What do you do for a sprained ACL 2024?

I'm a sports medicine specialist with extensive experience in treating musculoskeletal injuries. When it comes to a sprained anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), it's crucial to understand that this type of injury can be quite severe and may require a multifaceted approach to treatment. Here's a detailed guide on what to do for a sprained ACL:


1. Immediate Care: The first step is to address the immediate symptoms of the injury. This involves the RICE protocol:
- Rest: Avoid putting weight on the injured knee.
- Ice: Apply ice to the area to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Compression: Use a compression bandage to help control swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the knee elevated above the level of the heart to minimize fluid accumulation.


2. Assessment and Diagnosis: It's important to get a proper assessment from a healthcare professional. This may involve a physical examination and imaging tests such as an MRI to determine the severity of the injury and the extent of the damage.


3. Treatment Options: Depending on the severity and the individual's activity level, treatment options may include:
- Conservative Management: For mild sprains, physical therapy exercises to strengthen the muscles around the knee and improve stability may be sufficient.
- Surgical Intervention: In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the torn ligament.


4. Rehabilitation: Regardless of the treatment chosen, rehabilitation is a critical component. This includes:
- Strengthening Exercises: To build up the muscles that support the knee joint.
- Range of Motion: Exercises to regain full movement of the knee.
- Balance and Proprioception: Training to improve the body's awareness of the knee's position in space.


5. Gradual Return to Activity: After the initial healing phase, a gradual return to physical activity is essential. This should be done under the guidance of a healthcare professional or physical therapist to ensure safety and prevent re-injury.


6. Prevention: To prevent future ACL injuries, consider:
- Strength and Conditioning Programs: Focused on the lower body

An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury often is called a sprain. A sprain occurs when the threads or fibers of the ligament stretch or are torn. See a picture of the knee and the ACL . An ACL injury is classified as a grade I, II, or III sprain.