The anterior cruciate ligament is usually referred to as the ACL. Its location in the knee makes it vulnerable to pain and injury. Professional and recreational athletes, especially those who participate in skiing and football, are particularly susceptible to anterior cruciate injury. Coaches and physical therapists use the patient's pain level to help determine the type and severity of the injury, as well as the appropriate treatment.
Background
Ligaments connect bone to bone across a joint. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four knee joint ligaments that connects the thigh bone with the tibia. Pain and injury to the anterior cruciate ligament often occur together with injury to the medial and lateral collateral ligaments, as well. This condition is known as "O'Donohue's triad" or the "unhappy triad."
Function
Anterior cruciate ligament pain functions as a warning signal, which may indicate that the ligament has been stretched beyond its ability to provide stability, or twisted beyond its ability to minimize rotary forces.
Types
The type of anterior cruciate ligament pain may provide clues to the type of injury incurred. Severe pain accompanied by a popping sound and knee instability usually indicate a full tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, explain knee specialists on the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons website. This type of pain begins as a sharp sensation, and gradually becomes a throbbing pain as inflammation develops, says athletic trainer Barton Anderson, in an article on the Sports-Injury Info website. Less severe pain, in the absence of significant instability, usually indicates a partial tear.
Treatment
Treatment of anterior cruciate ligament pain involves rest, ice, compression and elevation. The elevation pillow should be placed under the foot, not under the knee. Placing the pillow under the knee keeps it in a flexed position, making it difficult to regain full extension later on. Doctors also often prescribe exercises, such as range of motion exercises; and they may recommend anti-inflammatory medications.
Considerations
While some types of knee pain result from overuse, such as patella tendinitis, or a disease, such as osteoarthritis, anterior cruciate ligament pain is almost always associated with injury. If your type of pain indicates a full tear, surgery may be the only option. You will usually be able to return to your full activity level in six months after surgery, but your doctor may advise you to prevent pain by wearing a knee brace during skiing and high-impact activities. Partial tears can be treated nonsurgically with physical therapy, but your doctor may advise you to prevent pain by giving up sports such as football, skiing and running.
References
- American Academy of Othoapedic Surgeons ACL Injury:Does it Require Surgery
- Sports Injury Clinic:Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament
- Pro Fitness Physical Therapy: Knee Pain and ACL Injury
- American Council on Exercise: How to Prevent and Treat ACL Injuries
- Brian Mac Sports Coach: Muscle Strength and Balance Checks
- Taos Orthopaedic Institute: A Guide to Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction.
