Your knee is a complex joint that has many moving parts and components. One of these is the ACL. If you injure your ACL, you'll experience pain and swelling that stops you in your tracks. The only way to get back up and moving again is with the right medical care, and in Metairie, Louisiana, that care comes from Crescent City Orthopedics.
The ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament. This ligament sits at the front of the knee and provides stabilization to the knee. Injuries to the ACL are one of the most common types of knee injuries, especially among athletes.
ACL injuries occur when the knee twists improperly, causing the ACL to tear. The tear itself can be full or partial. While this often happens in sports due to the fast pace and quick turns required to play any popular sport, ACL injuries can also occur if you fall or slip.
ACL injuries and other knee injuries, particularly of the meniscus, commonly occur at the same time. That's because of the complex nature of the knee joint and the way the different parts of the joint work together.
An ACL injury will cause:
If you're experiencing this combination of symptoms, you'll need to see a doctor at Crescent City Orthopedics for a thorough evaluation right away.
The ACL can't heal on its own, which is why proper medical treatment is critical.
If the ACL has ruptured completely, you'll need to have surgery to reconstruct the ligament. For partial tears, you may be able to strengthen the surrounding tissue of the knee through physical therapy. While this doesn't heal the ACL directly, it can restore function in your knee.
Facing surgery for an ACL injury is frightening, but when you partner with the skilled team at Crescent City Orthopedics, you can be confident that you're getting the best possible care. With arthroscopic treatments available for ACL injuries, they can get you back on your feet quickly so that you can enjoy an active lifestyle even after an ACL injury.
To begin planning for your recovery or to get an evaluation of your knee pain and other symptoms, call Crescent City Orthopedics today.
