Torn ACL Caused by Weak Legs?

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Published on Sunday, 29 April 2012 23:30

Written by Howard Deskin

So Derrick Rose tears his ACL yesterday near the end of the Bulls 1st round playoff game. Whether or not he should have been in the game at that time is not really the issue here. The real issue us amateur athletes need to know is if you've been suffering from leg ailments that you think are healed - pulled groin, sprained ankle, shin splints, etc. are you more likely to suffer a major leg injury while participating in your sport?

Is there a way to prevent ACL Injuries?

According to several sources - certain exercises can help reduce the probability of an ACL injury. Certainly genetics does play a role as females are more susceptible to the injury than males by a 3-1 margin. Plyometrics is one of the recommended exercise routines prescribed to strenthen the legs, improve power and coordination. Basketball, Soccer, Football & Skiing are the sports that most cause ACL injuries. Interesting how with all the stopping, turning, slamming, skating forward and reverse in hockey, you don't hear about many ACL injuries, just a lot of missing teeth!

Good news for Baby Boomer Athletes

While the boomers continue and even start to play new sports, a recent small study reported by Randy Dotinga in Health News, shows that men and women in their 50's and 60's are able to tolerate ACL surgeries and can go back to playing their sport after surgey and with some physical therapy. In the past, doctors would recommend not performing ACL surgery on patient's in their 40's and 50's. So fellow athletes out there - don't hold back - if you enjoy playing your sport, keep doing it, but please make sure your're also working on strengthening your legs and core to reduce the probability of ACL or MCL injuries.