The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is an important ligament in the knee that provides 90 percent of the stability for the knee joint. It connects the end of the thigh bone to the shin bone by diagonally running through the knee joint. The ACL helps in jumping, landing and changing direction, all important in sports. A tear in the ACL can occur due to a direct blow to the knee or sudden twisting motion of the knee.
Torn ACL Symptoms
Swelling, pain and popping sounds can occur immediately after tearing an ACL, according to the Sports Injury Clinic website. Over the next few hours, swelling can increase and pain can spread throughout the leg. An ACL tear can make it difficult to walk due to restricted movement and an inability to straighten the knee.
Torn ACL Treatment
Treatments for an ACL tear happen in phases. Upon initial injury, you should rest, apply an ice wrap and keep the leg elevated until you see a doctor. Once the extent of the injury is diagnosed, other treatment options, such as pain medications and braces, may be used to treat the pain, reduce the swelling and immobilize the knee to prevent further damage. If surgery is needed, you may be prescribed a pre-surgery rehab program to reduce swelling and strengthen the knee for surgery, according to Sports Injury Clinic. Weight-bearing exercises, such as walking, typically are prescribed as part of the pre-surgery rehab.
Post-Surgery Therapy
According to the "Encyclopedia of Sports Medicine and Science," the primary functions of post-surgery rehab are to restore joint strength and anatomy and improve muscular strength, aerobic conditioning and psychological well-being. The first two weeks, rehab consists of light stretching and range of motion exercises to decrease pain and swelling. Walking is only allowed if the patient uses crutches since the knee is not strong enough for any weight-bearing.
Rehab With Walking
Two to six weeks after surgery, a patient begins to increase resistance in the stretches and range of motion exercises. Additionally, crutches are slowly phased out so the patient can gently increase weight on the knee when walking. Walking aids in strengthening the knee joint, tendons and muscles in the legs. Six weeks after surgery, patients are able to walk normally and can begin to do some light cycling and running in a swimming pool. Typically, by 10 to 12 weeks, patients gradually can begin weight-training, running on solid ground and incorporating some jumping movements.
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