The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is one of the major ligaments in the knee. Injuries in this ligament are common, with more than 200,000 cases reported in America every year. If you’ve recently been diagnosed with a torn or sprained ACL, your recovery includes physical therapy and maybe even surgery. To help you heal, here are answers to a few of the questions you might have about the condition.

Common Questions About Anterior Cruciate Ligament Tears

How do you tear your ACL?

Most ACL injuries happen during physical activity. Quick changes in direction, abrupt stops, pivots, contact directly to the knee, and awkward landings during sports are common reasons. These movements put strain on the ligaments supporting your knees, resulting in tearing.

Who is at risk for this type of injury?

Some factors make you more prone to an ACL injury. These include being female, wearing poorly fitting or nonsupportive footwear, using poorly fitted sports equipment (for example, ski bindings or ice skates), or playing on improper surfaces.

Certain sports also have high incidences of ACL injuries. Basketball, hockey, soccer, and gymnastics involve movements that place strain on the knees.

How do you treat a tear?

Immediately after you notice the pain, you should follow the RICE model (rest, ice, compression, elevation) to reduce discomfort and swelling.

Most patients heal through rehabilitation and physical therapy. If you are an athlete and wish to continue high levels of activity, your doctor may recommend surgery if your leg continues to buckle beneath you, or if you have injured more than just the anterior cruciate ligaments.

Can you tear your ACL more than once?

Unfortunately, yes. In fact, studies show that if you engage in high levels of activity, you are likely to experience the same injury within two years if you don’t take the necessary precautions.

To prevent recurrences, it’s essential you follow your doctor’s rehabilitation program and take the required time off to heal. After returning to the sport, don’t forget to warm up through stretching and rest to cool down.

Source Therapy has practiced physical therapy in Gig Harbor, WA, for over 10 years, and the team has worked together for more than three decades. Their facility is an orthopedic and sports rehabilitation center full of equipment to aid your recovery. Their programs focus on strengthening and stretching and patient education. Call them today at (253) 857-4870 to schedule an appointment or go online to learn more about their facility.