What is the ACL?
The ACL is one of the four ligaments that stabilize your knee. Your ligaments give your legs controlled forward and backward movement. The ACL stabilizes the tibia to prevent it from sliding too far forward when you run, jump, or walk.
What causes the ACL to tear?
ACL tears commonly happen in sports, falls, motor vehicle accidents, and other trauma to the knee. The movements that often result in an ACL tear include:
- Quick changes in direction and pivoting
- Stopping suddenly or slowing down abruptly while running
- Landing from a jump
- Direct contact, such as being tackled in a football game
What are the symptoms of an ACL tear?
When the injury occurs, you may hear a popping sound and the knee may collapse. Other symptoms include:
- Pain and swelling
- Tenderness and sensitivity along the joint line
- Discomfort while walking and feelings of instability while playing sports
- Compromised range of motion
How is an ACL tear treated?
Once an X-ray, MRI, or other diagnostic test confirms the ACL tear, our doctors develop a treatment plan that best addresses your needs. Their strategy depends on many factors, including the severity of your tear, your age, and your goals. The options for treatment include lifestyle counseling and surgery. Surgery is not always warranted, but when it is, it should occur in the first few weeks following the injury. Contact us to request an appointment for diagnosis and treatment.