An injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee can significantly impact an athlete's ability to participate in their sport. At LA Pain Doctor, our Sports Injury Specialists recognize how frustrating it can be to be sidelined due to an ACL injury. However, it is crucial to prioritize proper healing and rebuilding strength before returning to physical activity.
Research indicates that many athletes face a high risk of reinjury when they attempt to return too soon. Therefore, following a comprehensive recovery process is essential to ensure a safe return to sports.
We have compiled essential information to provide you with a comprehensive insight into the healing process for your ACL injury and what you can anticipate upon your return to sports. This will help you understand how to safeguard your knee and reduce the risk of future injuries.
The ACL is one of the key components of the cruciate ligaments located in the center of the knee joint. ACL injuries primarily occur during activities that involve running and making abrupt changes in direction. This is particularly common among athletes participating in sports such as basketball, soccer, tennis, football, and volleyball. Additionally, gymnasts face a heightened risk of ACL injuries due to the twisting motions involved during landings.
Injury to the ACL can range from a stretch (sprain) to a complete tear, and it is important to note that other structures within the knee may also be affected during such incidents. Both sprains and tears typically present similar symptoms, including pain and swelling in the knee.
In addition, you may experience:
Following your sports medicine doctor’s guidance regarding your return to sports is crucial when recovering from an ACL injury. The timeline for resuming physical activity can vary based on whether you underwent surgery or participated in physical therapy. A gradual return to sports is often advised to minimize reinjury risk, and our specialists typically recommend waiting until you achieve your pre-injury performance levels.
Initially, as swelling decreases and you regain the range of motion in your knee, your physical therapy will focus on strengthening exercises. As you progress, the therapy will shift to agility training and eventually incorporate sports-specific drills to prepare you for a safe return to your athletic activities.
The recovery timeline for an ACL injury can often be longer than anticipated. A full recovery typically takes around 4-6 months for moderate ACL sprains. However, if you are dealing with an ACL tear, it may require a year or more to achieve optimal healing.
Before returning to physical activity, your orthopedic doctor must evaluate your knee to ensure it has regained its full range of motion and stability. Additionally, the strength in the injured knee should match that of the uninjured leg before you are cleared to resume sports or other vigorous activities.
Your doctor will likely conduct a series of tests to assess the functionality of your knee and ACL. Once your readiness to return to activity is confirmed, a reintegration program will be crafted to help you adjust to the necessary speed, movement, and endurance required for your sport. By emphasizing the reintegration process, you can significantly reduce reinjury risk while building your confidence as you rehabilitate your knee.
Once you return to sports activity, your LA Pain Doctor specialist will provide exercises designed to maintain knee strength and protect your ACL. Additionally, they may recommend specific warm-up routines to complete before practices and games.
It is important to be aware that reinjury is a significant concern following an ACL injury; research indicates that approximately 10% of patients experience a second ACL injury. Furthermore, individuals who have sustained an ACL injury in one knee face a higher risk of injuring the ACL in the opposite knee.
As your endurance improves, you will be able to gradually progress to full participation in your sport. This process typically begins with limited playtime and reduced contact, while remaining attentive to your knee’s need for rest.
By adhering to your doctor’s recommendations and collaborating with your physical therapist and coach, you can fully recover from your ACL injury and successfully return to competition, even if the process may take longer than desired.
If you need information or treatment for an ACL injury in or around Metairie, Laplace, Harvey, Hammond, and Luling, LA, contact the nearest location of LA Pain Doctor. Our specialists can help you get back into the game faster.
