Mountain View Pain Center Doctors Talk About ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) Injuries.

Feb. 18, 2010 - PRLog -- In many cases of an ACL tear or injury, the athlete will recall hearing or feeling a pop. With an ACL injury, there is usually immediate swelling and pain. The ACL is embedded deep in the knee joint, so an injury to this area will cause swelling of the entire knee instead of just the inside portion as an injury to the MCL would. It is also very unlikely to have an ACL injury without pain.

In most cases, especially that of a complete tear, the pain is moderate to severe. If after the initial injury the athlete has a lot of swelling and feel as if the knee is giving out or unstable, that means you probably have an ACL injury.

ACL Injury Treatment

If you suspect an ACL injury, immediately go to your doctor. They will perform specific tests to see if there is any ligament laxity or instability to the knee.

The two tests that are considered the gold standard for this type of injury are Lachman’s test and the anterior drawer test. The concept is to stabilize the femur or keep the foot planted with the knee bent and try to slide the tibia forward in relation to the femur. If the tibia slides then it is a great indicator of an ACL injury. (If you are trying to do this test at home to yourself, which is not recommended, then test both sides and compare your good leg to your injured leg, just as your doctor would.)

If your doctor thinks there is damage to the ACL he or she will order an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. If the ACL is torn completely through, you are more than likely headed to surgery. If you undergo ACL reconstruction, do not plan on getting back on the ski hill again until next year, as this is usually a season ending injury for any sport.

In minor cases of ACL sprains or non-complete tears, the treatment is very similar to the MCL; however, a different electric current, called Interferential, will be used to encompass the entire knee joint. The reason we use Interferential for the ACL is the pads are crossed around the knee to push the current deep inside the knee joint to treat pain and swelling.

ACL injuries usually have more pronounced swelling than that of an MCL and swelling abatement will generally take longer. If you have injured the ACL, it is highly recommended you do not compete in any sport unless cleared by your doctor, as the joint is too unstable. The most important thing in conservative treatment of the area is to ensure stability of the ACL so there is no reoccurrence of the injury. If you are a high level athlete or a more advanced skier, then it is important not to delay on treatment, or you will reinjure the area.

This article contains the opinions and examples of treatment plans for ACL injuries from Mountain View Pain Center in Centennial, CO, and is not intended as a substitute for specific medical advice from a doctor regarding your individual injury or condition. If you have any further questions or concerns feel free to contact our office at 303-221-1569 or visit our website at www.mountainviewpaincenter.com

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Here at Mountain View Pain Center we are committed to relieving your pain and restoring you to good health and wellness. Visit www.mountainviewpaincenter.com