An ACL tear occurs when your anterior cruciate ligament, which connects your femur and tibia bone, rips. The tear can be minor or completely torn in two. Football players are susceptible to this injury because of the physical nature of the sport and the need to constantly change directions abruptly. With the proper treatment, however, most football players are able to return to competition.
ACL Tear
The anterior cruciate ligament is one of four ligaments found in your knee joint. These ligaments stabilize the joint and allow movement in your knee. Specifically, your ACL is needed to prevent your tibia (shinbone) from sliding forward. An ACL tear is a serious injury that usually requires several months of rehabilitation. The injury commonly occurs from either direct impact on the knee or from changing direction quickly. During a game, football players receive many hits to their legs and also must stop and change direction suddenly. This leaves them susceptible to an ACL injury.
Symptoms
Many people hear a "pop" sound in the knee as soon as the injury occurs. Aside from severe pain, you will also notice swelling in your knee that continually gets worse several hours after the tear. In addition, you will be unable to apply any weight to your injured leg and will have a feeling of instability in your knee. If you believe you have suffered an ACL tear, seek medical attention immediately.
Treatment
Initial treatment for an ACL tear includes rest, ice and compression. This helps reduce pain and swelling in your knee. From there, your doctor will decide the best treatment option based on the severity of your injury and your plans following the injury. You will either need surgery and physical therapy or just physical therapy alone.
According to MayoClinic.com, most athletes undergo surgery in order to provide more stability in the knee. During ACL reconstruction, a tendon from another part of the leg is taken and grafted to the ACL. Following the operation, you will need rehabilitation. This therapy will involve the use of crutches, range-of-motion exercises to regain your full knee motion, and muscle-strengthening and stability exercises.
Prognosis
ACL tears are common injuries and, whether surgery is needed or not, many athletes are able to return to athletic competition. Rehabilitation time varies from person to person, but you should expect to be sidelined for at least six to nine months. When you do return to the football field, you may need to wear a protective knee brace that provides protection and support and may prevent another injury.
