Anterior cruciate ligament injury, (ACL) is when the anterior cruciate ligament is either stretched, partially torn, or completely torn. Most ACL injuries are complete tears. You might be under the impression that ACL injuries are reserved for only people who play sports, but the truth is, ACL injuries can happen to active and inactive people.

There are ways to avoid this injury, but if you already suffer from an ACL tear, your local chiropractor in Brick NJ can assist in the healing process.

ANATOMY OF THE KNEE

It’s important to gain an understanding of how the knee operates in relation to the ACL . The knee is comprised of four bones,

• Femur
• Tibia
• Fibia
• Patella

The thigh, shin, and calf muscles also attach to this joint. The fibros discs provides a surface which the bones can move. There are four main ligaments that assist with join stabilization,

• Medial collateral ligament
• Lateral collateral ligament
• Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)
• Posterior cruciate ligament

The ACL plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee joint. It prevents excess forward movement of the thigh bone onto the shin. It also prohibits the twisting or rotational movements of the knee joint.

SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms of an ACL injury usually include:

a Loud “pop” or “popping” sensation in the knee

Severe pain and inability to continue activity

Swelling that begins within a few hours

Loss of range of motion

A feeling of instability or “giving way” with weight bearing

CAUSES

Most ACL injuries do take place during a sporting event or any other fitness activities, but you could experience this injury while doing yard work around the house, cleaning your garage, or anything else that is physically challenging.

Below are some common ways people experience an ACL injury,

• Suddenly slow down and changing direction.
• Pivoting with your foot firmly planted
• Landing from a jump incorrectly
• Stopping suddenly
• Receiving a direct blow to the knee or collision, such as a football tackle

HOW CAN YOUR CHIROPRACTOR HELP?

If you have suffered an ACL injury, chiropractic care is a great way to assist the healing process. For starters, chiropractic care helps with the overall health and functioning of the nervous system. Your nervous system controls every aspect of your body, including the healing process. So with the help of a chiropractor, your nervous system will be running on all cylinders.

Now specifically how your chiropractor can help with your ACL injury is going to depend on the severity of your injury. Your chiropractor may apply gentle manipulation to the knee joint to restore joint motion and functionality of the knee. This process may be able to deliver substantial relief and faster healing with ACL sprains.

If the ligament is fully torn, you may need to visit an orthopedic surgeon to reattach the torn ligament. In this case, your chiropractor can assist you in the healing process after your corrective surgery.

It’s important to note that in both cases of torn and sprained ACL’s, a chiropractor may be able to restore proper knee function and help with the healing process.

If you are in search of a chiropractor in Brick, Toms River, or anywhere in Ocean County NJ, the Back and Neck Center of Brick can help. Our team of Doctors have been treating patients for over 28 years, and we’re confident we can help you too!

Come see why the Back and Neck Center of Brick has been Voted Best Chiropractors in Ocean County 9 Years in a Row! From 2009 – 2017, by Readers of the Asbury Park Press! 

Sources:

www.MayoClinic.com

www.Spine-Health.com