strength and flexibility: Tight and overstretched muscles are at a higher risk of injury. Working on the strength and flexibility of your muscles, in moderation, is key.
How is an ACL Tear diagnosed?
An examination by a doctor can diagnose the injury and an MRI can be used as well and to check for associated injuries in the knee.
