What is an ACL Tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the stabilizing ligaments inside your knee joint. The ACL and PCL (posterior cruciate ligament) cross over each other to form an X shape that controls the back and forth motions of your knee.
An ACL tear occurs when the fibers of this ligament stretch too far and rupture either partially or completely. This common sports injury most often occurs when you suddenly stop or change direction while running, jumping, or landing.
What Causes an ACL Tear?
Many sports and physical activities put stress on the knees, which is one reason why ACL tears are so common. You may injure your ACL while making any of the following movements:
- Quickly changing direction
- Stopping abruptly
- Slowing down while running
- Landing from a jump improperly
- Pivoting with your foot firmly planted
It’s also possible to tear your ACL from a direct blow to the knee or collision, such as a football tackle.
How Do I Know if I Have an ACL Tear?
If you hear a popping noise and feel your knee give out from beneath you while playing sports or exercising, you might have an ACL tear. Other common symptoms of a torn ACL include:
- Pain and swelling in the knee
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
You should call Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates right away if you think you may have an ACL injury. Without proper treatment, your knee will remain unstable. Additionally, an untreated ACL tear may cause further damage to other structures of your knee joint, such as the cartilage (meniscus).
How Do You Diagnose and Treat an ACL Tear?
First, your expert provider at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates carefully evaluates your knee and reviews your medical history. They may also take an X-ray to determine the extent of your knee injury.
Then, they recommend the best course of treatment for your particular condition. Depending on your needs, ACL treatment may include:
- Surgery to repair the torn ligament
- Wearing a knee brace and/or using crutches
- Physical therapy to restore function to the knee
If you suspect you may have an ACL tear, don’t hesitate to call Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates or schedule an appointment online.
*For more information on Knee Injuries, click here
