Dr. Raab & Family Spotlight If he is not in the operating room or clinic, he is probably somewhere near a pool! As an orthopedic surgeon and dad of four busy swimmers, Dr. Raab’s schedule is jam-packed from the OR to the pool.
While ACL tears are associated with athletics, they can happen to just about anyone. Age, gender, and activity level are variables that may increase your risk of tearing your ACL. Suddenly stopping or changing directions are among the leading causes of ACL tears, explaining the higher rate of injury in sports like football, soccer, and basketball. If you suffer an ACL tear, it may limit your everyday lifestyle, but it doesn’t require you to put your entire life on hold.
The ACL or, anterior cruciate ligament, is located at the back of the patella (knee cap), and assists knee rotation and stability.
ACL injuries are divided into three different grades:
If you hear or feel a pop in your knee during sudden movements, you may have torn your ACL. Usually there will be some swelling, as well. Due to weakness and instability in your knees, you may have trouble walking after tearing your ACL.
Your physician will provide treatment based on the severity of your ACL tear. Immediately following your injury, it is recommended to use R.I.C.E, or Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. You can expect to wear a brace or use crutches for stability.
Physical Therapy
Depending on your activity level and the severity of your injury, your physician may recommend physical therapy. Your physical therapist will help you restore strength and knee stability. In many cases, patients can return to light sports and activities following physical therapy.
Surgery
Your ACL tear may require surgery if:
Following surgery, you will work with a physical therapist to help rebuild strength and flexibility in your knee.
Fully recovering from your injury may take up to a year if the tear was severe. It’s important to remain committed to your physical therapy but not overdo it. Returning to activities before you are ready may lead to a reinjury of your ACL.
If you’ve recently suffered a knee injury, give us a call at 615-324-1600.
For more information about Elite’s knee physicians, click here.
You Might Also Enjoy...
Dr. Raab & Family Spotlight If he is not in the operating room or clinic, he is probably somewhere near a pool! As an orthopedic surgeon and dad of four busy swimmers, Dr. Raab’s schedule is jam-packed from the OR to the pool.
I was coming off a knee injury a couple of years ago when a friend of mine suggested MPOWER. She had previously gotten worked on here and she felt that MPOWER would be good for me. I started working with Dan and that went well and I’ve...
I visited Elite when I dislocated my shoulder and tore my labrum. I already knew Dr. Martin and felt she was my best option to treat these injuries. I reached out to her and was able to be seen very quickly. When I came in, itwas easy to explain to...
My journey with Elite began after being diagnosed with a bulging disc. It was a painful injury that limited my active lifestyle. I did crossfit, but the back injury prevented me from continuing CF and normal daily activities. Sitting at my desk,...
I started coming to MPOWER after suffering a bone bruise MCL injury this past year. I wanted to get my knee feeling right so I would be in a position to play again if I chose to.
I had just finished my 16th season of competitive cycling when I was involved in a car accident. Following the incident, I noticed my times were going down and I was having more knee pain than normal. I went for an MRI and found out that my...