A torn or sprained anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most common knee injuries. The skilled team at Commonwealth Orthopaedic Associates diagnoses and treats ACL tears and other injuries at their office in Reading, Pennsylvania. If you suspect you may have an ACL injury, call or book an appointment online today.
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.
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:
It’s also possible to tear your ACL from a direct blow to the knee or collision, such as a football tackle.
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:
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).
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:
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