An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury can be a sudden and unsettling experience, especially for those who love staying active or playing sports. Experiencing one can be worrying, as they often happen suddenly during movement. For winter sports lovers, ACL tears are a common ski injury.
In fact, anyone who enjoys being active can be at risk. Understanding how ACL injuries occur and taking steps to prevent them is a proactive way to protect your knees so you can continue enjoying your favourite activities.
What is the ACL?
The ACL is one of the key ligaments in your knee, linking your thigh bone (femur) to your shin bone (tibia). It helps keep your knee stable, especially when you run, jump, or change direction quickly. If the ACL is injured, even everyday movements can become more difficult, and it can affect your normal daily activities.
What is an ACL tear injury?
An ACL injury happens when the ligament in your knee is stretched, torn, or sprained. These injuries usually occur during sports that involve sudden stops, quick changes in direction, or jumping and landing such as football, basketball, soccer, or skiing.
Types of ACL tear
ACL tears fall into two main categories, and here's a simple way to tell the difference between a partial and a complete tear.
Partial ACL tear
In a partial ACL injury, only some fibres are damaged and not the whole ligament. Your knee can still function, but it may feel unstable. Most daily activities are still possible, but quick movements or sports may feel more difficult or risky.
Complete ACL tear
A complete ACL tear happens when the ligament tears or is damaged, and the knee can no longer be properly supported. Even walking can feel unstable.
What are the common causes of ACL injuries?
ACL injuries are common in sports and activities that put stress on the knee. They usually occur due to one of the following:
Sudden stops or changes in direction
Landing awkwardly from a jump
Direct impact to the knee
Repetitive stress that weakens the ligament
Your risk may be higher if you:
Are female (due to anatomical and hormonal differences)
Play sports like football, basketball, gymnastics, or skiing
Have weak muscles around the knee or poor fitness
Tend to let your knees collapse inward on landing
Wear ill-fitting shoes or use improper sports equipment
If you’re feeling anxious after a knee injury, it’s okay and by recognising these causes can help you take steps to protect your knee.
What are the signs of ACL injuries?
An ACL injury can sometimes lead to other problems like damage to nearby ligaments, cartilage tears, or long-term joint issues such as arthritis. Early diagnosis and treatment reduce these risks and improve recovery.
It’s important to seek medical help promptly if you experience any of these signs:
Severe knee pain or swelling
A feeling that your knee might give way or wobble
Difficulty moving your knee fully
Any unusual symptoms such as your foot feeling cold, numb, or appearing bluish, which could indicate poor blood flow
Getting timely care gives your doctor the best chance to properly diagnose the injury and create a personalized treatment plan to help your knee heal safely.
Experiencing these symptoms? Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to confirm the cause of your injury and find out the right treatment for your condition.
What are the complications of an ACL tear?
An ACL tear is more than just a knee injury. It can sometimes lead to other issues in your knee that may affect your recovery and long-term joint health.
Injury to other knee ligaments:
When the ACL tears, it’s common for other ligaments around the knee like the medial collateral ligament (MCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), or posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), to also be injured.
Meniscus tears:
The meniscus is a cartilage cushion inside your knee that helps absorb shock. ACL tears often happen along with tears in the meniscus.
Bone fractures:
Sometimes, an ACL injury can also cause small cracks or fractures in the bones around the knee joint.
Joint stiffness and reduced motion:
After an ACL injury or its treatment, your knee might feel stiff or may not move as freely as before.
Long-term risk of osteoarthritis:
Having an ACL tear increases the chance of developing osteoarthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and stiffness, later in life.
How are ACL injuries diagnosed?
If an ACL injury is suspected, your doctor will begin with a careful examination to understand the extent of the damage. This usually includes:
Physical examination:
During the examination, doctors will check your knee for swelling, movement, and stability. Tests like the Lachman or pivot-shift help show if the ligament is damaged and how unstable the knee is.
Imaging tests:
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) confirms ACL tear and checks for meniscus or cartilage damage.
X-rays used to rule out fractures or other bone injuries that might happen at the same time.
After these assessments, your doctor can confirm the diagnosis and recommend the most suitable treatment.
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Treatment of ACL injuries
How we treat your ACL injury depends on many things, like how severe it is, your age, how active you are, and your overall health. There are two main approaches:
Non-Surgical treatment
Non-surgical approaches may be suitable for partial tears or cases where the knee remains stable. This treatment includes:
Rest and activity modification:
Avoid activities that stress the knee.
RICE method:
- Rest and avoid putting pressure on the affected area
- Ice, apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes every few hours
- Compression using an elastic bandage or knee brace
- Elevation, keep the knee elevated to minimise fluid build-up
Physical therapy:
A structured programme that focuses on strength, flexibility, balance, and preventing re-injury.
