Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are one of the most common sports-related injuries, especially among athletes engaging in high-intensity activities.

ACL injuries can be painful and often require extensive rehabilitation to regain full function and mobility. Unfortunately, there is a lot of misinformation surrounding ACL injuries, leading to misconceptions and misunderstandings.

In this article, we aim to unravel the most popular falsehoods surrounding ACL injuries and provide you with accurate information.

Falsehood 1: ACL Injuries Only Happen to Athletes

Contrary to popular belief, ACL injuries can occur in anyone, not just athletes. While athletes are at a higher risk due to the nature of their activities, ACL injuries can also be caused by simple movements in everyday life.

Twisting awkwardly or landing incorrectly after a jump can lead to an ACL injury for anyone, regardless of their athletic abilities.

Falsehood 2: Surgery is Always Required for ACL Injuries

While surgery is commonly recommended for ACL injuries, it’s not always necessary. The treatment plan depends on the severity of the injury, the person’s age, and their activity level.

In some cases, a combination of physical therapy and rehabilitation exercises can effectively restore stability and function to the knee. However, it is essential to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action for each individual case.

Falsehood 3: ACL Injuries Only Occur in Contact Sports

While contact sports such as football and basketball have a higher incidence of ACL injuries, they can occur in non-contact sports as well.

Sports like skiing, gymnastics, and soccer also pose a risk due to the sudden changes in direction and high-impact movements involved. Non-athletic activities like a fall or misstep can also lead to an ACL injury.

Falsehood 4: ACL Injuries are Always Accompanied by an Audible “Pop”

It is commonly believed that when an ACL injury occurs, there is always an audible “pop” sound. While this can happen in many cases, it is not a definitive indication of an ACL injury.

Some individuals may not experience any sound during the injury, making it difficult to determine the severity of the damage. Other symptoms, such as immediate swelling, instability, and pain, are more reliable indicators of an ACL injury.

Falsehood 5: ACL Injuries Only Occur in Adults

ACL injuries are not limited to adults; they can also occur in children and adolescents. In fact, the number of ACL injuries in young athletes has seen a significant increase in recent years.

The growth plates in young individuals may increase their vulnerability to these injuries. Recognizing ACL injuries in children and providing appropriate treatment and rehabilitation is crucial for their long-term knee health.

Falsehood 6: ACL Injuries are Irreparable

While ACL injuries can be severe and require extensive treatment, they are not necessarily irreparable. Advances in surgical techniques have made it possible to reconstruct the ACL using grafts from the patient’s own tissues or from donors.

Rehabilitation following surgery is crucial to regain function and strength in the knee joint. With proper care and treatment, many individuals with ACL injuries can return to their pre-injury level of activity.

Falsehood 7: ACL Injuries Only Require Rest for Recovery

While rest is an essential component of recovery after an ACL injury, it is not the only requirement.

Depending on the severity of the injury, a combination of rest, physical therapy, and exercises targeted at strengthening the surrounding muscles is necessary for effective recovery. Resting without undergoing proper rehabilitation may lead to persistent instability and an increased risk of re-injury in the future.

Falsehood 8: Braces Can Prevent ACL Injuries

While knee braces can provide some support and stability to the knee joint, they cannot entirely prevent ACL injuries from occurring.

Braces may be recommended for individuals with a history of ACL injuries or those participating in high-risk activities, but they are not foolproof. It is crucial to focus on proper movement patterns, strength training, and injury prevention exercises rather than relying solely on braces for protection.

Falsehood 9: ACL Injuries are not Preventable

Contrary to popular belief, ACL injuries can, to some extent, be prevented.

Engaging in proper warm-up exercises before physical activities, focusing on technique and form, and incorporating strength and agility training into fitness routines can all help reduce the risk of ACL injuries. Additionally, using appropriate protective gear and ensuring a safe playing environment can further minimize the chances of an ACL injury.

Falsehood 10: Once Recovered, ACL Injuries Will Never Recur

While many individuals successfully recover from ACL injuries and return to their previous level of activity, there is always a risk of re-injury. Once an ACL is damaged, the knee joint may be more susceptible to further injuries.

It is crucial to continue with regular strength and conditioning exercises, maintain proper technique, and take precautions to reduce the risk of re-injury.