Risk Factors and Complications Associated with ACL Knee Injuries
There are various sports injuries that require specialized care. McGill University's Sport Medicine Clinic in Montreal is one of the best sports medicine clinics in the world. "services include acute care coverage, electrotherapy, assessment and treatment by physiotherapists and athletic therapists, biodex isokinetic testing, consultations in sport psychology, nutrition, osteopathy and massage and taping."
An ACL injury happens when there are sudden stops or directional turns applied in the game of basketball, volleyball, soccer or tennis and some other sports.
Though most ACL injuries are related to exercise and sports, the tearing of the ligament has been known to happen when a person slows down to turn direction with their foot firmly planted (not moving with the turn), twisting the knee, or overextending it.
Risk factors
Women are more prone to this kind of injury than men. This appears to be because the muscles in the back of the thigh (hamstrings) are weaker the quadriceps which are the muscles in the front of the thigh are stronger. The hamstrings which are weaker do not project the forward balancing as well when women descend from a jump as they do for men. This causes more stress on the knee in women.
Complications
ACL injuries can lead to osteoarthritis. With ACL the deterioration of cartilage will still occur even when reconstructive surgery was done at the time of ACL injury; thus making a person who has had this type of injury at risk for arthritis.
Source
Published by Carol Roach
Carol Roach holds a masters in counselling psychology. She worked as a therapist at the Douglas Hospital in Montreal before becoming a professional writer.Carol is the author of the book Picking Up The Piece... View profile
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