An ACL tear is one of the most common injuries affecting the knee joint, particularly in people who take part in pivoting or high-impact sports such as football, rugby or skiing. Despite how frequently it occurs, it can be a complex injury to understand and manage. Many individuals in Surrey come to our clinic after feeling a sudden pop in their knee or noticing that their leg feels unstable, especially when changing direction or twisting.
In most cases, they are unsure what has happened, and they often turn to online searches for terms like what is an ACL tear to make sense of their symptoms. This article explains the condition in full, from how it happens and how it is diagnosed, to treatment options and the recovery outlook. Whether you are newly injured or dealing with a long-standing issue, understanding the basics can help you feel more confident about your next steps.
What Is an ACL Tear?
The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is located deep within the centre of the knee. It is one of the key structures responsible for maintaining stability between the thigh bone and the shin bone. Its primary role is to prevent excessive forward movement of the shin and to control rotational motion during movement.
When this ligament is torn, it creates a sense of instability in the knee, often described by patients as the feeling that the joint might give way during twisting or turning movements. This is more than just a nuisance. If left untreated, the instability can place additional stress on the rest of the knee and may eventually damage the cartilage that cushions the bones.
How Does an ACL Tear Happen?
ACL tears are typically caused by sudden, forceful movements that overwhelm the knee joint’s natural limits. This often occurs when someone lands awkwardly from a jump, makes a rapid change in direction, or experiences a forceful twist of the knee. Sports such as football, rugby and netball are common triggers, as are skiing accidents where the knee is forced into an unnatural position.
You do not need to be a professional athlete to sustain this injury. We regularly see patients at our orthopaedic clinic who have injured their ACL during recreational activities or everyday movements. Regardless of the cause, it is important to recognise that even a single event can be enough to tear the ACL and leave the knee unstable without treatment.
What Are the Symptoms of an ACL Tear?
The typical ACL tear symptoms are quite recognisable once you know what to look for. Most people report a sudden popping sound or sensation at the time of the injury. This is usually followed by rapid swelling within the first few hours and a sharp increase in pain. Many individuals find they cannot continue with their activity and often limp or avoid putting weight on the leg.
The knee might feel unstable or loose, particularly during twisting movements, and the ability to fully straighten or bend the leg is often restricted. These symptoms are what usually prompt people to search for symptoms of ACL tear, hoping to confirm whether what they are experiencing is serious. If you have noticed any combination of swelling, pain, instability or a sensation of something shifting inside the knee, you should arrange an assessment as soon as possible.
How Is an ACL Tear Diagnosed?
Diagnosing an ACL injury tear starts with a detailed clinical evaluation. At our Surrey orthopaedic clinic, we begin by discussing your symptoms and how the injury occurred. This is followed by a hands-on examination using specific tests designed to check for knee instability. An experienced clinician can often detect a torn ACL during this initial assessment.
To confirm the diagnosis and check for additional injuries such as meniscus tears or bone bruises, we typically arrange an MRI scan. While X-rays are helpful to rule out bone injury, MRI provides a clear view of the ligament and surrounding tissues. These scans are essential not only for confirming whether there is a complete or partial tear, but also for planning the best treatment pathway based on the condition of the rest of the knee.
What Are the Treatment Options for an ACL Injury?
Non-surgical Management of an ACL Injury
Some patients can recover from an ACL injury without surgery, particularly if they do not participate in high-impact sports and have only mild symptoms of instability. In these cases, physiotherapy is the mainstay of treatment. It focuses on reducing swelling, restoring full movement, improving strength and enhancing proprioception, which is the body’s ability to sense joint position.
With a tailored rehabilitation plan, around 20 to 30 per cent of patients may regain enough function to return to daily activities or even some forms of exercise. However, this approach requires commitment and time, and not everyone achieves full stability this way. If you are researching ACL tears because you are hoping to avoid surgery, it is worth discussing this option thoroughly with your specialist.
Surgical Treatment of an ACL Injury
For patients who want to return to a high level of physical activity or those who continue to experience knee instability after physiotherapy, ACL tear surgery may be recommended. This involves reconstructing the torn ligament using a tendon graft, which can be taken from the hamstrings, quadriceps, patellar tendon or a donor source.
The goal of surgery is to recreate the function of the original ligament and provide long-term stability. Some procedures also include additional techniques such as internal bracing or reinforcement, depending on the specific needs of the patient. Our surgeons in Surrey will work with you to determine the most suitable graft and surgical approach, ensuring you have the best possible outcome based on your lifestyle and goals.
What Is the ACL Tear Recovery Time?
ACL tear recovery time can vary depending on the severity of the injury, whether or not surgery is performed, and how consistent you are with rehabilitation. For surgical patients, recovery typically spans six to twelve months. During this period, you will work closely with a physiotherapist to build strength, improve balance and coordination, and gradually reintroduce sport-specific activities. Rushing back too soon increases the risk of reinjury, which is why a structured plan is so important. Even for those who manage their injury non-surgically, recovery is a gradual process that requires regular progress checks and tailored support to get the best long-term results.
Get Expert ACL Tear Care in Surrey
At our specialist orthopaedic clinic in Surrey, we provide early access to diagnosis, scans and treatment for all types of knee injuries. Whether you are hoping to avoid surgery or preparing for ACL tear reconstruction, we will guide you through every stage of your recovery with expert, individualised care.
Book your ACL consultation today and take the first step towards restoring your confidence, mobility and knee stability. We are here to help you move forward, safely and with expert support.
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