Do I Have An ACL Tear?

Do you experience an inability to support your weight on the affected knee?

When it happened, did you hear a (loud) "pop"?

Do you have a (quite large) swelling and did it occur rapidly after getting injured?

Has your joint been unstable after the injury happened?

Did you experience pain when the injury happened?

Do you experience trouble standing or walking on the affected knee?

Do you experience an odd appearance of one side of the knee compared to the pain-free side?

Based on your answers, it’s unlikely that you have an ACL tear. That is a big relief! An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament. An ACL tear most often occurs during sports, and about 80% happen without contact with other athletes. The most typical scenario is an athlete suddenly changing direction and feeling their knee ‘popping’ out from under their body. However, if you are not sure about your injury, it may be recommended to let a doctor have a look at it.

Based on your answers, you are displaying some signs related to and ACL tear. An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament. The signs of an ACL injury are not always the same, so it may be important to see a doctor if you are experiencing some symptoms. Depending on the severity of your injury, treatment may include rest and rehabilitation exercises in order to regain strength and stability. Surgery is sometimes needed to replace the torn ligament. A proper training program can help reduce the risk of ACL injury.

Unfortunately, you are displaying the symptoms typically seen among individuals who have an ACL tear. It is highly recommended to seek medical support. An ACL injury is a tear or sprain of the anterior cruciate ligament. Depending on the severity of your injury you may need rest and rehabilitation exercises, and in worst cases surgery to replace the torn ligament. To reduce ACL injury, you should do exercises that strengthen leg muscles (especially the hamstrings), exercises to strengthen the core, and learn proper technique and knee position when jumping and landing, and when performing pivoting and cutting movements. Besides, you should wear appropriate footwear.