One of the most common injuries in people with active lifestyles is an ACL injury, or Anterior Cruciate Ligament, tear. In fact, out of the four knee ligaments, the ACL is the one that gets injured the most. About half of all injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament occur along with damage to other structures in the knee, such as articular cartilage, meniscus, or other ligaments. At Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine, we are committed to providing comprehensive care for patients suffering from an ACL injury in New Jersey.
Our team of board-certified doctors provides conservative, non-surgical, and regenerative treatments to heal sports injuries and relieve pain. Our offices are located in Westfield and West Orange, New Jersey, and serve all of Union county, Morris county, Middlesex county, and Somerset county including the surrounding towns of Cranford, Garwood, Clark, Scotch Plains, Mountainside, Springfield, Summit, Chatham, Millburn, Short Hills, Maplewood, Watchung, Berkeley Heights, Livingston, Union, Edison, Woodbridge, and Elizabeth. If you suspect that you have a concussion, don’t hesitate to call Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine or request an appointment online today.
ACL Injury Severity Scale
Injured ligaments are considered sprains and are graded on a severity scale.
- Grade 1 Sprains. The ligament is mildly damaged in a Grade 1 sprain. It has been slightly stretched but is still able to help keep the knee joint stable.
- Grade 2 Sprains. A Grade 2 sprain stretches the ligament to the point where it becomes loose. This is often referred to as a partial tear of the ligament.
- Grade 3 Sprains. This type of sprain is most commonly referred to as a complete tear of the ligament. The ligament has been torn in half or pulled directly off the bone, and the knee joint is unstable.
Partial tears of the anterior cruciate ligament are rare; most ACL injuries are complete or near-complete tears.
Causes of ACL Injury
The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) can be injured in several ways, such as:
- Changing direction rapidly
- Stopping suddenly
- Slowing down while running
- Landing from a jump incorrectly
- Direct contact or collision, such as a football tackle
Several studies have shown that female athletes have a higher incidence of ACL injury than male athletes in certain sports. It has been proposed that this is due to differences in physical conditioning, muscular strength, and neuromuscular control. Other suggested causes include differences in pelvis and lower extremity (leg) alignment, increased looseness in ligaments, and the effects of estrogen on ligament properties.
Symptoms of ACL Injury
When you injure your anterior cruciate ligament, you might hear a popping noise, and you may feel your knee give out from under you. You will probably experience pain along with swelling within the next 24 hours. If ignored, the swelling and pain may go away on their own. However, if you attempt to return to sports, your knee will probably be unstable, and you risk causing further damage to the cushioning cartilage (meniscus) of your knee.
Other typical symptoms of ACL injury include:
- Loss of the full range of motion
- Tenderness along the joint line
- Discomfort while walking
Treatment for ACL Injury in New Jersey
Treatment for an ACL tear will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs. For example, a young athlete involved in agility sports will most likely require surgery to return to sports safely. A less active older individual may be able to return to a quieter lifestyle without surgery.
Here at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine, we can help diagnose your condition through a physical exam and some imaging studies. We will review your symptoms, your activities, and any recent changes in your routine. We will also take a close look at your ACL and imaging to check for any signs of changes in the tissue.
Call or book an appointment online at Genesis Orthopaedic and Spine to schedule a visit for ACL injury treatment in New Jersey today.
