ACL Tear: How to Know If You Have One and What to Do Next

If you’ve ever twisted your knee during a game, workout, or run and felt a sudden pop followed by intense pain—you might have experienced an ACL tear. ACL injuries are some of the most common and serious knee injuries, particularly in athletes.

Knowing the signs of an ACL tear and how to respond quickly can make all the difference in your recovery.

What Is an ACL Tear?

Your anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the key ligaments that stabilizes your knee joint. It crosses through the middle of the knee and works with the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL) to provide balance and control during movement.

When the ACL is torn—either partially or completely—instability, pain, and swelling usually follow.

Who’s at Risk?

• Athletes in sports with sudden stops or direction changes, like soccer, basketball, tennis, and football
• Women, who are up to 7x more likely to tear their ACL than men
• Active individuals of any age with poor balance or weak supporting muscles

Common ACL Tear Symptoms

You’ll likely know something’s wrong the moment the injury happens. Signs of an ACL tear include:

• A loud pop or popping sensation in the knee
• Immediate and severe pain
• Rapid swelling within a few hours
• Inability to bear weight on the injured leg
• Knee instability or a feeling of the knee “giving out”
• Loss of range of motion

If any of these symptoms appear—especially if pain or swelling doesn’t improve within 48 hours—seek medical care as soon as possible.

How to Prevent ACL Injuries

While some ACL injuries are unavoidable, you can reduce your risk with a few key habits.

Strength Training

Focus on exercises that target your quads, hamstrings, and glutes. Strong leg muscles help protect your knee from injury.

Balance and Stability Work

Sports that involve cutting, pivoting, or quick changes in direction require balance. Training with single-leg drills, core workouts, and agility exercises can lower your risk.

Stretching and Warmups

Always warm up with dynamic stretches before workouts or games, especially focusing on hips, thighs, and calves. Follow up with a cool down and hydration.

Footwear and Form

Wearing the right shoes for your activity and practicing good posture and form during play can also help avoid awkward landings and twists.

What to Do If You Think You Tore Your ACL

If you suspect an ACL tear:

1. Stop activity immediately and avoid putting weight on the leg
2. Apply ice and elevate the knee
3. Use a compression wrap if available
4. Schedule a medical evaluation with an orthopedic or sports medicine specialist

Doctors may perform a physical exam and order an MRI to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the injury.

ACL Tear Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the extent of the tear and your activity level. Options include:

Non-Surgical Treatment

• Rest, ice, compression, elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy to strengthen surrounding muscles
• Bracing or mobility aids

This is often suitable for minor tears or for people with less physically demanding lifestyles.

Surgical Treatment

• ACL reconstruction surgery is common for full tears, especially in athletes
• A tendon graft is used to rebuild the ligament
• Rehab typically lasts six to nine months, though full recovery varies by person

Recover With Help From BASS Medical Group

An ACL tear doesn’t have to be the end of your athletic journey. At BASS Medical Group, our experienced sports medicine team provides advanced diagnostics, personalized treatment plans, and surgical expertise to help you heal.

Don’t Let Knee Pain Keep You Down

If you’re dealing with a knee injury or suspect an ACL tear, contact BASS Medical Group today. We’ll help you get the diagnosis, care, and support you need to get back on your feet.