A torn ACL is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the main ligaments that helps stabilize your knee. This injury often happens during sports or physical activity that involves sudden stops, changes in direction or awkward landings.
It may be easy to notice and can cause:
- Knee pain at the time of injury
- Swelling that develops quickly
- A feeling that your knee is unstable or giving way
- Difficulty continuing activity or putting weight on the leg
How serious is it?
A torn ACL is a significant knee injury and evaluation is important to understand the extent of the injury and guide treatment.
- Partial tears may still allow some movement but can affect stability.
- Complete tears often make the knee feel unstable, especially during activity.
What does recovery look like?
Recovery depends on the severity of the tear and your activity goals.
- Imaging, such as an MRI, is commonly used to confirm an ACL injury.
- Treatment may include physical therapy, or surgery for more active individuals or complete tears.
- Recovery can take several months and usually involves a structured rehabilitation program to restore strength, balance and knee stability.