At Access Sports Medicine, we understand how frustrating and painful an ACL injury can be, especially when it affects your ability to move, work, or play. One of the most common and serious knee injuries is to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), a key stabilizer in your knee joint.

What Is the ACL?

The ACL connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and helps keep your knee stable. It’s one of four main ligaments in the knee and plays a vital role in your ability to pivot, jump, or stop quickly.

what is the acl

What Causes an ACL Injury?

ACL injuries often occur during activities that involve sudden stops, changes in direction, or awkward landings, which are common in sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing. These movements can place excessive stress on the knee, causing the ligament to stretch or tear. An ACL injury can also result from direct impact to the knee, such as a collision or fall. Weak muscles, poor form, or a history of previous knee injuries can increase your risk.

While an ACL injury can range in severity, our sports medicine specialists diagnose and treat all types, including:

Grade I – Mild Sprain: The ligament is slightly stretched but still functions normally.

Grade II – Partial Tear: The ACL is stretched and partially torn, leading to some instability.

Grade III – Complete Tear: The ligament is fully torn, and the knee becomes unstable. Surgery is often recommended for active individuals.

acl injury

 

What are the Symptoms of an ACL Tear?

acl tear

ACL injuries can be frustrating, especially if they keep you from doing activities that you enjoy. If you’ve experienced a sudden injury to your knee and are feeling pain, swelling, or instability, it could be a tear in your ACL. Understanding the symptoms is the first step toward getting the right care and getting back on your feet.

Common symptoms of an ACL tear include:

  • A loud “pop” or sensation of popping in the knee
  • Immediate pain, often severe
  • Rapid swelling within the first few hours
  • Instability or the feeling that the knee may give out
  • Difficulty bearing weight or walking
  • Decreased range of motion
  • Tenderness along the joint line

How Is an ACL Injury Diagnosed?

To diagnose an ACL injury, your provider will begin with a physical exam and a discussion of how the injury occurred. Imaging tests, such as X-rays or an MRI, may be recommended to assess the extent of the damage and rule out other issues. This helps confirm the diagnosis and guide the most effective treatment plan.

acl injury diagnosis

Your ACL Injury Treatment Options

acl injury treatment access sports medicine

Treatment for an ACL injury is tailored to your age, activity level, and the severity of the tear. For younger, more active patients, especially athletes, surgery is often recommended. For older adults or those with less physically demanding lifestyles, a more conservative approach involving physical therapy may be the best option.

If surgery is needed, it’s typically scheduled at least two weeks after the injury to allow swelling to subside and range of motion to improve. Following surgery, physical therapy plays a key role in restoring strength, stability, and mobility to the knee.

Your provider at Access Sports Medicine will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that supports your recovery goals, whether that means getting back on the field or simply back to your daily routine.

 

Locations

Auburn, NH Ambulatory Surgery Center

45 Dartmouth Dr.
Auburn, New Hampshire 03032

150,000

ACL injuries that occur in the US every year, according to the American Orthopedic Society for Sports Medicine.

Your ACL Treatment Options

Depending on your situation, many ACL treatment options include surgery followed by physical therapy. Your doctor can help you determine the best treatment plan for you.

Our staff understands and recognizes the importance of providing current and accurate workers’ compensation information and patient progress reports in a timely manner. Above all, our focus is on the recovery process and getting patients back to work quickly.

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Joshua A. Siegel, MD

Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Siegel is an award-winning surgeon with more than 20 years of experience. He is a US Olympic Committee team physician, a US ski team physician and covers USGA and PGA tour events. Locally, he is the team physician for several high schools, including Phillips Exeter Academy.

Meet Dr. Siegel

David Davis, MD

Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Davis specializes in the treatment of sports-related injuries and has contributed to numerous scholarly publications. His experience includes working as an assistant team physician for the Boston Celtics and Tufts University football and hockey programs. Currently, he is a team physician for several New Hampshire Seacoast high schools.

Meet Dr. Davis

Benjamin Thompson, MD

Knee & Shoulder

Dr. Thompson is an award-winning surgeon, with team physician experience working with the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Lowell Spinners, the Pro Bull Riders Tour and Worcester Polytechnical Institute football team.

Meet Dr. Thompson

How do I know if I’ve torn my ACL?

Many people hear or feel a “pop” in their knee at the moment of injury, followed by immediate pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. The knee may feel unstable or like it could give out when you put weight on it. A proper diagnosis requires a physical examination and often imaging, such as an MRI, to confirm the extent of the damage.

Is it possible to prevent an ACL injury?

While there is no one prevention technique, you should always stretch your leg muscles before participating in physical activity to lessen the chance of an ACL injury.

Do I need surgery for an ACL injury?

The answer to this will depend on the severity of your injury and your personal situation. Many adults with ACL tears opt for rehabilitation in lieu of surgery, while younger athletes commonly prefer to have their ACL reconstructed. You should talk with a doctor to explore the option that’s best for you.

Can a torn ACL heal without surgery?

In some cases, particularly for less active individuals or those with partial tears, non-surgical treatments like physical therapy may be effective in restoring stability and strength. However, a complete tear often requires surgery to fully restore knee function, particularly for athletes or those with physically demanding lifestyles.

How long is the recovery time after ACL surgery?

Recovery from ACL reconstruction typically takes 6 to 9 months, depending on your overall health, the type of procedure, and how closely you follow your rehab program. Physical therapy is essential during this time to rebuild strength, improve mobility, and ensure a safe return to daily activities or sports.