Community Corner
Need to Know: ACL Injuries, Part I
Thinking of working out more in the new year? Be aware of your knees and ligament pain.
If you are involved in sports at all you probably know someone or you yourself have experienced an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear. The ACL is a stabilizing ligament in the knee and when a person experiences a tear in the ACL the knee can become unstable. Sufferers report feeling like their knee is going to give out on them.
What causes the ACL to tear?
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The ACL can tear because of a sport injury, car accident, rough play or fall. Interestingly, about 70 percent of sports-related ACL injuries are non-contact. I would have assumed that contact sports like football and rugby would account for a higher percentage of ACL tears, but that is not the case. Most sport ACL tears occur from pivoting and landing after jumping.
The ACL can also tear when the foot is planted on the ground and the person changes direction or is hit by an opposing force. Sports like soccer, football, basketball, and skiing are likely to see more ACL injuries. However, Tiger Woods, a PGA golfer, suffered an ACL tear and following the conclusion of the U.S. Open, he missed the remainder of the 2008 season to properly rehabilitate his knee.
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Why are women more likely to tear their ACL than men?
While everyone is vulnerable to an ACL injury, statistically women are more likely to suffer a tear than men. Dr. Sharon Hame, associate professor in orthopedic surgery at UCLA, explains possible reasons why women experience more ACL injuries than men. First, women have smaller bones and ligaments, Hame told the Daily Bruin, which make them more prone to injury. Second, some research indicates that a change in hormone level during menstruation could impact the way a woman responds during physical activity.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury and what should you do?
Not everyone will experience the same symptoms, but if you hear or feel a pop during the injury, have pain on the side or back of the knee, experience immediate swelling, and your knee feels unstable or you can’t walk, it’s best to see a doctor. You should to help with the pain and swelling and follow the advice of the doctor. This is not the time to “walk it off.”
Are there ways to decrease your chance of an ACL injury?
Yes! There are many programs and trainers who can help athletes with stretching, strengthening, plyometrics and agility. This type of training helps athletes learn how to move, jump and land properly, in addition to strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee.
This discussion on ACL injuries will be a three part series. Up next will be an overview of ACL treatment options and surgical recovery time. The conclusion will be about the psychology of injury and how to return to your sport or physical activity without anxiety and fear.
About this column: Rachael Grant-Dixon, a sport psychology consultant and mother of three, shares different perspectives on health, fitness and overall wellness. She has a master's degree from San Diego State University in sport and exercise psychology.