Exercises help regain range of motion and stabilise the knee, while a physical therapist can guide you on techniques to prevent future re-injury.
Medication:
Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help.
Surgical treatment
Surgery may be the best option if your ACL is completely torn or your knee feels unstable, especially if you want to stay active and enjoy sports. ACL reconstruction surgerycan help restore stability. It’s a minimally invasive procedure using small incisions and a camera, followed by rehabilitation to regain function over several months.
If you’re experiencing knee pain or instability, schedule a consultation with our orthopaedic specialists to get personalised care and support. Arranging a consultation can help you understand your injury and explore the most effective ways to manage or recover from it.
When is surgery necessary?
Surgery is often recommended for athletes or anyone who wishes to continue high-impact or physically demanding activities. ACL reconstruction replaces the torn ligament with a graft to restore knee stability. For less active individuals or those with partial tears, non-surgical treatment may be sufficient, allowing most everyday activities and low-impact exercise.
What are the steps to a successful ACL recovery?
Recovering from ACL surgery takes a structured rehabilitation programme that helps restore knee function, rebuild strength, and gradually get you back to your normal activities. Here’s a look at the key stages in post-surgery rehabilitation:
Early rehabilitation:
To reduce swelling and gently improve your knee’s movement. Simple exercises, like stretches and light mobility work.
You might use crutches to avoid putting too much weight on your knee.
Strengthening exercises:
Targeted exercises are added to strengthen the quadriceps, hamstrings, and other supporting muscles to stabilise your knee and protect it from further injury.
Functional training:
Sport-specific or activity-based exercises to get your knee ready for everyday movements.
These exercises copy the motions you need for sports or daily tasks, helping you regain strength, confidence, and function.
Return to activity:
Gradual return to physical activities, including sports, is critical to avoid re-injury.
Most people can resume pre-injury activity levels within 6-12 months with the proper guidance from healthcare professionals, depending on their progress and commitment to the rehabilitation plan.
How to prevent ACL injuries?
Although ACL injuries can be serious, there are steps you can take to lower your risk and keep your knees strong and stable.
You can help protect your knees through:
Strengthening exercises for the quadriceps, hamstrings, and glutes
Balance and flexibility training to improve joint control
Practising safe techniques for jumping, landing, and pivoting
Maintaining overall fitness to support your knees during activity
If you’re active in sports or often put stress on your knees, it’s important to know how to protect them. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical to consult our specialists on personalised ways to strengthen your knees, improve balance, and reduce your risk of ACL injuries.
FAQ
How common are ACL injuries?
ACL injuries are relatively common, especially among athletes who play sports that involve jumping, sudden cutting movements, or rapid direction changes.
Is it possible for an ACL tear to heal on its own?
It’s natural to hope for quick healing, but because the ACL has a limited blood supply, full healing without treatment is rare. Partial tears might improve with therapy, but a complete tear often needs surgery to help you get back to your best.
Can ACL injuries be prevented?
While not all ACL injuries can be avoided, you can reduce your risk by taking part in conditioning programmes that strengthen your muscles, improve flexibility, and teach safe landing and movement techniques.
What are the treatment options for a torn ACL?
Every case is unique. Treatment depends on the severity of the tear. Options may include rest, physical therapy, or, for more serious injuries, surgical reconstruction to restore knee stability.
How long does recovery take after ACL surgery?
Recovery typically takes 6-12 months, depending on the severity of the injury, the individual's health, and their commitment to following a structured rehabilitation plan.
Will I be able to return to sports after an ACL injury?
Many people do return to their favorite activities. With proper rehabilitation,most people can get back to their pre-injury sports or activity levels. Some may need to modify their participation depending on their recovery progress.
What happens if an ACL injury is left untreated?
Ignoring an ACL injury can lead to ongoing instability, increase the risk of further knee damage (like meniscus tears), and may eventually lead to long-term joint problems such as arthritis.
How soon should an ACL tear be repaired?
ACL reconstruction is usually planned once the swelling has gone down and your knee can move nearly normally, typically about 2-6 weeks after the injury. Doing surgery too early, while the knee is still stiff or inflamed, can raise the risk of complications.
For active individuals with a complete tear or an unstable knee, having surgery sooner can help prevent further damage to the meniscus or cartilage. In some cases, particularly for less active people or partial tears, non-surgical treatment may be a good option, and immediate surgery might not be needed.
The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice based on your unique situations, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.
For more information, contact us:
Thomson Specialists (Thomson Medical Centre) — Orthopaedic
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