An Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is the tearing or over-stretching of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee.
The injury may be a partial or complete tear. Either way, an ACL injury can be painful, especially when you try to put weight on the injured knee. Swelling in the knee can occur, and one might have heard a "popping" sound at the time of injury. Mobility can become moderately to severely impaired, and First Aid for an injured ACL may include:
- Raising the injured leg above the level of the heart
- Pain relievers, such as anti-inflammatory drugs
Consult a medical professional for treatment and care.
According to Wikipedia, "The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of a pair of cruciate ligaments (the other being the posterior cruciate ligament) in the human knee. They are also called cruciform ligaments as they are arranged in a crossed formation. In the quadruped stifle joint (analogous to the knee), based on its anatomical position, it is also referred to as the cranial cruciate ligament. The anterior cruciate ligament is one of the four main ligaments of the knee, and the ACL provides 85% of the restraining force to anterior tibial displacement at 30 degrees and 90 degrees of knee flexion."
In less technical jargon, the ACL is one of two ligaments that cross in the middle of the knee, and connects your thighbone to your shinbone. The ACL helps to stabilize the knee joint, and is made up of strong bands of tissue that connect one bone to another.
Many ACL injuries happen during fitness or sports activities, where jumping, running, high-stress knee movement, or impacts are involved. The ligament may become compromised or tear when there is a sudden change of direction or pivot. The stress to the knee (and ACL) could be enhanced when the foot is firmly planted during the sudden movement, possibly causing twisting or hyperextension of the knee.
Landing off-balance or awkwardly from a jump can also injure the ACL, as can falls during fitness activity, such as downhill skiing. Impacts such as those from a football tackle or motor vehicle accident also can cause a knee and ACL injury. However, most ACL injuries occur without such contact.
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