An ACL injury is one of the most common knee injuries experienced during sport or activity. It involves damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), one of the key ligaments that stabilise the knee during motion. The ACL connects the femur in the upper leg to the tibia in the lower leg and is closely related to the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) in the knee.
What Does An ACL Injury Look Like?
An ACL injury can involve a stretch or partial tearing (sprain) of the ligament or a full rupture in which the ligament becomes detached. These injuries are commonly classified in stages from 1 to 4, with 1 being a relatively mild stretch of the ligament and 4 being a rupture.
How Is An ACL Injury Sustained?
ACL injuries commonly occur in sports that involve rapid deceleration, quick changes in direction and jumping/landing. In the majority of cases, these are non-contact injuries, meaning they don’t require physical contact from an external force (i.e. another person) for the injury to occur.
Symptoms Of An ACL Injury
Common signs and symptoms of an ACL injury include pain, swelling, knee instability, difficulty weight bearing, clicking/clunking, and giving way. Diagnosis can be made through a physical examination but more accurately with the use of an MRI. If you need any more information you can make a booking with a Physio at your nearest practice. Press this link to find your nearest practice.