ACL Injuries and Fall Sports: What Athletes Should Know

As fall sports get underway, athletes are spending more time running, cutting, jumping, and changing direction. These movements are an important part of sports like football, soccer, volleyball, and basketball, but they can also put stress on the knees and increase the risk of an ACL injury.

At Orthopedic Surgeons, Inc., our sports medicine specialists treat ACL injuries and other sports-related conditions for athletes throughout the Kansas City area. Knowing how ACL injuries happen and taking steps to protect the knees can help athletes stay active throughout the season.

What Is an ACL Injury?

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is one of the major ligaments in the knee. It helps provide stability during movements such as running, jumping, and changing direction.

An ACL injury can happen during contact or without contact. Common causes include:

• Quickly changing direction

• Landing from a jump incorrectly

• Stopping suddenly while running

• Pivoting or twisting the knee

• A direct blow to the knee

ACL injuries can range from a sprain to a complete ligament tear.

Know the Signs of an ACL Injury

An ACL injury often occurs suddenly during sports activity. Athletes may notice several symptoms immediately after an injury.

Common signs include:

• A popping sensation in the knee

• Sudden knee pain

• Swelling that develops soon after the injury

• Difficulty bearing weight

• Limited range of motion

• A feeling that the knee is unstable

If an athlete experiences these symptoms, they should stop playing and seek medical evaluation.

How Can Athletes Reduce Their Risk?

While ACL injuries cannot always be prevented, proper preparation and training can help reduce injury risk.

Before and during the season:

• Warm up before practices and games

• Focus on proper landing and jumping techniques

• Build leg and core strength

• Improve balance and coordination

• Increase training intensity gradually

• Allow adequate time for recovery

Strength and conditioning programs that focus on movement and knee control can be especially helpful for athletes participating in sports that involve frequent jumping and changes in direction.

Sports Medicine Care for Fall Athletes

Fall sports are a great way to stay active, but taking care of your knees is an important part of staying in the game. Paying attention to symptoms, preparing properly, and seeking care when an injury occurs can help athletes return to activity safely.

Orthopedic Surgeons, Inc. provides sports medicine and orthopedic care for athletes throughout the Kansas City region, treating ACL injuries, knee pain, and other sports-related conditions.