Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Treatment in Illinois

Alleviating Pain Due to Torn or Sprained ACLs

Some of the most familiar injuries to sports fans, torn or sprained anterior cruciate ligaments (ACL) frequently sidelines professional athletes who play football, baseball, soccer, and other sports dependent on knee plant and pivot. In a healthy knee, several ligaments work together, stabilizing the structure and facilitating flexible movement. The ACL connects the thigh (femur) and shin (tibia), crossing through the knee joint. Pain, swelling, and instability occur when the major ligament is sprained or torn by stress or impact.

Cause of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Sports-related mishaps top the list of causes of ACL injury. The anterior cruciate ligament is integral to stable knee movement, particularly during pivoting moves, sudden stops, and jumping. Many sports rely on knee strength and flexibility, so athletic ACL incidents are widespread—commonly seen in individual pastimes like tennis and skiing as well as team outings like basketball and football. When an athlete plants a foot and quickly changes direction, for instance, or lands awkwardly from a jump, stress on the knee joint escalates, sometimes causing tendon sprains. As a result, anterior cruciate ligament sprains and tears do not always involve forceful impact to the knee joint.

Women are more likely to suffer ACL injuries than men participating in similar activities.

Description of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

The three bones of the knee are connected and stabilized by tough bands of tissue. Collateral ligaments are found on the outside of the knee, while cruciate ligaments connect bones within the joint. Among them, the anterior (front) cruciate ligament is responsible for keeping the tibia in position and reinforcing knee stability. Various injuries can sprain the ACL, stretching it, or in severe grade 3 sprains, breaking the tendon into two pieces. A complete ACL tear results in marked instability of the knee joint.

Symptoms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries

Among the most common injuries to the knee, sprains and tears of the anterior cruciate ligament frequently present these symptoms:

• Pain with swelling within 24 hours
• Instability
• Loss of full range of motion
• Tenderness along the joint line
• Discomfort while walking

If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms, it’s important you contact Fox Valley Orthopedics right away at (630) 584-1400 to see how we can alleviate your pain.