Knee ligament tears: Signs, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. It is a strong band of tissue that connects the thigh bone (femur) to shinbone (tibia) and helps to stabilize the knee joint. ACL injury means break or tear in the ACL and it usually happens during activities such as sudden stops, changing directions or jumping. When an ACL tear happens, it may lead to knee instability, pain, swelling and lost range of motion.

Factors that lead to ACL tear

• ACL tears are most common in athletes who participate in sports that involve sudden stops and changes in direction, such as basketball or football.
• They can also occur from a direct blow to the knee or from landing awkwardly from a jump.
• Repetitive movements or improper training techniques can lead to muscular imbalances and fatigue, which can contribute to ACL tears.
• A prior knee injury, especially one that damages the meniscus or other ligaments, can increase your risk of an ACL tear.

The most common symptoms that indicate an injury or tear of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) include:
• A popping sensation: Many people describe hearing a popping sound at the time of the injury which in itself is a strong indicator that a ligament might have torn.
• Rapid swelling: When ACL tears, the body reacts by sending inflammatory fluids to the area, which causes swelling. This swelling can happen quite quickly, often within hours of the injury. However, swelling may be caused by other knee injuries and not specifically an ACL tear, hence, its best to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis.


• Pain: Experiencing discomfort or pain, particularly when putting weight on the affected leg, is a hallmark symptom of an ACL tear. The severity of pain can vary, but it's usually significant enough to affect your routine activities.
• Instability: If the ACL is torn, there will be instability in the knee that will cause feelings of sudden shifting or difficulty in balancing while changing directions or movement.
• Difficulty in bending: Bending or straightening the knee might become difficult due to pain and inflammation.

The importance of timely diagnosis
While these symptoms can be suggestive of an ACL tear, a proper diagnosis from a doctor is crucial to determine the exact cause and treatment for the discomfort. A thorough physical examination along with imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs are undertaken to identify the injury and its severity. Timely diagnosis can help prevent these issues by guiding the patient through the recovery process, which typically involves a combination of physical therapy and pain management.

Treatment and recovery
Treatment options for ACL tears vary depending on the severity of the tear, age, activity level of the patient, and overall health. For some individuals, physical therapy with a focus on strengthening the muscles surrounding the knee joint may be sufficient. However, in more severe cases, surgery to reconstruct the ACL might be recommended. Hence, early diagnosis allows for the best suited treatment plan that promotes optimal healing and reduces the risk of future complications.
Recovering from an ACL tear can be a long process that requires patience. The recovery phase involves the line of treatment suggested by your doctor followed by physical therapy and regular exercise.
If an ACL tear is not treated on time, it can lead to chronic knee instability, persistent pain and in the long term, may even result in osteoarthritis.

(Dr Manu Bora, ACL Expert, Pristyn Care)