Torn ACL in Knee - Symptoms and Treatment Options - Braces For Support

An Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Knee Injury

Introduction: The ACL, otherwise known as your anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the most important ligaments in your knee joint area. It joins your thigh bone (femur) to your lower leg bone (tibia). The ACL is very important for helping to keep your knee stable.

Injuries & Treatment

Injuries to your ACL can range from a small tear, which is usually considered to be a mild injury, to a complete tear of the ligament (considered severe). If you do not treat your injury, you can often times feel like you are less able to control your knee movement, and your stability will be weakened. Sometimes the bone can actually rub on bone and this can be referred to as "chronic ACL deficiency". This grinding of the bones can unfortunately cause damage to the cartilage that is found covering the ends of your bones. This can lead to OA (otherwise known as osteoarthritis).

How Does An ACL injury Happen?

Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be injured in a few different ways. It can happen when your knee joint is forced backward, or it twists. There is an increased chance of this type of injury when you combine these movements. When a person is hit head on, or from the side, their knee joint, this can also cause an ACL injury to happen. Just like any other part of your body, the ACL becomes less strong as we grow older. A tear is more likely to happen in an individual that is 40 and older vs someone in a younger age group.

Symptoms of an ACL Injury

1.) If you "feel" or "hear" a popping sound at the time the injury happened.

2.) Pain that is located at the outside, or back of the knee.

3.) Knee swelling, and the feel like your knee might give out from underneath you.

Knee Braces For Support

Do not underestimate the use of a well designed knee brace. These supports can do a lot in helping to prevent ACL injuries, or they can provide meaningful support to your knee after an injury happens. When you hurt your ACL your instability might be at an all time high, and these kinds of braces can really come in handy.

If you feel like you have injured your ACL, it is important to consult with your physician regarding medical advice. This is helpful health information, but it does not mean you should neglect seeing your doctor.