What is an ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four ligaments in the knee that connects the femur to the tibia. The ACL is located in the middle of the knee, serving to keep the tibia in place and in front of the femur. The ACL also provides stability for the knee to rotate.
ACL Tear Causes
An ACL injury is more common among people who play certain sports, such as basketball, football, soccer or skiing. Because of this, some common ACL tear causes include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Slowing down while also changing directions
- Pivoting
- Sidestepping
- Landing awkwardly
ACL Tear Symptoms
Common ACL tear symptoms include, but are certainly not limited to:
- Knee pain and swelling immediately after the injury occurs
- A sensation that the knee is unstable
- Limited range of motion
- Tenderness along the joint
- Feeling uncomfortable while walking
ACL Tear Treatment
Depending on the severity of an ACL tear and other factors, there are a variety of nonsurgical and surgical ACL tear treatments available.
Examples of nonsurgical ACL tear treatment includes, but is not limited to:
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Use of a hinged knee brace
However, an ACL tear treatment that is nonsurgical may risk other, related injuries. Because of this, it's best to speak with a knee specialist about which type of ACL tear treatment is right for you, and if ACL surgery is appropriate.
Do You Think You or a Loved One Has an ACL Tear? See an SOS Specialist
If you or a loved one is experiencing knee pain or other ACL tear symptoms, don't wait for it to get worse. Even if you or a loved one don't have an ACL tear, your knee pain may be a sign of another problem.
It's important to discuss your medical options with a knee specialist. The SOS team includes experienced knee specialists, providing total orthopedic care.