Sports Medicine: 4 Ways To Prevent ACL Injuries In Young Athletes

Beware The Dreaded ACL Tear

The most famous football players, basketballers, and soccer stars know about ACL tears all too well. Young athletes should also be mindful of the injury. More than 200,000 ACL injuries happen each year. ACL tears also have an average healing time of 6 months or more. That means young athletes can miss out on crucial career opportunities without proper knee care.

Why is an ACL tear so career-threatening?

The anterior cruciate ligament or ACL is one of 4 ligaments that stabilize the knee. The ACL is at the dead center of the knee. Along with the PCL (posterior cruciate ligament), the ACL forms an X and runs from the thigh bone to the shin bone. Both are responsible for preventing the knee from going too far forward, back, and limits rotation. Without the ACL, jumping and changing direction is impossible. So when the ligament tears or pops, young athletes are out of commission. Even with reconstructive surgery, over the long-term, some athletes don’t feel the same. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure. So with these 4 steps, young athletes can minimize the chances of getting a dreaded ACL tear.

1. You’re getting warmer

Many athletes feel tempted to get in the game without warming up. Stretching and warming up is crucial for preventing injuries. Orthopedic injuries like ACL tears are more likely if muscles are still cold. Take time before starting each sport to practice proper leg and knee stretches. This also applies to after the game. Stretching may seem like a chore. But the right warm-up and cool-down can prevent months of serious injury.

2. Learn to land better

ACL sprains and tears are more likely to happen when athletes land awkwardly. If the knee gets bent or twisted out of place when falling, ACL injures are more likely to happen. Young athletes should invest time in the gym, learning the proper mechanics of landing. Start with learning to land correctly on 2 feet, practicing from different heights. Use reverse box jumps, knees over feet, distributing weight evenly. Then, graduate to learning to land on a single leg. Don’t forget landing laterally too. Proper grounding can save and even extend an athlete’s career.

3. Don’t skip leg day

Strength is the most significant advantage an athlete has in staying injury-free. Learning to land is essential, but having strong legs to land on is just as critical. Young athletes who depend on leg strength and power should have a strength training regimen. Calf exercises, squats, and explosive plyometric exercises improve leg strength and balance. Single leg strength exercises help with balance and mobility. These exercises are important, but other muscle groups are useful too. Core exercises support the upper body and reduce stress on the knees. Glutes, hamstring, and quadriceps strength training support the knee even in hard collisions.

4. Be coachable

Young athletes should speak with coaches, physiotherapists, or specialists for constant advice on staying ACL injury-free. Make sure to take and implement the feedback from subject matter experts. Sports medicine can help check the current strength and health of knees and surrounding muscles. Using the right recommendations, the likelihood of avoiding sprains and tears improves significantly.

Stay in the game longer

ACL injuries aren’t slowing down. With high demands from young athletes, there’s just no way to avoid a freak collision or accident. But strengthening the ACL can reduce these contact injuries. The best benefit will come from lowering non-contact injuries. ACL injuries are an education issue as much as a contact issue. Focus on these 4 methods to protect that precious ACL today. If an injury does occur, speak with an orthopedic specialist to find the best treatment option.