Everything to Know About ACL Tears

If you’re an athlete, you’ve probably heard the term "ACL tear" kicked around quite a bit. Anterior cruciate ligament tears are a common injury that can be quite painful and debilitating. In this article, we'll explore what an ACL tear is, what causes it, and how OrthoCarolina’s team of dedicated orthopedic specialists are the better choice when it comes to treating and preventing injuries like ACL tears.

What is an ACL Tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a band of tissue that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone) and helps stabilize the knee joint. An ACL tear occurs when this ligament is damaged or torn, typically as a result of sudden twisting or pivoting movements.

Anyone can tear their ACL, but due to the nature of this acute injury, we commonly see athletes coming in for treatment of ACL tears. For this reason, we encourage our highly active patients to stay on top of their orthopedic wellness with the help of our care team, to help prevent acute injuries , on the field, court, and everywhere in between.

Preventing ACL Tears

At OrthoCarolina, prevention is always our first line of defense, and this is especially true for sports injuries like ACL tears, which can seriously bite into the time you get to spend doing what you love.

Preventing ACL tears is possible with proper training, equipment, and technique. Athletes should be sure to warm up properly before engaging in sports, wear appropriate footwear and protective gear, and use proper form when performing movements that place stress on the knee joints.

With the help of our specialized orthopedic care team you can develop proper training programs to build strength that provides support for your whole body, be introduced to non-operative methods of prevention and treatment, and get access to specialists like physical therapists (PTs) who are well-versed in preventing injuries that require surgery.

Risks for ACL Tears

ACL tears are most common in athletes who participate in sports that require jumping, cutting, or sudden changes of direction. Some sports with high incidences of ACL injury include:

• Basketball
• Soccer
• Football
• Gymnastics
• Cheerleading

It’s important to remember that regardless of the level of competitiveness you’re playing at, the risk of injury should be taken into account. At OrthoCarolina we consider all ages and levels of skill when treating patients and educating about preventive orthopedic care. 

Women are also more likely to experience an ACL tear than men. One of our resident orthopedic specialists Margaret Lynch, PA-C, covered the reasons for this risk factor, especially when it comes to sports like soccer, which causes a lot of strain to the ligaments in your knees. 

Whether you’re a young athlete looking forward to a long career in sports or a recreational player who wants to keep up your weekend activities, OrthoCarolina’s orthopedic team is here to provide all the care you need from your first appointment to your full recovery. 

ACL Tear Symptoms

If you are concerned that you’ve suffered any kind of tear, sprain, or break, seeking orthopedic care is the best way to ensure you get back on track.

Symptoms of a torn ACL can include:

• Pain
• Swelling
• Instability in the knee joint
• Popping or snapping sensation at the time of the injury

If you suspect you have an ACL tear, it's important to seek medical attention right away. OrthoCarolina has a walk-in orthopedic Urgent Care clinic, where specialists who treat injuries like ACL tears are on call for professional diagnosis and treatment. We have eight clinic locations for patients to visit, view our clinic addresses and hours of operation to find the best urgent care center for your needs.

Treatment for ACL Injuries

Treatment for ACL injuries depends on the severity. ACL tears can either be complete or partial, and are graded by severity. An orthopedic specialist will be able to assess your ACL injury, properly diagnose the grade of your tear, and move forward with appropriate treatment.

In some minor ACL tears, non-operative treatments such as rest, ice, and physical therapy may be effective in reducing pain and improving range of motion. Non-surgical treatment, conservative methods, and regenerative medicine are all available at OrthoCarolina, and will be considered by your clinician if appropriate. However, more severe tears may require surgical intervention to repair or reconstruct the ligament.

ACL Surgery at OrthoCarolina

Complete ACL tears almost always require surgical intervention. At OrthoCarolina, our patients can trust that their ACL surgery will be overseen by best-in-class providers in the field of orthopedic surgery.

Surgical intervention for a torn ACL requires reconstruction, in which your surgeon removes the torn ACL and replaces it with a graft, or a portion of tissue to make a new ligament. A resident OrthoCarolina clinician, Bryan Saltzman, MD explains the ins and outs of reconstructive surgery for ACL tears, to help patients better understand what to expect. 

Dr. Dana Piasecki, another one of OrthoCarolina’s award-winning surgeons, developed an innovative technique for anatomic graft placement in ACL reconstruction. Dr. Piasecki was named a Top Doctor by Charlotte Magazine in 2020, as well as 2022 North Carolina's Top Doctors by SouthPark Magazine. He has extensive experience working with athletes at a high level, and continues innovative research in the field to benefit patients of all kinds.

 ACL Surgery Recovery Time

For our patients who prioritize returning to exercise or sports, surgical intervention is more appropriate as a first-line treatment. As with any surgery, recovery time is an important step to returning to your life before injury.

After surgery or conservative treatment, physical therapy is often recommended to help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve range of motion. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, many people are able to return to their normal activities after an ACL tear.

After surgery or conservative treatment, physical therapy is often recommended to help strengthen the muscles around the knee joint and improve range of motion. With proper treatment and rehabilitation, many people are able to return to their normal activities after an ACL tear.

Urgent Care for ACL Tears 

If you suspect you have an ACL tear, seek medical attention right away. With prompt, proper treatment and rehabilitation, many people are able to recover from an ACL tear and return to their normal activities. 

OrthoCarolina has eight orthopedic urgent care centers that accept walk-in appointments. Hours of operation vary by each clinic location–you can find addresses and hours of operation for each of our urgent care clinics before stopping for an ACL tear, or any other urgent orthopedic concern.