Getting Active Again After an ACL Tear

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are unmistakable: A sharp, sudden pain in the center of your knee accompanied by a popping sound. If you’ve suffered an ACL tear, you want to get back in the game as soon as possible. Here’s what you can expect dur

ACL tears are among the most common and debilitating knee injuries that can sideline both professional athletes and weekend warriors alike. These injuries are especially prevalent among participants of sports that involve sudden changes in direction, such as skiing, basketball, soccer, and football.

If you’ve injured your ACL, you’re probably wondering how soon you’ll be able to return to the activities you love.

Hansel E. Ihn, MD helps patients recover from ACL injuries, relieving pain while facilitating a speedy return to their active lifestyles.

Essential facts about ACL injuries

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four main stabilizing bands of tissue within the knee. It stretches diagonally through the knee's center, connecting the shin bone (tibia) to the thigh bone (femur). The ACL's job is to stop the lower leg from shifting too far forward, maintain overall knee stability, and aid in controlling twisting motions.

ACL damage frequently happens during quick pivoting, sudden changes in direction, or when a person lands poorly after jumping. Falls can also result in an ACL tear if the knee suffers a sudden, excessive impact that forcefully drives the joint out of its normal range of motion.

Grading and symptoms

ACL injuries are classified into different grades based on the degree of damage. A Grade 1 injury represents the mildest form, whereas a Grade 3 injury is the most serious. Your rehabilitation time and required treatment are determined mainly by this grade, with most Grade 3 ruptures needing an operation to fix.

The severity of the injury also dictates your symptoms, which may include:

Pain in the knee
A feeling of instability or giving way
Inability to bear weight on the leg
Swelling

You might also feel or hear a distinct pop or snap at the exact moment the injury occurs.

Treatment and recovery timeline

The ACL is involved in nearly all physical activities, and fully recovering depends on consistently following your care plan to allow your body to heal as completely and quickly as possible. Your personal recovery program and timeframe will depend on the severity of your injury, whether other parts of the knee were affected, your age, and your overall physical health.

Initially, the first few weeks after the injury are usually focused on decreasing inflammation and pain in and around the joint. During this healing phase, treatment will involve specific exercises and therapies to support recovery, along with the application of the R.I.C.E. method (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation). These steps encourage the body's natural healing process.

You'll likely use a brace and crutches to keep pressure off your knee.

Following this initial stage, your physical therapy will shift to activities and exercises designed to boost joint motion and function, while also strengthening the muscles that support your knee. These activities are added gradually to give your joint adequate time to adjust.

For less serious injuries, you can expect to resume regular activity within a few weeks. However, for more substantial injuries, it could take 6 to 12 months before you are cleared to fully return to your athletic lifestyle.

Personalized therapy for an active life

Because an ACL injury alters how your knee performs, it’s understandable that recovery takes time. The positive news is that by adhering strictly to your rehabilitation plan, you can alleviate discomfort, regain stability, and return to the activities you love.

When surgery is necessary

Dr. Ihn always recommends non-surgical solutions whenever possible. That plan may include a combination of activity limitations, temporary immobilization, a knee brace, or physical therapy.

These key elements determine the surgical repair of an ACL:

How bad the tear is
Your age and how active you are
If you have other damage to the knee (such as injuries to the meniscus or cartilage)
Your goals (whether that’s simply walking or returning to an elite-level sport)

ACL surgery involves replacing the ligament with a new one called a graft made of tissue from your kneecap tendons or hamstrings, or from a donor.

To learn how we can help you recover from an ACL injury or any other type of sports injury, request an appointment with Dr. Ihn. Call 760-568-2684 or use our online booking tool.