The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) affects thousands of athletes around the globe. Fortunately, a new study has revealed that these knee injuries are curable, and specialized knee braces are available to help the torn ligaments heal.

The knee braces prevent the injury, provide medial or lateral support to the knee after injury, and reduce the recovery time. Besides that, braces also prevent the excessive rotation of the knee and reduce the pain.

So, if you are also recovering from ACL, we suggest you use knee braces to help the ligaments heal. To know more about this study, knee braces, and their benefits, continue to read.

Knee Brace Helps Torn Anterior Cruciate Ligaments Heal: Find The Fact

ACL is an important ligament in your knee that helps you to support. However, sometimes, you might tear your ACL during support activities or accidents. In that case, there is no such treatment available. But discoveries have made it possible. Now, the knee brace can help you stop your tears, and you can heal your ACL without much effort.

Many studies have shown that a knee brace automatically heals the anterior cruciate ligament. How.

A knee brace is a support provided to the knee, which can help it to stand still. When it comes to healing, there is no such magic behind it. A knee brace helps to keep your knee straight and stand. You start making movements and exercises that ultimately help to reduce the injury and activate the ligament.

Knee Braces: Types and Benefits

Knee braces come in different types and shapes. Each type has its advantages and is used for the specific injury caused to the knee. Here are some enlisted with their benefits.

Prophylactic knee brace

These braces are designed to provide support to your knees. They are specifically made for athletes like hockey players to protect them from knee injuries.

Functional knee braces

These braces are designed to heal you from a knee injury or used after the recovery to avoid further damage. They are particularly designed to support your knees.

Rehabilitative braces

These braces are used after the knee surgery or an injury. They help to provide possible support to the knees that can help them heal in less time.

Compression knee braces

These are more like compression pads that provide compression and warmth to the injured area. These braces help the knees reduce inflammation and pain. Athletes wear these braces after minor injuries.

What Is the ACL: An Understanding

ACL is the anterior cruciate ligament of your knee that acts as the support structure and helps in movement. It is located inside the knee and is reliable for supporting the knees.

What Are Common ACL Injuries?

Many athletes and sportspeople injure their ACLs or some during accidents. ACL injury is a common injury around the globe. Here are some common ACL injuries.

• ACL tear is a knee injury in which the ligament is permanently torn apart. The most possible treatment in this case is knee surgery.
• ACL sprain is a minor injury of the ligament. In this case, athletes use rehabilitation braces to heal minor ligament injuries.

What Are The Causes Of ACL Injuries?

An ACL injury can occur from any event that exerts knee pressure. For example;

• During support activities, the athletes might injure their ACLs.
• Road accidents and car injuries can also cause ACL injuries.
• Over-extending the KNEE might cause ACL damage.
• Besides all the causes, ACL can be damaged by other knee injuries.
• Walking can become difficult.

What Are The Symptoms Of ACL Injuries?

The symptoms of ACL injury may vary from person to person as it depends on the severity of ACL.

• ACL tear is tenser than an ACL sprain; people can feel intense pain, instability, and inflammation after the injury.
• Some people hear the popping sensation, which is a high chance that it is an ACL tear.
• Walking can become difficult.

First Aid for ACL Injuries

Providing first Aid can provide stabilization in the knee joint, and it can also alleviate the pain. Here is what you can do right after the injury;

• Alleviate the leg over the heart
• lie down straight and stop mobilizing your legs
• Apply ice over the injury; it will help to reduce the inflammation
• use painkillers or pain relievers

What Are The Different Treatment Options For ACL Injuries?

There are many treatment options available for this injury, but still, you have to choose according to the severity of your injury. Here are some of the surgical and nonsurgical options one can choose;

• Surgery is the best treatment for ACL tear.
• Nonsurgical options can help to heal the mild injury.
• Applying ice over the injury
• use compression knee braces
• rest
• rehabilitation session
• physical therapy

Now, which one to choose is dependent on the injury? The type and extent of the injury determine which one to go for. Nonsurgical treatment helps to alleviate minor injuries. However, surgical treatment is applicable for tense injury.

How Long Does It Take To Heal ACL Injuries?

How long does it take to heal ACL injuries? It depends on several factors;

• The healing process depends on age; the younger ones tend to heal faster than the older ones.
• The severity and type of injury also decide how long it will take to heal.
• Probably, it will take weeks if you opt for nonsurgical options.
• In surgical treatment, athletes take almost 3 months to heal the ligament.

Conclusion:

Anterior Cruciate Ligaments connect the femur (thigh) to the tibia (shin). It is a strong structure which is responsible for stabilizing the knee. In ACL injury, the ligament is stretched or damaged completely.

Depending on the damage, you may undergo surgical or nonsurgical treatments. But, per the latest research, you must use knee braces as they prevent these injuries, support the knee, and help heal the ACL. So, start using these knee braces and keep your knees protected!