A torn ACL refers to an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. This is a major ligament, which aids in keeping the tibia in its proper place and keeps the knee stable overall, so it can be very limiting to deal with an injury to your ACL. There are about 200,000 people diagnosed with a torn ACL yearly.
What Causes a Torn ACL?
Certain moves common in various sports can cause even an athlete in good condition to experience a torn ACL with no prior warning of any issues - a rapid change in direction can cause a torn ACL, along with improperly landing from a jump, any pivoting motions where your foot is planted on the ground as you turn, or stopping suddenly. Another large contributing cause of having a torn ACL is a collision with another player, which can exert a lot of force in the opposite direction if someone was moving very suddenly--and if the knee doesn’t go with that force in the same direction, injury is likely. Direct collisions involving the knee can also cause a torn ACL.
An ACL tear can also come about because of other trauma – perhaps from a car accident, falling down a staircase, or missing a step while climbing a ladder and falling. Sports injuries still make up the majority of cases, though.
Risk Factors for a Torn ACL
If you hear a loud pop at the time of the injury and experience severe pain and swelling, you may be looking at a torn ACL. Your knee will feel unstable, and unable to be fully flexible. Certainly, athletes are at a risk in general for a torn ACL, but the risk is higher for certain people:
- Women are more likely to have a torn ACL than men in general
- Soccer players
- Basketball players
- Football players
- Gymnastics
- Downhill Skiing
- Most common between the ages of 15 and 45
Also, improper footwear, poor training and techniques, and poorly maintained equipment can increase the risk of having a torn ACL. It’s even been found that playing on artificial turf can increase the risk of this injury occurring.
Tearing your ACL once increases your chance for tearing it again in the future by 15% - so strengthening the core, hips, and legs after an injury is a must, as well as improving any techniques used commonly in your sports and activities such as landing, pivoting, etc.
How is a torn ACL Treated?
If a regimen of ice, rest, elevation, and compression (such as that which a knee sleeve can provide) only takes care of some of the swelling and does not heal the tear, it can be assumed it is a more severe tear. ACL tears are almost always complete tears, not partial tears. As a result, ACL tears almost always are treated with surgery, and then there is a recovery period that may last from six to nine months, where a knee brace is worn for support. Physical therapy is also a part of the post-surgery treatment plan. Support is vital to returning to your normal physical activities; a knee sleeve can give you just that!
Where to Purchase Treatment Products
Physix Gear Sport is the best place to find what you need in knee sleeves for a torn ACL. Coming in black and beige, this knee sleeve made of lycra and nylon is comfortable, breathable, and supportive. You can even wear this sleeve underneath other clothing if desired! Physix Gear has a 100% satisfaction guarantee, so there is no risk and you can click here to order your Knee Sleeve today - if for some reason it doesn’t work for you, send it back and you’ll be issued a full refund.