Story by: Norton Healthcare on March 1, 2017
Last week the American Academy of Pediatrics published an article reporting that ACL tears are on the rise in children and teens, specifically in young female athletes.
The study states that anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in the knee peak in high school around age 16 or 17, and happen more frequently in females.
A prevention program typically consists of a dynamic warmup, stretching, strengthening, plyometrics and sport-specific agility training to strengthen and coordinate the stabilizing muscles around the knee joint.
Other factors also contribute to ACL tears in girls. These include girls’ increased hip angle, hormonal changes and anatomical differences inside the joint.
Another factor is the rapidly increasing female participation in sports, statistically putting girls more at risk for injury.
The most important thing any athlete can do to prevent an ACL injury is to be diligent about strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings, as well as mastering correct landing techniques.
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