What You Should Know About ACL Injuries | Cleveland, TN Walk-In Clinic

If you’ve driven around Tinsley Park near where AFC Urgent Care Cleveland is located or on the other side of town near Lee University lately, you’ve seen a wide array of sports happening—including baseball, softball, soccer and tennis. With spring sports season in full gear, it’s important to know the facts about common injuries, including ACL tears.

Get Back in the Game After an ACL Injury

Because the knees, which are the largest joints in our body, are the most utilized body part when playing sports, they are the most prone to injuries. Knee injuries can be extremely painful and often take longer to recover from than other injuries.

One of the most significant injuries associated with the knee when playing sports is a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL. The ACL tear, unfortunately, is a fairly common injury among athletes, affecting approximately 100,000 to 200,000 a year—and the injury is more common among female athletes.

Running from the front of the tibia to the back of the femur, the ACL prevents rotation of the knee joint. However, when an athlete is quickly running for the ball, he or she sometimes needs to change directions at a second’s notice, which can put the rotation of the knee in jeopardy, causing an ACL injury. Landing awkwardly after a jump or colliding with another athlete or an object can also cause ACL injuries. Often, an athlete who suffers an ACL tear hears a tell-tale “pop” noise.

When an ACL Injury Occurs

If you suspect an ACL tear has occurred, you’ll want to seek medical attention to confirm whether an ACL injury has occurred and determine how severe the injury is. Elevate the knee and apply ice until you can seek medical attention.

Depending on the severity of the injury, surgery may be required, followed by physical therapy.

Did an injury take your child out of the game? Stop by AFC Urgent Care Cleveland for a full medical evaluation, including X-ray, so we can determine a strategy for getting your child back to optimal health.