Snowshoeing is becoming an increasingly
popular sport among Canadians and a great way to get exercise over the long
winter months. Getting out on the trails and enjoying the scenery can be a
great way to work-out while still taking advantage of the beauty that winter
has to offer. That being said, snowshoeing can be tough on the knees – and many
snowshoers are not unfamiliar with a torn ACL.
An ACL injury can be common among those
who snowshoe. Think about it – the
slippery ice and snow, the fast pace – these can wreak havoc on your ACL. A
short stop or unintentional twist can mean an injury is painful and treatment
that is time-consuming.
Ok, firstly, what is a torn ACL? Your
anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the middle of the knee, and its primary
function is prevent the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone.
It also works to stabilize the knee when turning. A ligament tear can be mild
(a small tear) or severe (when the ligament is torn completely or when the ligament
and part of the bone separates completely from the rest of the bone). These
injuries commonly occur at the same time as tears to the MCL or cartilage of
the knee.
Does an ACL tear always require surgery?
Full ACL tears do not heal on their own, so treatment is always recommended.
Surgery depends on the severity of the injury as well as your future goals. If
you are an athlete or live a very active lifestyle, an ACL injury can keep you from this, and a severe ACL injury may need to be
operated on. That being said, it is essential to consult with a physician
regarding a knee injury and they can help determine the best route for
treatment. An assessment is critical for proper treatment and future injury
prevention.
ACL injury rehabilitation – An ACL injury
rehab program may include a range of different treatment methods including
physiotherapy (acupuncture, manual therapy) or a knee brace – just make sure
that the knee brace is custom – not generic. Having a custom knee brace fit to
your exact specifications means more comfort and flexibility when you return to
your favourite activities, including snowshoeing.
Whether you are an avid snowshoer or
just like to head out there on the trails a few times during the winter,
treating an ACL tear correctly is crucial. For more information about ACL
treatment and rehab, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine by calling 1 (416)
800-0800 or visit us online at www.aesm.ca.
No comments:
Post a Comment