Overview
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a key ligament that joins the upper and lower leg bones (femur and tibia) to aid proper knee movement. When the ACL is torn or injured, the surrounding nerves sometimes suffer damage as well. Nerve damage is also a potential complication of ACL reconstructive surgery. Damage can be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity and type of injury. With time and physical therapy, many damaged nerves heal on their own. In other cases, surgical intervention is required. The following symptoms may indicate nerve damage as a result of ACL injury.
Loss of Feeling
Numbness or tingling is one of the most common indicators of nerve damage. It can also manifest as a burning or pins-and-needles sensation around the knee, calf, ankle or foot. Areas of desensitized skin are also possible.
Pain
Some nerve-damage patients describe periods of intense pain that manifest as excessive sensation: a deep ache, stinging shocks or a heightened sense of touch. Intense pain can also occur during the healing process as the nerve regenerates.
Loss of Mobility
Nerve damage often causes a loss of muscle control in the knee, ankle, foot or toes. Symptoms can include weakness, decreased motor function, loss of balance or flexibility, walking abnormalities, or even complete loss of movement below the injury.
Appearance
Visible symptoms of ACL nerve damage include swelling or abnormal appearance of the affected area. Patients should also watch for pale or bluish skin.
Unusual Sensations
Other reported symptoms of nerve damage involve twitching or shuddering, coldness in the affected limb and problems with positional awareness (limb heaviness, perception of limb position).
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