ACL injuries are common knee injuries, mostly affecting athletes who engage in physically strenuous activities. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) connects the thigh bone to the shin bone and helps provide knee joint stability.
Generally, damage to this ligament can cause pain, swelling, and knee instability. It significantly impacts an individual’s performance concerning daily activities and sports.
As a result, timely diagnosis and treatment of ACL injuries are essential to prevent further damage and reduce the risk of long-term complications. In contrast, ignoring the symptoms can cause chronic pain and higher chances of injury.
This article provides an overview of ACL injuries and insights into their diagnosis and treatment options. We will also discuss the importance of early intervention and rehabilitation to achieve positive outcomes for individuals experiencing an ACL injury.
Diagnosis and Grading of ACL Injuries
To diagnose an ACL injury, your doctor will conduct a physical exam and take a medical history to assess the severity of the symptoms. Additionally, imaging tests like X-rays, MRI, and ultrasound may help confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the injury type.
Usually, ACL injuries are scaled on a grade of 1 to 3, with a grade 1 injury being a mild sprain and a grade 3 injury being a complete tear. The extent of the injury helps medical professionals determine a suitable treatment method or strategy.
Treatment Options
- Non-Surgical Treatments
These treatments are suggested for individuals with mild to moderate injuries or who are physically unfit. These include rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE), physical therapy, and bracing to support the knee joint.
- Surgical Treatments
Surgical treatments benefit patients with severe or complete ACL tears. Besides, they also help patients engaging in high-impact activities or suffering from knee joint instability. The most common surgical procedure for ACL injuries is ACL reconstruction, which involves replacing the torn ligament with a graft from another body part.
- Rehabilitation After Treatment
Rehabilitation is essential for treating ACL injuries, surgically or non-surgically. Physical therapy and exercises improve the knee joint’s range of motion, strength, and flexibility. A structured rehabilitation program can also help reduce the re-injury risk and promote a faster recovery.
- Prognosis for Recovery
The prognosis for recovery from an ACL injury depends on many factors, including the extent of the injury, the type of treatment, and other individual factors. With appropriate treatment and rehabilitation, many individuals with ACL injuries can regain the mobility and flexibility required to return to their fitness levels.
But risks and complications concerning delayed treatment must be avoided at any cost. So, let’s look at them in detail below.
The Risks of Delayed Treatment
There are certain risks associated with delayed treatment that patients must know to avoid ignoring the condition for too long. Let’s discuss them below.
- Increased Pain and Discomfort
Delayed knee injury treatment can result in increased pain and discomfort for the patient. The injury may become more severe as time passes, causing the surrounding tissues to become inflamed and swollen. This inflammation can increase pain and discomfort, making it harder for the patient to perform daily activities.
- Worsening of the Injury
Delayed treatment can also worsen the knee injury. In other words, a knee injury that is left untreated can become severe over time, making it harder to treat and potentially leading to long-term damage.
- Long-term Damage to the Knee Joint
Prolonged delay in treating knee injuries can result in long-term damage to the knee joint. The knee joint consists of bones, cartilage, ligaments, and tendons. Injuries in any of these structures can result in long-term damage that may require surgery or other intervention.
- Reduced Success of Treatment
If the knee injury is left untreated for a long time, it can be difficult to treat due to limited treatment options. For instance, surgery is usually suggested to repair a torn ligament. However, when the injury has been left untreated for too long, surgery may not be effective, and the patient may need to live with long-term damage to the knee joint.
However, there are certain things you must follow to get a proper diagnosis or treatment from a health professional. So, let’s discuss them in detail below.
Getting a Timely Diagnosis
You can get a timely diagnosis by considering some important tips below.
- Signs and Symptoms
An ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) injury can occur due to a sudden twisting motion or overuse. The following signs and symptoms are commonly observed in individuals with ACL injuries:
- A popping sensation in the knee at the time of injury
- Severe pain and swelling in the knee
- Restricted movement
- Feeling unstable
- A sense of sliding within the knee
- Loss in joint mobility
- A loud or audible clicking sound when moving the knee
- Tenderness or soreness along the joint line
- When to Seek Medical Attention
It’s essential to seek medical attention immediately if you are experiencing any of the eight symptoms mentioned above. Delaying medical attention can lead to further damage to the knee and cause long-term consequences such as instability and arthritis.
- Diagnosis Process for ACL Injuries
Diagnosing an ACL injury usually involves a physical examination by a healthcare professional. The healthcare professional may move the knee joint in different directions and apply pressure to check for looseness or instability.
- Importance of Seeking a Second Opinion
It is essential to seek a second opinion from a qualified healthcare professional if you are unsure about the diagnosis or the recommended treatment plan. A second opinion can help confirm the diagnosis and ensure you receive appropriate treatment for your condition.
It can also provide you with alternative treatment options or help you explore other treatment options that may better suit your needs.
Conclusion
Timely diagnosing and treating ACL injuries is essential to prevent knee damage and long-term consequences such as instability and arthritis. Delaying medical attention can worsen symptoms and complications, impacting daily activities and quality of life. It is essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you experience any signs or symptoms of an ACL injury.
A qualified healthcare professional can diagnose the injury, provide appropriate treatment, and help prevent further damage to the knee. Do not hesitate to seek professional help when needed, as timely medical attention can significantly improve outcomes and help you quickly return to your daily activities.