ACL Injuries- Their Impact on Sports Players

Pixabay Image Source:
https://pixabay.com/photos/sports-soccer-football-pitch-4449733/

The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is a key and vulnerable part of the human anatomy that is often injured in athletes.

The ACL enables walking by connecting the leg to the shin, and wraps behind the leg and ankle. Athletes may feel sudden pain, inability to perform and will become aware that their usual range of motion and ability to stand are impeded. It is essential to understand the risk of ACL injury to athletes, how to prevent ACL injuries and what can be done if an ACL injury is sustained.

Soccer, football, baseball and sports with movements in which players stop, start and move quickly may put them at risk for an ACL injury. The injury may occur suddenly, or may be the result of constant stressing of the ligament. Knee pain and a pronounced “popping” sound are both strong indicators of an ACL injury. Tackling and quick about-face movements put athletes at risk for injury, and if such an injury is sustained a lengthy healing period, surgery and pain will likely occur.

Stretching and deliberate speed during movement is essential to prevent ACL injury. It is also essential that players avoid stopping and switching movements on the field and align their entire body with the movement. As an example, if a soccer player is dribbling a ball down the field, they should move their entire body (led by their hips) with the ball instead of swiping their legs exclusively.

Stretching and periodic medical evaluation will reduce the risk of ACL injury. Prior to any athletic endeavor and game, the team should perform lunges, knee stretches and should also focus on strength-building exercises on regular intervals.

Sources:

1.  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/acl-injury/symptoms-causes/syc-20350738
   

2.  https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/anterior-cruciate-ligament-acl-injuries/
   

3.  Pixabay