What is an ACL Tear?

What is an ACL Tear?

Have you heard of someone injuring their knee while playing sports and being told they tore their ACL? It’s a common injury, especially among young athletes — but it can happen to anyone.

Let’s understand this in simple terms.

🦵 What is the ACL?

The ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) is one of the main ligaments inside your knee. Think of it as a strong rope that helps keep your knee stable when you move — especially while turning, twisting, or stopping suddenly.

You have two cruciate ligaments in your knee:

• The ACL in the front

• The PCL in the back

Together, they form a criss-cross shape inside the knee and keep it from wobbling.

⚠️ What Happens When the ACL Tears?

An ACL tear usually happens when:

• You suddenly change direction while running

• You land awkwardly from a jump

• You twist your knee while your foot is planted

• You get a direct blow to the knee (like in contact sports)

You may hear a “pop” sound, feel your knee give way, and notice swelling and pain shortly after.

🔍 Signs You Might Have an ACL Tear

• A loud pop or crack at the time of injury

• Swelling within a few hours

• Knee feels unstable or loose

• Pain, especially when trying to walk or bend

• Difficulty with activities like climbing stairs, squatting, or running

❗ Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It

A torn ACL does not heal on its own. If left untreated, it can lead to:

• Long-term knee instability

• Damage to other parts of the knee, like the cartilage or meniscus

• Difficulty returning to sports or even routine physical activity

💡 What You Can Do

If you think you may have injured your ACL:

• Avoid walking or putting weight on the knee

• Use ice packs to reduce swelling

• See an orthopaedic specialist for proper diagnosis and guidance

🩺 I regularly see patients with ACL injuries and help them decide the best course of treatment — whether it’s physiotherapy, bracing, or surgery, depending on their needs and lifestyle.

👨‍⚕️ Final Thought

An ACL tear can seem scary, but with the right treatment, most people return to their normal activities — and even sports — without issues. If you’ve hurt your knee or feel something’s not right, it’s best to get it checked early.