Prevent ACL injury and recover quickly from an ACL tear with these prevention and treatment tips.

ACL injury and ACL tear (or Anterior Cruciate Ligament injury), is a common injury that affects the knee joint. The ACL is torn in about 70% of all serious knee injuries, which makes it the most common injury affecting the knee joint.

As with any sprain, an ACL injury is the result of excessive stretching or tearing of the ligament. The severity of the injury can range from a slight stretching to a complete rupture. An ACL injury most commonly results from:

• A sudden stop or change of direction.
• A twisting motion at the knee joint.
• A blow or sudden impact to the front of the knee.

Athlete's involved in sports that require a lot of running and change of direction and speed; (especially contact sports) are most susceptible to ACL injury. Sports that involve the highest risk are soccer, basketball, skiing, hockey and gymnastics.

Signs and Symptoms of an ACL Injury

The severity of the symptoms tends to correlate with the severity of the injury. In other words, the worse the injury, the worse the symptoms. The most common symptom of an ACL injury is pain and swelling at the knee joint.

ACL Injury Prevention
Although it is important to be able to treat ACL injury, prevention should be your first priority. So what are some of the things you can do to help prevent an ACL injury?

• Warm Up properly
  A good warm up is essential in getting the body ready for any activity. A well structured warm up will prepare your heart, lungs, muscles, joints and your mind for strenuous activity.
• Avoid activities that cause pain
  This is self-explanatory, but try to be aware of activities that cause pain or discomfort, and either avoid them or modify them.
• Rest and Recovery
  Rest is very important in helping the soft tissues of the body recover from strenuous activity. Be sure to allow adequate recovery time between workouts or training sessions.
• Balancing Exercises
  Any activity that challenges your ability to balance, and keep your balance, will help what is called, proprioception: - your body's ability to know where its limbs are at any given time.
• Stretch and Strengthen
  To prevent ACL injury, it is important that the muscles around the knee be in top condition. Be sure to work on the strength and flexibility of all the muscle groups in the leg.
• Footwear
  Be aware of the importance of good footwear. A good pair of shoes will help to keep your knees stable, provide adequate cushioning, and support your knees and lower leg during the running or walking motion.
• Strapping
  Strapping, or taping can provide an added level of support and stability to weak or injured knees.