Medically Reviewed by Andrew Staples, PA-C
What is an ACL Tear?
The ACL, or anterior cruciate ligament, is the ligament that connects your femur to your tibia and is responsible for stabilizing rotational movements of the knee. Due to its importance in pivoting and stabilization, torn ACL’s are one of the most common sports injuries. The most common causes of injury are changing direction quickly, stopping abruptly, and landing awkwardly from a jump.
Symptoms of an ACL injury often include:
- A popping sound
- Severe pain
- Rapid swelling
- Loss of range of motion
- Inability to put weight on the leg and remain stable
What does the ACL do?
The ACL is one of the four major ligaments in the knee including the PCL, MCL, and LCL. The ACL serves to control rotation of the knee as well as aid in creating forward momentum for activities such as running or walking. It connects the femur to the tibia and is the most commonly injured ligament in the body. This is because of its use in sports and physical activity, often causing strain and overuse leading to injury. To prevent injury, focus on leg strength training as well as stretching to progressively introduce the ACL to strenuous activities.
What to do if you Tear your ACL
ACL injuries come in all forms, ranging from minor trauma to severe tears. If you believe you have experienced an ACL injury, no matter how minor, you should keep weight off your leg, ice to reduce swelling, and seek medical attention immediately. Raleigh Orthopaedic offers multiple urgent care locations throughout Wake County, so you can get the care you need quickly without the hustle and bustle of the emergency room. Our urgent care locations include Garner, Holly Springs, Raleigh, and Wakefield.
*Note: Depending on your injury you may be directed to an emergency room for better pain management or more intense care.
Recovering from an ACL Injury
Recovering from an ACL injury changes drastically based on the severity of the injury from rest and relaxation to post surgical rehabilitation. If you have recently experienced ACL reconstruction, expect 2-4 weeks before you can put weight on your leg and then 2-9 months with a physical therapist building back strength and range of motion. If you or a loved one needs physical therapy services, Raleigh Orthopaedic offers several conveniently located physical therapy centers fully staffed and ready to help you get back to feeling your best.Â
Schedule an Appointment with Raleigh Orthopaedic
If you’re dealing with pain, discomfort, or an injury, don’t wait to get the care you need. Our expert team at Raleigh Orthopaedic is here to help you feel better, move better, and get back to doing what you love. Schedule an appointment online or call us at 919-781-5600 to be seen—often within 48 hours. For immediate care, we offer walk-in orthopedic urgent care services. Click here for hours and locations.
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. It should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or medical judgment. Always consult a physician or qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have about a medical condition or treatment.