Knee ligaments are usually torn by severe forces caused by extreme and rapid bending of the knee. Since ligaments are strong bands of soft tissue that attach one bone to another, tearing a major ligament is usually very painful and elicits a “popping” sensation. Occasionally, the ACL can just degrade gradually over time, perhaps occurring with several small accidents or injuries. People with a deficient ACL feel tremendous instability with squatting, lunging, jumping, and quick change of direction exercises. ACL tears are more common in high contact sports such as football and rugby, in which awkward hits and movements occur. Sports demanding a constant directional change such as basketball and soccer also have a higher than normal occurrence rate for ACL tears.
The knee has 4 major ligaments. They give the joint stability and strength. The 4 knee ligaments connect the thighbone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).
- Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). This ligament is in the center of the knee. It controls rotation and forward movement of the shin bone.
- Posterior cruciate ligament (PCL). This ligament is in the back of the knee. It controls backward movement of the shin bone.
- Medial collateral ligament (MCL). This ligament gives stability to the inner knee.
- Lateral collateral ligament (LCL). This ligament gives stability to the outer knee.
Check out Terry Abrams, Owner and Director of CardioFlex Therapy coaching a patient through agility training following a right knee ACL reconstruction 🙌
For more info visit: www.cardioflextherapy.com
About the Author
Terry Abrams is the President & Director of Physical Therapy for CardioFlex Therapy, a start-up company founded in 2005 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Delivering both Physical Therapy & Occupational Therapy, CardioFlex Therapy’s Outpatient Clinic is centrally located in Davie, FL serving the towns of Cooper City, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Plantation, Southwest Ranches, Hollywood, Miramar, Sunrise, & Fort Lauderdale. For Home Physical Therapy, CardioFlex sends its therapists to homes located in Broward, Dade, & Palm Beach counties.