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ACL Tear: Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment

Last updated: February 7, 2026 Medically reviewed by: RxHarun Orthopedic Specialist Doctor Reading time: 2 min read

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the four knee ligaments that provide support and stability to the joint. A sudden change in direction or pivot on a locked knee can cause the ACL to tear, thus, causing pain. The injury is most commonly seen in athletes who play basketball, soccer and football or sports requiring abrupt leg movements.

Causes:

  • Unexpected twisting: Sudden twisting or hyperextending the knee may tear the ACL.
  • Rapid movements in certain sports: When the direction of the leg is rapidly changed with the foot firmly planted on the ground, it puts extreme pressure on the ACL and may cause it to tear.
  • Falling from a certain height: ACL tear can also occur when the leg is suddenly stopped in straight or slightly bent position. For instance, jumping from a certain height or falling off a ladder.
  • Skiing Accidents: ACL injuries can also occur as a result of a fall while skiing.
  • Automobile crashes: If your knee experiences sudden jerk in a car accident, it may also cause harm to the ACL.

Symptoms:

  • Popping sound: At the time of injury, there may be a snapping sound emanating from the knee.
  • Sudden imbalance: The knee might feel unstable and there could be an unusual movement of the joint.
  • Pain and inflammation: Internal bleeding can cause swelling in the knee. This usually happens within a few hours of sustaining the injury.
  • Limited knee movement: The knee movement can get restricted due to pain and swelling.

Diagnosis:

The orthopedic doctor may conduct a physical examination wherein the knee is checked for tenderness and damage. The doctor may also check if other ligaments have been damaged. X-Rays and MRI scans may be recommended to determine the severity of the injury.

Treatment:

Most cases of ACL Tear require surgical treatment. However, patients who are not involved in sports activities or have limited physical activity can also find relief with non-surgical interventions.
Conservative treatment for ACL Tear usually includes taking sufficient rest and wearing a knee brace to maintain stability of the knee joint. Once the swelling subsides, the knee surgeon may advise you to undergo physical therapy to restore movement and strengthen the muscles in the joint. Surgery for ACL Tear involves replacing the torn ligament with a tissue graft to restore the stability of the knee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.

References

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Written by Dr. Harun Ar Rashid, MD - Arthritis, Bones, Joints Pain, Trauma, and Internal Medicine Specialist

Dr. Md. Harun Ar Rashid, MPH, MD, PhD, is a highly respected medical specialist celebrated for his exceptional clinical expertise and unwavering commitment to patient care. With advanced qualifications including MPH, MD, and PhD, he integrates cutting-edge research with a compassionate approach to medicine, ensuring that every patient receives personalized and effective treatment. His extensive training and hands-on experience enable him to diagnose complex conditions accurately and develop innovative treatment strategies tailored to individual needs. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Harun Ar Rashid is dedicated to medical education and research, writing and inventory creative thinking, innovative idea, critical care managementing make in his community to outreach, often participating in initiatives that promote health awareness and advance medical knowledge. His career is a testament to the high standards represented by his credentials, and he continues to contribute significantly to his field, driving improvements in both patient outcomes and healthcare practices. Born and educated in Bangladesh, Dr. Rashid earned his BPT from the University of Dhaka before pursuing postgraduate training internationally. He completed his MD in Internal Medicine at King’s College London, where he developed a special interest in inflammatory arthritis and metabolic bone disease. He then undertook a PhD in Orthopedic Science at the University of Oxford, conducting pioneering research on cytokine signaling pathways in rheumatoid arthritis. Following his doctoral studies, Dr. Rashid returned to clinical work with a fellowship in interventional pain management at the Rx University School of Medicine, refining his skills in image-guided joint injections and minimally invasive pain-relief techniques.