More Children Are Getting ACL Injuries—Here’s What Could Be Done to Prevent Them

Pediatric ACL injuries are on the rise, and experts are urging parents to take steps to protect their kids.

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue that connects the thigh bone to the shin bone. It helps to stabilize the knee joint and prevent it from buckling.

ACL injuries are common in athletes, especially those who play sports that involve sudden changes of direction, such as basketball, football, and soccer.

In recent years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of ACL injuries among children. A study published in the journal Pediatrics found that the rate of ACL injuries in children aged 5 to 14 increased by 60% between 2005 and 2014.

What is causing the rise in pediatric ACL injuries ?

There are several factors that may be contributing to the rise in pediatric ACL injuries, including:

Increased participation in sports: More children are playing organized sports than ever before. This means that they are exposed to more opportunities to injure their ACLs.
Earlier specialization in sports: Children are specializing in sports at a younger age, which means that they are putting more stress on their bodies before they are fully developed.
Intensified training: Young athletes are training harder and more often than ever before. This can put excessive stress on their bodies and increase their risk of injury.
Improper training techniques: Many young athletes are not properly trained in how to perform certain exercises, which can increase their risk of injury.

What can be done to prevent pediatric ACL injuries?

There are a number of things that parents can do to help prevent their children from getting ACL injuries, including:

Encourage your child to participate in a variety of sports. This will help to reduce the risk of overuse injuries.
Make sure your child is properly trained in how to perform exercises. This will help to ensure that they are not putting excessive stress on their bodies.
Encourage your child to warm up before playing sports and cool down afterwards. This will help to prepare their bodies for activity and reduce the risk of injury.
Make sure your child is wearing proper protective gear, such as a helmet and knee pads. This will help to protect them from serious injuries if they fall or collide with another player.

What are the symptoms of an ACL injury?

The symptoms of an ACL injury can vary, but they typically include:

Pain in the knee
Swelling in the knee
Instability in the knee
Difficulty walking or running

How is an ACL injury treated?

The treatment for an ACL injury will depend on the severity of the injury. In some cases, nonsurgical treatment, such as rest, ice, and physical therapy, may be sufficient.

In other cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the torn ACL.