ACL
Knee Injury & Football

Overview of the Anterior
Cruciate Ligament (ACL)
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament or ACL is located
deep inside the knee joint. It is the connective ligament
between the thigh and shin bone. The ACL functions to prevent
the shin from moving too far forward and rotating beyond its
limit. The ACL is very important in stabilizing the knee joint.
What is ACL Knee Injury?
ACL knee injury results if the knee joint undergoes
moderate to severe trauma from impact.
The trauma or impact from a tackle can result
from excessive turning or twisting of the knee. Landing very
hard can also cause ACL knee injury. During the impact, the
knee may be in a bent or overextended position. ACL knee injuries
are becoming more and more common due to the increased intensity
of football.
Upon impact, the player may feel the
knee joint suddenly snap or pop. Pain will be present
upon acquiring the injury which ranges from moderate to severe
depending on the force and extent of the damage. Other parts
which may also be damaged together with the ACL are the Medial
Collateral Ligament as well as the Menisci Cartilage. Bleeding
inside the joint will occur next which is also known as hemarthrosis
as evidenced by swollen and painful
knee joints.
The individual may still feel that he or she
is capable of continuing football after the incident but once
the ACL loses its function to control knee joint rotation
and restraint, the knee joint will become unstable. The swelling
of the knee joint is a defensive action of the body so that
the individual cannot resume physical activity due to restricted
movement.
Treatment
Ice packs should be placed on the knee area
upon acquiring the injury for twenty minutes every two hours
to minimize swelling and bleeding inside the joint.
During the initial phases of ACL knee injury,
medical doctors may find it difficult to diagnose the area
and cold compression has to continue until swelling subsides.
An MRI or arthroscope will be used to assess the laxity of
the joint.

View
Reusable ice packs for ACL Knee Injuries
Rehabilitation usually includes a knee
brace which improves the strength and stability of the
joint. It can be used even during physical activities.
ACL reconstruction knee surgery is indicated
for individuals who did not present much improvement from
the knee brace or need to return to football quickly. The
surgery restores knee function fully by taking a patella tendon
strip from the patient to replace the ACL. Modern techniques
have made it possible for individuals to resume sports activity
within six months.
Running in a swimming pool and using a buoyancy
aid, are ideal methods of maintaining fitness while the ligament
is healing

Click
here to view buoyancy jackets for water therapy
Prevention Tips
The extent and risk of injury is dependent on
the size of the ACL. The smaller the ACL, the bigger the chance
of acquiring injury and the larger the extent of the damage.
Proprioception training (balance training) which
makes use of a wobble board and taking a break from physical
activities when fatigued greatly prevents ACL knee injury
incidences.

View
the Wobble Board
Football Rescue Recommends
Knee Supports






Excellent medial and lateral support ideal for footballers.
This wrap around design knee brace is suitable for cases of
knee instability due to knee ligament injuries.
How does it work?
This high quality knee brace is lightweight and comfortable,
with lock-stitch taped seams and fully trimmed edges for durability.
The flexible spiral stays and dual criss-cross elastic straps
create firm medial and lateral knee support which reproduce
the effect of a tape job to support the medial collateral
ligament (MCL) and lateral collateral ligament (LCL) of the
knee.
The upper and lower Velcro fasteners act as 'anchors' and
knee stabilisers to maintain maximum support. This provides
support without compromising mobility and may be more suitable
for those engaged in activities that would be overly compromised
by a hinged support.
When can I use it?
*Extremely effective in relieving knee pain by taking the
stress off knee ligaments that may be injured. *Perfect for
injuries to the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) or Lateral
Collateral Ligament (LCL).
*Also provides knee pain relief and knee support following
a Cartilage injury or when there is mild Arthritis in the
knee.
*Ideal knee brace when you require good knee support
but maintain full movement.
Excellent
medial and lateral support ideal for footballers. Multi-tiered,
plush-lined elastic body with wraparound design.

The
Knee sport strap is designed to simulate knee joint strapping
techniques used to support the collateral knee ligaments and
restrict joint rotation but still enable running