What is a Torn ACL? Answers from Advanced Orthopaedics & Sports Medicine of Houston
A torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is a knee injury that is especially common among athletes but that can also affect individuals of all ages and activity levels. The ACL is one of four main ligaments in the knee. It runs diagonally across the knee, connecting the femur (the leg bone) to the tibia (the shin bone) and providing stability when the knee rotates.
Being bent or twisted in the wrong direction can cause the ACL to tear; so can being subjected to a sudden impact. It’s common for a torn ACL to be accompanied by other ligament damage, such as a torn MCL or PCL.
What does a torn ACL feel like?
If you tear your ACL, you’ll likely feel (and possibly hear) a sharp popping sensation in your knee. Pain and swelling are common and can occur immediately after the injury. Other torn ACL symptoms include:
- A feeling of instability in the knee or an inability to place weight on it
- Tenderness in the joint
- A loss of range of motion
ACL injuries typically require immediate medical treatment. Attempting physical activity on a torn ACL can make the damage worse and complicate the healing process.
How do you treat a torn ACL?
If the ACL is only partially torn, it’s possible to treat it through conservative therapies, such as bracing, medication and physical therapy. In some instances, complete tears can also be rehabilitated without surgery, although surgical reconstruction is often necessary to restore full stability to the knee.
At Advanced Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine of Houston, Texas, we provide a comprehensive range of torn ACL treatments. Our knee injury specialists can evaluate your injury and help you determine the least invasive, most effective treatment options for your specific situation. We have a team of orthopedic physicians who exclusively treat knee injuries, such as torn ACLs, who can provide you with individualized recommendations. To learn more, contact us today.
-
1Professional Building II At North Cypress Medical Center
AOSM Physical Therapy
-
2North Cypress Professional Building At Lakewood Crossing
AOSM Physical Therapy -
3North Cypress Professional Building At Towne Lake
-
4Advanced Orthopaedics Memorial
What Our Patients Are Saying
I had Back surgery October 1st with fusion. My surgeon was Dr. M Cubbage and my experience I feel could not be any more satisfied with my surgery.
They are very professional and attentive. I was having shoulder pain. The wait was short and staff very kind.
Dr. Cubbage & Staff replaced a disc that had been destroyed between my 4th and 5th vertebra. This is my 4th month since the surgery in January of 2018. I was very impressed with their dedication
Thanks for the help on strengthening my legs after the back surgery, There was no pain shooting down the back of my legs after surgery. I am recovering well with no pain medications after seven days.
Dr. Patel is one of the best Doctors I have ever had. She is pretty good at her job. She makes it plain and simple. She is also very thoughtful. I was very glad to have met her.
Always treated promptly and kindly at AOSM. Thanks to Dr Mack and his team.
I never review places or services on Facebook, but I could not let others know how blessed I was to have Dr. Cubbage as my surgeon. He and his lovely staff, including awesome Karen,
Dr Tanous and Chris are the best! Thank you for always taking such good care of me!
So I was going to get on here and brag about what a great surgeon Dr. Cubbage is. But Cubbage is only 3/4 of the picture. He’ll fix you, but Karen is the one that will care for you and heal you!
Excellent care and attention to patients. I recently had a total hip replacement and I am able to walk 6 weeks after surgery with no cane.