How Do I Know If I Have A Torn ACL? 3 Knee Injury Symptoms

Is Your Knee Injury An ACL Tear?

The knee is an essential part of all movement, including bending, twisting, or running. So when a knee injury happens, the fallout can be painful. An ACL injury, in particular, is the most painful and common, especially in sports. More than 150,000 ACL injuries happen each year from both contact and non-contact incidents.

Understanding ACL tears

The knee has different bones, with ligaments located on the outside and inside. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is on the inside of the knee. This ligament connects to the shin and thigh bones and forms an ëXí with the PCL. The ACL acts as a pivot, helping with changing direction and quick, shifting movements. The ligament is also crucial for stability and works with other ligaments for shock absorption. An overextension or sudden blow can damage the ligament. ACL tears require immediate treatment. Here are 3 symptoms common with ACL injuries.

1. Beware the pop

The ACL is a strong but springy ligament. When the injury happens, most persons hear a popping sound. The sound is similar to a rubber band snapping. The popping sound is a common complaint of athletes, in particular. Right after the pop comes pain at the center of the knee. The pain will be constant, giving the idea that a serious injury has happened.

2. Well, that just swells!

With ACL tears, the knee begins to swell. Swelling and inflammation occur about 1-2 hours after the injury. This is the body’s natural response to the injury. There will be a buildup of fluid around the knee, which will feel tender to the touch. Icing the knee will help with the swelling until medical attention becomes available.

3. A sudden collapse

There are cases where the injured person is unaware of a torn ACL. After using ice and painkillers to treat the pain and swelling, some persons attempt to walk or move freely again. At this point, another serious symptom kicks in. The knee begins to feel unstable and will be difficult to bend. The patient will even report the knee giving way or feeling on the brink of collapse. This feeling can happen a few days after the injury.

Do you need ACL reconstruction?

Almost all cases require surgery, with ACL reconstruction the most effective procedure. With ACL reconstruction, the surgeon will remove the damaged ligament. The ACL is then replaced with a donor ligament or ligament from another part of the body. The surgeon will use minimally invasive techniques to complete the surgery. This means a larger success rate and shorter recovery time.

Take action

A knee injury can damper physical activity and severely affect the quality of life. For athletes, knee injuries can mean months on the sidelines. ACL injuries, in particular, are serious and affect long-term movement. Look out for the popping, swelling, and pain that comes with ACL tears. From there, seek medical attention immediately.