One of the most common knee injuries is to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is located in the inside of the knee and is the bands of tissues that hold the bones together within the knee. You could either stretch or completely tear your ACL with sudden movements, or making quick, sharp turns. Soccer, football, and basketball athletes are susceptible to ACL injuries, although studies have shown that female athletes have a higher incidence of ACL injuries than male athletes.
Causes
The ACL can be injured in different ways:
- Rapidly changing direction while you are running
- Stopping suddenly
- Slowing down while running
- A collision or direct contact
- Landing incorrectly
Symptoms
If you have injured your ACL, you may hear a “popping” noise and may feel your knee give out. After the injury has occurred, you may experience:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Loss of full range of motion
- Tenderness
- Discomfort when walking
It is important to note that while the swelling may subside, the knee will be unstable and returning to sports or ignoring the injury runs the risk of further damage to the cushioning cartilage (meniscus) of the knee.
Treatment
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a great non-surgical treatment option for an ACL injury. Treating an ACL injury begins with extensive diagnostics using the latest technology. RestorePDX can devise a treatment plan that is tailored to your injury.