An anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is a tear in the ACL ligament. The ACL is located in the middle of the knee joint. It connects the lower leg bone to the thigh bone. It stabilizes the knee and prevents the lower leg bone from sliding too far forward at the knee.

Torn ACL? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.

ACL injury occurs when your knee gets twisted or during a hard landing from a jump. It can also happen with:

  • Sudden stops or changes in direction
  • Sidestepping or pivoting
  • Direct contact

ACL injuries are more common in women. Other factors that increase your chance of ACL injury include:

  • Weak knee structure
  • Muscle strength imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings
  • Playing sports that require sudden changes of direction and deceleration
  • Use of incorrect technique for cutting, planting, pivoting, or jumping
  • Previous injury or reconstructive ACL surgery

Symptoms of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury

Symptoms may include:

  • A popping sound at the time of the injury
  • Pain and swelling in the knee
  • Loss of full range of motion
  • Weakness or instability in the knee
  • Difficulty walking

Anterior Cruciate Ligament Treatments

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Recovery time ranges depending on the grade of your injury. Treatment steps may include:

Acute Care

Rest

Your ligament will need time to heal. Avoid activities that place extra stress on the knee:

  • Do not do activities that cause pain. This includes running, jumping, and weight lifting using the legs.
  • Do not play sports until your doctor has said it is safe to do so.

Your doctor may advise a knee brace to stabilize the knee, and crutches to keep extra weight off your leg.

Cold

Apply an ice or a cold pack to the area for 15-20 minutes, four times a day, for several days after the injury. Do not apply the ice directly to your skin. Wrap the ice or cold pack in a towel.

Pain Relief Medications

To manage pain, your doctor may recommend:

  • Over-the-counter medication, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen
  • Topical pain medication - creams or patches that are applied to the skin
  • Prescription pain relievers

Compression

Compression can help prevent more swelling. Your doctor may advise an elastic compression bandage around your knee. Be careful not to wrap the bandage too tight.

Elevation

Elevation can also help keep swelling down. Keep your knee higher than your heart as much as possible for the first 24 hours. A couple of days of elevation might be recommended for severe sprains.


Recovery Steps

Physical Therapy

You may be referred to a physical therapist. Your therapist will provide you with exercises to help promote recovery.

Heat

Use heat only when you are returning to physical activity. Heat may then be used before stretching or getting ready to play sports to help loosen the ligament.

Stretching

When the acute pain is gone, start gentle stretching as advised. Stay within pain limits. Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds and repeat six times. Stretch several times a day.

Strengthening

Begin strengthening exercises for your ligaments as advised.


Surgery

Surgery may be needed to fully restore function of the knee. The decision to have surgery should be made after discussion with your doctor about your athletic needs, age, and related factors.

Torn ACL? Please call TriStar MedLine® at (615) 342-1919 to make an appointment with one of our specialists.