The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a key piece of connective tissue within the knee joint. It links the shinbone with the thigh bone and plays an important role in keeping the knee strong and stable. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most commonly injured parts of the knee. Just how painful are ACL tears, how can you tell if you have one, and what else should you know about this type of injury? Continue reading below to discover some important information.
What Does an ACL Tear Feel Like?
There are three grades of ACL injuries. In a grade one injury, the ligament is stretched enough to cause damage but is not actually torn. In a grade two injury, the ligament is partially torn. Grade three is a complete tear that separates the ACL into two pieces.
As you might imagine, the severity of an ACL injury can have a big impact on how it feels. Individuals with a grade one injury might feel very little discomfort, whereas more severe damage might cause excruciating pain and even interfere with walking ability.
Diagnosing an ACL Tear
ACL tears usually happen very quickly; they are common during sports, accidents, and falls. Most people can identify the moment when an ACL tear happens because they hear or feel a pop in their knee.
Other signs that you might have this type of injury include:
- Your knee feels weak, unstable, and painful.
- Your knee is swollen.
- You have lost some range of motion in your knee.
A qualified medical practitioner can help you determine for sure whether your ACL is torn.
Treating ACL Tears
ACL tears tend not to heal on their own because the ACL lacks sufficient blood supply. However, if your tear is relatively minor, you may be able to live with it indefinitely. You might just need to take extra precautions to protect your knee.
Of course, most people choose to get treatment to repair their torn ACL. Biologic injections, such as PRP therapy and stem cells, can encourage blood flow and increase healing factors at the site of an injury. They might be used as standalone treatments, or they may be a complement to ACL surgery.
Preventing ACL Tears
If you play sports, there is no way to completely eliminate your risk of an ACL tear. However, you can support your knee’s health and protect it by taking some precautions:
- Properly warm up and stretch before playing sports.
- Wear protective gear that is designed for your sport.
- Stick to a strength training program for your lower body.
- Try to avoid planting your foot and pivoting on your knee.
- Be aware of your environment, and arrange your home in a way to minimize the risk of falls.
ACL tears are a very common injury! Knowing about this condition can equip you to take appropriate action if you ever hurt your knee.
Meet the Practice
Dr. Paul Tortland, DO, is a board-certified specialist in Regenerative Medicine and Sports Medicine. He and our Glastonbury team provide a range of non-surgical treatment options for musculoskeletal injuries, such as ACL tears. If your knee is injured, we can evaluate the situation and recommend your next steps. To learn more about how we may be able to serve you, contact the New England Stem Cell Institute at 860-430-2821.