Condition guide
Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injury - Overview
A tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a key stabilizing ligament in the knee, often occurring during sports involving sudden stops or changes in direction.
Symptoms
- Severe knee pain at the time of injury
- Swelling shortly after injury
- Feeling of instability or 'giving way'
- Difficulty bearing weight on the knee
- Loss of range of motion
Causes & Risk Factors
- Pivoting or cutting movements in sports
- Landing awkwardly from a jump
- Sudden deceleration
- Direct blow to the knee
- Weak surrounding musculature
Diagnosis
- Physical exam (Lachman and anterior drawer test)
- MRI scan
- X-ray to rule out bone injury
- Assessment of knee stability
Effective Treatment Options
- Rest, ice, and bracing
- Physical therapy
- Reconstructive surgery for complete tears
- Rehabilitation and strengthening exercises
- Use of assistive devices initially
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk with a torn ACL?
Some people can walk, but instability is common. Treatment is needed.
Is surgery always required for ACL tears?
Not always, partial tears or low-demand patients may improve with rehab alone.
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