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ACL Injury

What is an ACL injury?

An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) tear is a traumatic tearing or overstretching of the anterior cruciate ligament, one of the key stabilizing ligaments in the knee joint. This ligament is vital for maintaining stability and controlling rotational movements of the knee. ACL tears often occur during activities involving sudden stops, pivoting, or changes in direction, such as sports like soccer, basketball, and skiing. These injuries can range from mild sprains to complete tears, leading to pain, swelling, and instability in the affected knee.

Common Symptoms of ACL Injuries:

  • Sudden knee pain
  • Difficulty bearing weight on the injured leg
  • A popping sound at the time of injury
  • Limited range of motion in the knee
  • Instability or a feeling of the knee “giving way”
  • Tenderness along the joint line
  • Difficulty walking or moving the knee without pain

Potential Causes of ACL Injuries:

• Sudden changes in direction or pivoting during sports
• Awkward landings from jumps
• Direct impact or collision to the knee
• Hyperextension of the knee
• Landing improperly after a jump
• Overuse or repetitive stress on the knee
• Weakness or imbalance in leg muscles
• Previous history of ACL injury

Treatment Options for an ACL Injury

At Westlake Sports Medicine, we offer a range of evidence-based treatments to support your recovery and restore optimal function. Your care begins with a thorough evaluation to determine the most appropriate path forward. Depending on your condition, this may include regenerative therapies such as PRP or exosome-based injections, functional movement rehabilitation, and other non-invasive options. When necessary, we also coordinate with trusted surgical specialists for arthroscopic procedures—reserved only for cases where conservative methods have been exhausted.

Regenerative Medicine

Regenerative medicine includes PRP injections, stem cell injections, cortisone injections, and viscosupplementation. PRP and stem cell injections harness the body’s natural healing abilities, while cortisone injections can help manage inflammation. Viscosupplementation involves injecting lubricating fluid into the joint to alleviate pain and improve mobility.

Functional & Integrative Medicine

At Westlake Sports Medicine, our approach to ACL injuries focuses on healing the whole body, not just the ligament. We look beyond the injury to address contributing factors like muscle imbalances, movement dysfunction, and inflammatory triggers that can impact recovery.

Your treatment plan may include targeted physical therapy, nutritional guidance, and personalized corrective exercises to support healing, restore stability, and reduce the risk of reinjury—all while enhancing your overall health and performance.

Last Resort: Arthroscopic Surgery

When conservative treatments do not yield the desired results, or for severe ACL injuries, arthroscopic surgery may become the last resort. During this minimally invasive procedure, the damaged ACL is reconstructed using tissue grafts. Surgery is typically followed by an extensive rehabilitation program to regain strength, stability, and range of motion in the knee.

ACL Tear FAQs

An ACL tear typically does not heal on its own due to poor blood supply to the ligament. While minor injuries may improve with physical therapy, complete tears often require medical or surgical intervention to restore full function and stability to the knee.
An ACL tear is diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination, patient history, and imaging tests such as MRI or X-rays. These methods help determine the extent of the injury and plan appropriate treatment.
The typical recovery time after ACL reconstruction surgery ranges from six to nine months. Depending on individual progress and rehabilitation protocols, this period includes phases of rest, physical therapy, and a gradual return to activities.
Yes, an untreated ACL tear can lead to long-term knee problems like chronic instability, increased risk of further injuries, and the development of osteoarthritis. Early diagnosis and proper treatment are essential for preventing these complications.
You should see a doctor if you experience knee pain, swelling, instability, or difficulty bearing weight after a knee injury. Early medical evaluation is crucial for accurate diagnosis and timely treatment of a suspected ACL tear.
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