Facts You Need to Have Regarding ACL Tear

ACL damage is among the most common knee injuries. If left unmanaged, this condition can sideline most people. Athletes and non-athletes alike are vulnerable to this painful condition. If you seek treatment for Bayonne ACL tear, contact James Lee, Jr., MD. Alongside his team, the doctor understands the complex components of the knee joint. He has unmatched skill and experience in handling knee complications so that you can resume your regular activities. Book your appointment online or by phone today if you encounter problems in your knee for effective treatment.

What is the ACL?

ACL stands for the anterior cruciate ligament. Your knees comprise three bones that form the hinge joint: the tibia, kneecap, and femur.

The thighbone is the femur. Ligaments refer to tough, fibrous tissues that connect bones and keep the joint together. They work to stabilize the leg so that it can bend and maintain flexibility without the knee separating. The ACL runs diagonally down the middle of the knee, beneath the patella (kneecap). The principal purpose of this ligament is to keep the tibia from pulling ahead of the femur and stabilize the knee, preventing it from rotating.

How Does the ACL Tear?

Sports and exercise are the most common causes of ACL injuries. Cutting, whereby you suddenly slow down and change direction, is a common cause of tear in athletes. When a basketball player tries to pass the ball and change direction quickly, they may cause an ACL tear by pivoting from the knee instead of the foot.

Other causes of ACL tear include:

• Jumping
• A blow to the knee
• Sudden stopping

Partially or fully severing the ACL is a possibility. Overextension, which weakens the tissue, is the cause of injury for specific individuals. Dr. Lee evaluates the knee to see how much damage the ACL has sustained.

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

ACL symptoms vary depending on the intensity of the injury. Some common indications include:

• Swelling
• Pain
• A popping sensation
• Giving in of the knee
• Poor range of motion

If you seek to avoid any potential damage, every knee injury should be treated by a doctor. An ACL tear can appear as a result of damage to another region of the knee as well. Because the joint has so many aspects, any knee pain should alert you to schedule an appointment with Dr. Lee.

What is the treatment for an ACL tear?

In most cases, reconstructive surgery is required after a ligament injury. Dr. Lee will examine the joint’s damage and develop a treatment plan that includes the following:

• Physical therapy
• Rest
• Surgery where necessary

Other Services

Besides ACL tear, Dr. Lee and his team further specialize in numerous top-notch treatments, including:

• Rotator cuff
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP0
• Sports medicine
• Direct anterior hip replacement
• Shoulder replacement
• Knee pain
• Arthroscopic knee surgery
• Hip replacement
• Hip pain

Bottom Line

Irrespective of being an active athlete or not, you can suffer an ACL tear. As such, it is imperative to partner with an outstanding provider for practical solutions when complications arise. Contact James M. Lee, Jr., MD, for expert diagnosis and treatment if you suspect having this condition. Call today or book online.