1. Motocross and Your Body
Motocross is an exciting, fast-paced sport, but it can also be taxing on the rider's body. Though you ride a bike, you also sustain the impact every time the bike lands from a jump or goes over a hill. Your joints and muscles are all vulnerable to injury in a fall or crash. ACL injuries are some of the most common motocross injuries because of all the strain on the rider's legs and knees. You can prevent ACL injuries in motocross with some protective equipment and safe riding.
2. About Your ACL
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a series of ligaments that crisscross under your kneecap. The ACL helps the knee bend and rotate; it's connected to several other ligaments above and below the knee joint. The ACL is prone to overextension, strain and tearing because it's connected to so many ligaments and moves so much. Your ACL is in use every time your leg moves, so an ACL injury is serious. To prevent injuries in sports like motocross, most doctors recommend using braces and protective gear to protect the joint and avoid tearing or straining the ACL.
3. Brace for Support
Certain knee braces are made specifically to protect the ACL and can help prevent ACL injuries. Look for knee braces with side stabilizers; these rigid inserts on either side of the knee cap prevent ligament strain when the knee turns. A stabilizing support around the knee cap, or patella, will also help protect the ACL by preventing the ligament from overstretching and cushioning it in the event of a fall. Some braces have extra reinforcement behind and in front of the knee to cushion the ACL all the way around.
4. Good Gear for Injury Prevention
The clothes and gear you wear when you ride motocross can also help keep you safe. Wear protective gear like knee pads that will cushion your knees if you fall. Wear riding pants that have hard knee pads and leg protectors built in, and wear sturdy shoes or boots so that your whole leg is protected and stable. This helps prevent your ankles and knees from rotating incorrectly or overextending when you maneuver the bike or if you jump or fall.
5. Repair for Past Damage
ACL physical therapy to rehab past injuries can help prevent future ACL injuries when you ride. Once you tear or damage your ACL, it becomes weaker. Sports medicine trainers can help you with exercises that will massage the ligament and gradually strengthen it. Surgery might also repair past damage so the ACL can heal properly.
