The Ways of Treating Anterior Ligament Injuries Successfully

The Ways of Treating Anterior Ligament Injuries Successfully

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are one of the most common sports injuries to occur. They generally occur due to sudden stops, jumping action, running or changes in direction of the limb exerting pressure on the knee joint. Some common sports where this injury is most common is basketball, soccer, football, tennis, downhill skiing, volleyball, and gymnastics.

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury often is diagnosed as a sprain. A sprain occurs when the threads or fibers of the ligament stretch or are torn.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is essential for normal knee function and rotational stability. It controls both forward and hyperextension movement of the knee. The ACL is one of the four main ligaments within the knee that connect the femur to the tibia. The anterior cruciate ligament runs diagonally in the middle of the knee.

When there is an injury most likely one will feel or hear a popping sound with swelling of the knee and feeling of instability. There is pain sensation on movement and unable to bear weight on the joint.

Diagnosis of the anterior cruciate ligament injury is done by an orthopedic consultant who in the examination will definitely be able to assess the condition of the knee. Other modalities of investigation include x-rays just to rule out the fracture, MRIs, and ultrasound.

Depending on the severity of your ACL injury, treatment may include rest and rehabilitation exercises to help you regain strength and stability. Sometimes surgery is carried out to replace the torn ligament followed by rehabilitation.

The course of treatment, mainly on the conservative lines is recommended which is: • Rest the joint.

• Ice the injured area to reduce swelling.

• Compress the swelling with an elastic bandage.

• Elevate the injured knee.

Even a complete ligament tear can heal without surgical repair if it is immobilized appropriately.

Generally, a physiotherapist even can treat the tear to reduce pain, swelling, stiffness, and any associated weakness in the knee or lower extremity. Certain exercises will also be taught to stabilize your knee and use crutches for a while to avoid putting weight on your knee.

Rehabilitation is always an important part of the treatment. It helps to reduce pain and swelling, restore your knee's full range of motion, and strengthen muscles. It is also advised once you have surgery performed on it by orthopedics in India.

Surgery for ACL is generally advised if the sport requires the athlete to continue his training and the movements that are required in the sport. If there is more than one ligament tear surgery is advised as well.

The surgery is called ACL reconstruction. In the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon will remove the damaged ligament and replaces it with a graft of segment of tendon tissue similar to a ligament that connects muscle to bone. The graft will serve as the scaffolding on which new ligament tissue can grow.

Recovery of ACL depends on how well the rehabilitation is followed successfully. ACL reconstruction paired with rigorous rehabilitation can usually restore stability and function to the knee. With treatment offered at the best orthopedic hospital in India, Athletes often can return to their sports after eight to 12 months.