The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the most critical components of your knee. "This small but important ligament plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee, allowing you to perform activities like running, jumping, and changing directions with ease," says Matthew D. Driscoll, MD, ARC Orthopedics shoulder, knee, and sports medicine specialist at ARC Cedar Park Building B, and two other locations.
"However, when the ACL is injured, it can lead to significant pain, instability, and changes in your ability to participate in certain activities."
What is an ACL, and how does it work?
The ACL is one of four major ligaments in the knee joint. The ACL helps prevent the tibia from sliding too far forward and keeps the knee from rotating excessively. This is especially important during activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or jumping. Athletes tend to be at a higher risk of injury due to the intense demands these activities place on the knee.
In essence, the ACL acts like a stabilizing force for your knee, keeping the joint in place and ensuring smooth, controlled movements.
What happens when you damage your ACL?
When the ACL is torn, it often feels like a "pop" in the knee, followed by severe pain and swelling. The knee may become unstable, making it difficult to bear weight or move normally.
How do you tell if an ACL is torn or sprained?
Determining whether your ACL is torn or sprained often requires a combination of self-assessment and professional evaluation from a doctor. Symptoms of an ACL injury include:
- A "pop" or sensation of popping in the knee.
- Severe pain and rapid swelling.
- Loss of range of motion.
- Instability or a feeling that the knee is "giving way."
While these signs may suggest an ACL injury, an orthopedic specialist can provide a definitive diagnosis. They may perform a physical examination, checking for knee stability and assessing the range of motion. Imaging tests like an MRI are often used to confirm the extent of the injury.
Can you still walk with a torn ACL?
Surprisingly, most people can still walk with a torn ACL. However, the knee will likely feel unstable, and activities that require pivoting or sudden movements may cause the knee to give out. Walking may still be possible, but activities that put stress on the knee joint, such as running or jumping, can be extremely difficult and risky. Instability is a clear sign that the ACL is no longer providing the support needed for normal movement.
Treatment options: From rest to surgery
Once an ACL injury is diagnosed, your doctor will discuss treatment options based on the severity of the injury and your lifestyle. For mild sprains or partial tears, conservative treatment methods are often recommended. These may include:
- Rest: Giving your knee time to heal by avoiding activities that cause discomfort or strain on the joint.
- Physical therapy and bracing: Engaging in a supervised rehabilitation program to strengthen the muscles around the knee, which in some cases may involve bracing, to improve mobility and regain full range of motion.
For complete tears or severe injuries, surgical intervention may be necessary:
- ACL surgery: This procedure involves reconstructing the torn ligament using a graft from another part of your body or a donor. The goal is to restore knee stability and function, especially in athletes or individuals with an active lifestyle.
This surgical repair often requires a significant recovery period, during which rest, rehabilitation, and careful management of discomfort and stiffness are essential for healing.
"If you suspect an ACL injury, it's crucial to consult with an orthopedic specialist for a proper diagnosis and to discuss treatment options," says Dr. Driscoll. "With the right care, many people recover from ACL injuries and return to their normal activities."
Watch Dr. Driscoll talk about different types of knee pain.
Make an appointment today
Dr. Driscoll has a Fellowship in Orthopedic Sports Medicine and Arthroscopy from Southern California Orthopedic Institute. He provides orthopedic services to patients ages 10 and older at three locations: ARC Cedar Park Building B, ARC Medical Park Tower Orthopedics in Austin, and ARC Round Rock.
Make an appointment through ARC MyChart, ARC Help Me Book, or by calling one of the above clinics directly.
ARC in Cedar Park
There are three ARC clinics located in Cedar Park. ARC Cedar Park Building B and ARC Medical Plaza Specialty offer 12 different specialties, and ARC Cedar Park Building C offers primary care and After Hours Care. Our specialties range from Allergy and Asthma to Sports Medicine; our primary care physicians include Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, and Pediatrics.