Most ACL injuries are complete or partial tears of the ligament, meaning it can no longer stabilize the knee. ACL sprains are minor injuries with little long-term damage to the ligament. Sprains usually heal in one to two weeks with rest, icing, and over-the-counter pain medication as recommended by your orthopedic specialist. Our specialists offer a complete exam and thorough diagnosis for any ACL-related pain or injury.
TORN ACL SYMPTOMS
If you tear your ACL, you may:
CAUSES OF ACL INJURIES
ACL injuries often occur during recreational activities or sports that involve:
WHEN TO SEEK TREATMENT FOR AN ACL INJURY
If you experience any signs or symptoms of ACL injury or tear, seek care as soon as possible.
You should see a doctor within one to two weeks if you experience mild to moderate discomfort that does not improve by resting the injured knee. If your knee feels unstable or will not support your leg in normal activity, schedule an appointment with a medical provider within 24 hours.
Orthopaedic Injury Clinic gives everyone (adults, teens, and children over the age of five) access to a trained orthopedic specialist for immediate evaluation of injuries that are two weeks or less old.
ACL INJURY TREATMENT
If your lifestyle only includes light or moderate physical activity, a non-surgical approach may be a good fit for a partial or full ACL tear.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM A TORN ACL?
The length of your recovery will depend on the extent of your injury and other individual circumstances.
If you experience a partial ACL tear or choose a non-surgical approach to treat a full tear, your specialist will recommend weight-bearing activity and physical therapy within a few days of the injury. Many patients typically achieve their full range of motion in three to four weeks and regain their pre-injury strength in three to four months.
Full recovery from ACL surgery may take six to 12 months.
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