An ACL injury occurs when the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) inside the knee joint tears, often during sports activities involving sudden stops and changes in direction, such as basketball, soccer, tennis, and volleyball. Individuals with an ACL injury typically experience immediate swelling, knee instability, unbearable pain, and a distinct “pop” sensation in the knee.

Treatment for an ACL injury depends on its severity and may involve surgery to replace the torn ligament, followed by rehabilitation exercises focused on regaining strength and stability. For individuals participating in sports requiring pivoting or jumping, a specialized training program can lower the risk of ACL injuries.

ACL Injury Treatment in Hanumangarh: Comprehensive Solutions at Dr. Ram Sihag Clinic

ACL injuries can affect anyone and should not be ignored as they can restrict physical mobility, leading to persistent pain and discomfort. At Dr. Ram Sihag physiotherapy Clinic in Hanumangarh, our expert team, led by Dr. Ram Sihag, has successfully assisted numerous patients in their ACL injury recovery journey. We offer personalized physiotherapy sessions designed to expedite rehabilitation and ensure a swift return to normal activities.

Causes

ACL injuries are common among athletes, especially football and basketball players. These injuries can also happen in gym settings due to rapid directional changes, improper landings from jumps, and overstretching of the knee joint.

Symptoms

• Audible popping sound.
• Painful joint.
• Visible swelling in the knee.
• Weak or unstable knee, making walking difficult and causing a sensation of buckling.
• Reduced range of motion in the affected knee.

Diagnostic Methods

• Clinical evaluation, assessing tenderness at the lateral femoral condyle and over the tibial plateau.
• Anterior drawer test to diagnose ACL injury or tear.
• MRI tests to confirm ACL tears.

Physiotherapy Treatment

Patients with ACL injuries may undergo physiotherapy, either with or without surgery, based on the injury’s severity. Surgical intervention is recommended for complete tears and individuals with active lifestyles, especially athletes. Conservative treatments, such as physiotherapy, are suitable for partial tears and individuals with sedentary lifestyles.

During the acute phase immediately after the injury, the focus is on managing pain and swelling through the PRICE principles:

• P: Protecting the knee with a brace and avoiding painful movements.
• R: Resting the knee, using braces and taping.
• I: ice packs to reduce pain and swelling.
• C: compression techniques to reduce pain and swelling, avoiding excessive tightness.
• E: Elevating the knee above heart level with the help of pillows.

In the sub-acute phase, physiotherapy aims to:

• Increase muscle strength around the joint for easier movements.
• Train patients to reduce the risk of further injuries.
• Improve joint mobility.
• Address residual pain and swelling.

Specific exercises include isometric quadriceps and hamstring exercises, gentle knee movements, hip abduction, ankle movements, patellar glides, and balance exercises using boards. Resistance exercises with therabands and sandbags may be introduced gradually, tailored to the patient’s symptoms.

Post-surgery, the focus shifts to reducing pain and inflammation, gentle knee mobilization, patellar mobilization, and strengthening exercises for quadriceps and hamstrings. Rehabilitation aims to restore near-normal knee function within 12 to 16 weeks, including regaining strength, balance, complete range of motion, endurance, and the ability to perform various sports-related movements such as jumping, landing, one-leg jumps, hopping, squats, and lunges.

It is crucial to prepare patients for surgery, ensuring they follow similar acute phase principles to effectively manage pain and swelling. Our ultimate goal as therapists is to help patients regain optimal knee function and resume their normal activities, especially in the case of athletes.

If you’re searching for expert ACL injury treatment in Hanumangarh, trust us for personalized care and effective rehabilitation. Regain confidence in your movements and resume your normal activities swiftly with our specialized ACL injury treatments. Visit Dr. Ram Sihag physiotherapy Clinic today for expert ACL injury care tailored to your needs.