Sustaining an ACL sprain can be a scary and painful injury. The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the most common ligaments that can be damaged, often through sports or other physical activity. While ACL sprains are treatable, it’s important to understand what can cause further injury and what to avoid. In this blog post, we’ll discuss some of the things to avoid to prevent further injury and promote healing.
Avoid Activities That Put Stress on the ACL
One of the most important things to avoid with an ACL sprain is any activity that puts stress on the ligament. This includes any activities that require bending and twisting, such as running, jumping, or playing sports. These activities should be avoided until a medical professional gives the okay to resume them. Continuing to participate in activities that stress the ACL can result in additional injury and make recovery time longer.
Don’t Delay Treatment
If you suspect an ACL sprain, it’s critical to seek treatment as soon as possible. Delaying treatment can cause further damage to the ligament, and may even make it impossible to fully recover. Seeing a medical professional such as a physiotherapist, orthopedic surgeon, or chiropractor will allow for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. Early intervention can help prevent the need for surgery in some cases.
Avoid Immobilizing the Knee
While it’s important to be cautious with an ACL sprain, immobilizing the knee for an extended period of time can actually hinder healing. Keeping the knee in one position for too long can cause stiffness and weakened muscles around the knee. Instead, medical professionals may recommend physical therapy and exercises to help regain strength in the knee and surrounding muscles. Maintaining mobility while protecting the ACL is key for a faster and more complete recovery.
Avoid High-Impact Activities
Activities such as running, jumping, and contact sports put a lot of stress on the knees and can cause further injury to an ACL sprain. Instead, choose low-impact exercises that don’t put pressure on the knees. Walking, swimming, and cycling are good options. Again, this doesn’t mean you have to be totally sedentary – it’s important to maintain mobility, but in a way that doesn’t aggravate the injury.
Beware of Self-Diagnosis and Treatment
Finally, it’s important not to self-diagnose or self-treat an ACL sprain. This injury is complex and requires professional expertise to properly treat. Using heat or ice at home or taking over-the-counter medications may provide temporary relief, but it’s important to see a medical professional to ensure the injury is properly treated and doesn’t lead to further problems such as osteoarthritis.
Sustaining an ACL sprain can be a challenging situation, but it’s important to take the appropriate steps to promote healing. Avoid activities that put stress on the ACL, seek medical treatment as soon as possible, don’t immobilize the knee for too long, choose low-impact activities, and don’t self-diagnose or treat. With the right care and precautions, most people are able to recover and get back to their usual activities. If you’re dealing with an ACL sprain, be sure to consult a medical professional who can provide guidance and support throughout your recovery journey.
