Get Ready for the Walk of Life with an ACL Knee Brace
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Cardiac Health Foundation’s Walk of Life! This amazing event, taking place on May 25th, offers something for everyone – 6 different events for individuals of all ages – and it’s a great way to get out and exercise all while supporting the cause of prevention, education and cardiac rehabilitation. But if you suffer from knee pain caused by an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, an event like this may not hold the same appeal to you as it does for others.
ACL sprains and tears are two of the most common knee injuries and can be brought on by a number of different things – from running, to participation in high-impact sports, to even just twisting the wrong way. How? Here’s a very brief anatomy lesson to bring you up to speed. The 3 bones that meet to form your knee joint (femur, tibia and patella) are connected by ligaments which act like strong ropes to hold those bones together and keep your knee stable. When you change direction rapidly, stop suddenly, slow down quickly when running or land incorrectly from a jump, these ligaments can be torn, resulting in severe pain and instability.
If you have suffered from a torn or sprained ACL, you may think surgery is the only answer for relief. But not necessarily. Depending on the grade of the injury, surgery may be the only option for some, but only your doctor can decide if this is the right method of treatment. That being said, it isn’t the only method of treatment. An ACL knee-brace can work wonders to provide stability and strength when an injury is not severe.
It’s important to note, however, that not just any brace will do here, so don’t go running out to the nearest drug store to bag one off the shelf. Generic, one-size-fits-all braces offer minimal – if any – result. In order for your brace to address your specific issues and injury, it should be custom made to your exact specifications. Following an assessment with an experienced sports medicine specialist, your custom ACL knee brace can be created to fit your knee and secure the highest level of protection. This ensures your knee brace has the ability to protect you the way it should.
If you’re considering taking part in the Walk of Life, or just want to get back on the track after a knee injury, why not get fitted for a custom ACL knee brace and get some proper, long-lasting relief?
To find out more about how an ACL knee brace can deliver you optimal relief, contact Athletic Edge Sports Medicine today by calling 1-416-800-0800 or visit us at www.aesmphysiotherapytoronto.ca.