ACL Injury: Knees in Need of Help

An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a common cause of knee and leg pain in athletes who play sports involving side-to-side motion and jumping, such as basketball, volleyball, and soccer.

 The leg pain and swelling associated with an ACL injury can persist for weeks, and complete recovery may take several months.

Symptoms of an ACL injury include a popping sensation in the knee, severe knee and leg pain, swelling within 12 hours of the injury, and a feeling that the knee will give way.

Avoid moving the joint and don’t return to sports until you have had an evaluation by a specialist. Short-term strategies to reduce pain and inflammation include:

 

• Applying ice to the knee
• Elevating of the leg
• Taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen
• Working with a physical therapist to maintain flexibility and build strength in the knee

Surgery may be the best option for athletes or in cases where other parts of the knee were injured. Physical therapy is important after surgery to restore mobility and reduce the risk of future injury.

 

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