Positive Coaching Alliance is proud to share information on ACL injuries from Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush, the team physicians for the Chicago Bulls and Chicago White Sox.

The ACL, anterior cruciate ligament, “is a ligament that connects the bottom of the femur (thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (shin bone). It is one of four ligaments in the knee and is responsible for stability, forward movement of the lower leg and preventing rotational stress.” Too much stress causes this ligament to tear.

This common sports injury can occur in direct-contact or no-contact situations. Collisions, pivots, and unbalanced movements can cause an ACL tear, and athletes are more vulnerable to this injury with overuse. According to Midwest Orthopaedics, “the non-contact ACL injury can be exacerbated by overuse, when an athlete continues to play one sport year round without a break. Experts are most concerned about the rising number of non-contact ACL injuries, which account for nearly 70 percent of all ACL injuries.”

With a greater emphasis on competitive sports year round, young people are experiencing this injury more and more. How can you avoid becoming another athlete with an ACL injury? It is recommended that you focus on cross training and take longer breaks to improve the health of your knee joints. Also try improving balance and core strength to balance out rigorous training.

To see videos and learn more about ACL injuries, including symptoms, prevalence, and treatment, visit the site linked below.