ACL injury: Exercises to do before treatment
What do I need to know about an ACL injury?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four knee ligaments that connect the upper leg bone (femur) with the large lower leg bone (tibia). The ACL stabilizes knee movement by:
- Preventing the lower leg bone from sliding forward or turning inward when the leg is straight.
- Preventing the knee from being stretched or straightened beyond its normal limits (hyperextended).
- Supporting the knee ligaments that keep the knee from bending sideways.
See a picture of the knee and the ACL
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When the ACL tears, the blood vessels around the ligament tear and blood can fill the knee joint, causing swelling. This can result in both pain and loss of motion. The inactivity following an ACL injury often results in weakening of the muscle in the front of your thigh, the quadriceps. If nothing is done after an ACL injury, you may develop chronic ACL deficiency—your knee may become less stable, leading to abnormal knee joint movement and premature osteoarthritis.
Treatment is needed for an ACL injury. Treatment is either a rehab program or ACL surgery followed by a rehab program. Surgery is generally more successful if you condition your knee and surrounding muscles before starting your treatment. This can be achieved by doing a few simple exercises. Your doctor will help you decide when to start these exercises.
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| Author: | Shannon Erstad, MBA/MPH | Last Updated: May 16, 2008 |
| Medical Review: | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine William M. Green, MD - Emergency Medicine Freddie H. Fu, MD - Orthopedic Surgery Patrick J. McMahon, MD - Orthopedics | |
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