ACL Tears: From Injury to Full Recovery

The Role of the ACL

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that help stabilize your knee joint. ACL injuries most commonly occur during sports that involve sudden stops or changes in direction, jumping, and landing.

Signs of an ACL Tear

• A loud "pop" or a "popping" sensation in the knee
• Severe pain and inability to continue activity
• Rapid swelling
• Loss of range of motion
• A feeling of instability or "giving way" with weight bearing

Treatment Pathways

Treatment for an ACL injury varies depending on the patient's needs. A young athlete involved in agility sports will most likely require surgery to safely return to sports. The less active, older individual may be able to return to a quieter lifestyle without surgery.

Rehabilitation plays a crucial role in both surgical and non-surgical treatments. Physical therapy focuses on restoring strength to the muscles surrounding the knee and regaining a full range of motion.