What an Injured ACL Means for Your Athletic Performance
If you recently heard the characteristic pop in the knee of an ACL injury, you are probably concerned about the future of your athletic ability. ACL injuries are highly common among athletes and can keep you off your feet for a significant period of time. Still, with proper care and dedication to rehabilitation with an orthopaedic specialist, you can return to your game successfully and accomplish strong future performances. Here are some key points to remember as you go through recovery for your injury:
- Be patient with your treatment: Even minor tears to the ACL take time to heal, and it is important to allow enough time for a full recovery before you dive into the same level of physical activity. Too often, athletes will try to run and get physical while the knee is still relatively unstable, which can result in a secondary injury.
- Remember that surgery is not for everyone: Surgery is one treatment option for ACL tears, but it is not always the best answer after an injury. You should talk with your doctor about the severity of your injury so that you can understand if surgery will be truly beneficial. In certain cases, conservative treatments can be enough to get patients back to their routines.
- Stay committed to physical therapy: Whether or not you choose to have surgery, you should work with a physical therapist after your injury. The specialized one-on-one attention you will get at rehabilitative physical therapy can help you understand the limitations of your body and rebuild the strength you need for your best athletic performance.
When you are sidelined from an ACL injury, get the care you need at MK Orthopaedics. We specialize in surgery and rehabilitation for musculoskeletal injuries that can keep you from your favorite activities. See how we can help you get back on the field by visiting our website or calling us at (815) 741-6900.
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