Football and ACL injuries can sometimes go hand in hand. It’s almost a given that someone will take a tumble and fall to the field clutching a knee during this week’s ‘Big Game’ match-up.
In the preseason, 24 NFL players had documented torn ACLs in August alone, and that number has only skyrocketed over the past few months.
The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is the stretchy tissue that holds the knee joint together and links the thigh and lower leg.
Injuries to the ACL can result from a traumatic hit or collision with another player, but more often from the intesnse cutting movements and fancy footwork on the field.
There’s been a lot in the press about the NFL making greater strides to protect players from the dangers of concussions, but coaches and trainers are now lobbying for the prevention of these serious, and typically season-ending, ACL injuries too.
At Texas Orthopedics, we frequently treat ACL injuries in patients who play a variety of sports, not just football. These tears are common in soccer, basketball, and ice hockey as well.
One of the best ways we can suggest preventing an ACL injury is to make sure that your knee joint and surrounding leg muscles are well conditioned all during the season and properly stretched and warmed up before each game.
If you do end up with an ACL tear, successful treatment options are available. The most common is surgical repair/reconstruction, which is done very effectively and efficiently on an outpatient basis. Coupled with sufficient rest following surgery and then a dedicated physical therapy regimen, the majority of patients are able to return to sports and an active lifestyle.
If you have questions about ACL reconstruction, or concerns about any other knee issue or injury prevention while playing sports, please contact us for an appointment.
(Adapted from The Comeback)
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