Derrick Rose might be one of the most prized players of the Minnesota Timberwolves at present, but back in the year 2012, his career almost came to an abrupt end due to an ACL injury. Luckily, modern medicine was able to help him recover and back on the court.
Not everyone is as lucky as Derrick Rose, though. A lot of people who had ACL injuries really had a life-changing experience. Finding a good ACL doctor in Orem can make a huge difference.
However, as a patient, or loved one of the patients, it is important to educate yourself about the condition as much as possible.
What is an ACL injury?
The human knee is composed of 4 ligaments namely: medial collateral ligament (MCL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), the lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). The ACL is located behind the kneecap and is tasked to stabilize the knee as it rotates.
ACL, along with PCL, is also the one that connects your thigh bone to your shin bone. ACL injuries happen when the ACL ligament is torn or overstretched. It can be partially torn, or fully torn. Sometimes, the ligament itself is torn completely off the thigh bone.
This is the reason athletes who play sports wherein sudden stops are frequently done (i.e., running, basketball, football) are more prone to the injury because of the pressure applied to the knee. Women are also more prone to getting an ACL injury because of the body’s natural anatomy.
A few decades back, having an ACL injury means the end of one’s sports career. But, with improvements in medicine, a lot of people are given another chance and are becoming more aware of the condition.
What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?
One of the most common signs that one injured their ACL is if there is a loud popping sound from the knee. It is often accompanied by knee pain and swelling.
Sometimes, a feeling of bone gritting with your knees is also observed. If one has suffered from a mild ACL injury, weakness and not being able to put on weight on one’s leg is felt.
How does it get treated?
There are ways to prevent an ACL injury, such as proper preparation and having the right protective gears. However, if your physician has already diagnosed you after the series of tests, rest is imperative so is putting on a cold compress. Wearing compression wraps around your knee and elevating your leg will be helpful to make your recovery faster.
However, in cases where more than one ligament is damaged, your knee does not completely heal and still cannot carry on your weight, or, if you are an athlete who wishes to be back in the game like Derrick Rose, then your doctor might recommend and perform surgery. Rehabilitation through therapy after your surgery is very important.
Suffering from an ACL injury is unfortunate and life-changing, but in the hands of the right doctor, you would be able to live your life still and even come back to enjoy your athletic career.