Do you have reason to believe that you have injured your Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)? If so, you will require extensive medical care.
Here are the things you need to do immediately following the injury:
— First aid to help reduce pain and swelling. For example, you should rest and ice your knee.
— Don’t put any weight on your leg. Even if you’re trying to “walk it off,” you should realize that this can cause more harm than good.
— Visit a medical professional. You should not wait to have your knee examined by a medical professional. This is the only way to know for sure if you’ve suffered an ACL injury, such as a tear.
If you find that your ACL has been injured, you can work with your medical team to decide which type of treatment is best. There are two basic strategies:
— Nonsurgical treatment, which includes but is not limited to physical therapy.
— Surgical treatment. In the event of a tear or another serious injury, this is often necessary to reconstruct the ACL.
If you suffer an ACL injury on the job, don’t wait to inform your employer and receive medical attention. From there, you will have a clear mind and a better idea of which steps can help you put your injury in the past.
If you’re unable to return to work after the injury, you may be in position to file a workers’ compensation claim. Once approved, this will provide you with money that can help you get by until your injury heals.
Source: Web MD, “Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries – Treatment Overview,” accessed April 04, 2017