ACL Information – Brace Review – Special Report

 The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)  is one the four ligaments of the knee joint. The knee joint is composed of several elements like ligaments, bones and tendons etc.  Ligaments are an essential part of the knee because it helps in holding the bones of the knee together.

The Anterior Cruciate ligament is responsible for controlling the forward movement or anterior translation of the knee. The ACL is basically made up of posterolateral and anteromedial bundles. (Posterolateral means back and away from the middle line and anteromedial means front and towards the middle line.)  The ACL, because of these bundles, has been cited as being 85% capable of controlling the forward/anterior movement of the knee. – Another purpose of the ACL is restricting the rotational movement of the knee.

The ACL works with the PCL (Posterior Cruciate Ligament), to help control the movements of the knee.  An ACL injury is very common and that is why can easily be diagnosed. The ACL tear occurs due to the sudden change of direction and hyperextension or over extension. Mostly, the ACL is not injured alone.   It is often times injured along with medial meniscus and Medial Collateral Ligament, MCL; collectively called the “unhappy triad”. The nature of an ACL injury depends on pain, hemarthrosis and instability of the knee joint.

Hemarthrosis is referred to as the bleeding in a joint.  In this case, we are referring to the bleeding into the knee joint due to injury. It can result in swelling of the knee as well. Sometimes the color of the knee or foot is also changed to blue. Some people hear a ‘pop’ or cracking sound at the exact time of injury. Other symptoms include inability to lift anything, inability to put weight on the affected leg, inability to walk and to move the knee without pain and within normal boundaries.  Moreover, there is an inability to perform daily routine activities.  The ACL should be treated either conservatively or with surgery.  It is best not to leave an ACL injury to heal by itself. – An ACL injury should be treated as soon as possible. So, in case of any injury you should visit your doctor immediately so that he/she may diagnose and evaluate the injury.

Knee Treatment

One of the best ways to make sure that your knee stays more secure is with the use of a knee brace.  In this case, it is with the use of an ACL type of knee brace.  They can help support your knee so that you do not continue to make an knee injury worse.  Moreover, they can help reduce pain and help add the meaningful stability you seek after an ACL injury.

To view knee braces to or learn more about the knee, click the following website address to visit our homepage : www.drbraceco.com