The risk is 4 times higher in women! "Pay attention to the sound made by the knee during physical activity

Orthopedic and traumatology specialists say that rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament is a serious knee injury and is common among athletes. Dr. Daoud Yasmin points out that the risk is four times higher in women.

Sudden movements should be avoided

The anterior cruciate ligaments, one of the four main ligaments inside the knee, move diagonally in the middle of the knee, while also keeping the knee stable and allowing it to rotate. The rupture of these ligaments is caused by excessive tension, says the orthopedic and traumatology specialist. Dr. Daoud Yasmin explained: "This condition can usually occur as a result of opposite movements such as contact or a blow in competitive sports such as football." Recalling that such injuries can also occur when suddenly slowing down to change direction while running, op. cit. Dr. "Even if there is no impact or contact while the foot is stationary, a rupture of the anterior cruciate ligament may occur after sudden rotational movements, uncontrolled loading on the knee after jumping, traffic accidents, falling from a height or industrial accidents," said Dawoud Yasmine

Pay attention to the sound coming from the knee during physical activity

Stressing that symptoms such as rapid swelling of the knee, numbness and a feeling of hesitation, severe pain, loss of range of motion, discomfort while walking, hearing a noise inside the knee during physical activity and inability to continue the activity are important. Dr. Dawoud Yasmine said: "The clinical examination conducted by an orthopedic doctor is very important in diagnosing the disease. During the examination, it can be determined whether there is a rupture of the cruciate ligament or not through some special tests. In cases where the appropriate examination cannot be performed because the knee is very painful, the second examination is diagnostic. He said: "If the doctor suspects various disorders in the  knee that may occur with similar symptoms, imaging methods can also be used"

Treatment varies depending on the patient's age

Yasmine stressed that the patient's age and activity status are important in choosing the treatment for ACL injuries, and said: "The treatment of this disease in young people who play sports or have an active lifestyle is usually surgical. Surgical treatment may not be performed in older individuals who do not have a high activity level, do not play sports, or do not have complaints such as gaps and insecurity in their knees in daily life. He said: "In the event of tears in children, children can be operated on thanks to today's technology to prevent permanent damage to the knee in the future "

It may take up to 6 months to return to sports

Yasmine said that the recovery period varies depending on the treatment applied, it is on average 3 months, "Although it is not possible to specify a specific date when athletes with ACL tears can return to full sports, the average can be mentioned as 6 months because the reconstruction of the ligaments will take time." Stressing that early physiotherapy practices after surgery are one of the most important stages in the rehabilitation process, previous reference. Dr. Daoud Yasmin: “The correct and effective management of this process is as important as the surgery itself. “In addition, the use of crutches or ice and elevation of the leg in the early stages seriously support the treatment”

The treated ligaments may tear again

As a reminder, a person who suffers from an ACL tear is always at risk of injury again, op. cit. Dr. Daoud Yasmin said that “strengthening the leg muscles by performing exercises without neglecting them, practicing stretching and warming up before exercising, and especially developing falling techniques, are useful in preventing injury again.”