ACL Tear

ACL tear symptoms often appear immediately after injury and may include:

• A loud “pop” sound at the time of injury
• Severe knee pain and inability to bear weight
• Rapid swelling within hours of injury
• Loss of range of motion in the knee
• Feeling of instability or the knee “giving way”
• Tenderness along the joint line
• Discomfort when walking or climbing stairs

Some patients with partial ACL tears may experience milder symptoms but still notice knee instability during physical activities.

ACL tears typically occur during sports or activities that involve sudden stops, direction changes, or awkward landings. Non-contact injuries account for about 70% of ACL tears and often happen when an athlete plants their foot and pivots.

Common causes include:

• Landing incorrectly from a jump
• Sudden stopping or slowing down while running
• Pivoting with a planted foot
• Direct collision or contact to the knee

Risk factors include participation in high-risk sports (soccer, basketball, football, skiing), female gender (due to anatomical and hormonal factors), previous ACL injury, and poor conditioning or muscle imbalances.

Our orthopedic specialists use several methods to diagnose ACL tears accurately. The evaluation typically begins with a detailed discussion of your injury and symptoms, followed by a comprehensive physical examination.

Diagnostic tests may include:

• Physical examination: Specific tests like the Lachman test and anterior drawer test assess knee stability
• MRI scan: Provides detailed images of soft tissues to confirm the tear and assess other structures
• X-rays: Rule out fractures or bone injuries that may have occurred with the ACL tear
• Arthroscopy: In some cases, minimally invasive surgery may be used for both diagnosis and treatment

Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and preventing long-term complications.

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience a knee injury with any of the following symptoms:

• Hearing or feeling a “pop” in your knee during injury
• Severe pain and inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• Significant swelling that develops within a few hours
• Knee feels unstable or “gives way” when you try to stand
• Loss of range of motion or inability to straighten the knee

Even if your symptoms seem mild initially, it’s important to have any knee injury evaluated promptly. Early treatment can prevent further damage and improve your long-term outcomes. Our urgent care services ensure you can be seen quickly when you need immediate attention.