Injuries to the anterior cruciate ligament or ACL could happen to anyone. However, athletes tend to be more susceptible to damaging their knees, particularly the ACL because of the effort that it may require in their various sports. Damaging your ACL may cause you to feel pain and based on the severity of the injury, you may even find it hard to walk, much less move. Due to this, you have to understand the basics about ACL injury prevention to avoid impediment to your movements in the long term.

Do Some Stretching

Before going through the training proper, it is highly recommended that you do some basic stretching first in order to warm up your muscles and joints. Conditioning your system before strenuous activity will effectively prevent injuries to your joints, muscles and bones. You'll be able to perform better as soon as your body has warmed up. By performing stretches, you are increasing the flexibility of your muscles, avoiding any strain in the process.

Increase Your Strength

Another way to make sure that your ligaments and joints will not be strained is to increase your strength through exercising and working out regularly. If your focus is ACL injury prevention, then you will want to target on strengthening your hips and thighs. A powerful hip will maintain your balance and stability so you can avoid straining your ligaments, especially your anterior cruciate ligament. Working out may also help you maintain your weight. Extra fat could potentially cause strain on the lower part of your body, especially your knees.

Stay away from Possible Injuries

When playing, you have to focus on your movements. Sometimes, this may be hard to bear into mind, particularly if you are focused on winning the game. However, this is one of the most common reasons why athletes get injured. Whenever possible, avoid movements that will most likely cause an injury to you.

ACL injury prevention should always be a part of any athlete's precaution list. Your ACL is an important part of your knees and once injured, you'll definitely find it difficult to get back on your knees again. Literally.



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