{"id":20210,"date":"2020-02-06T08:16:40","date_gmt":"2020-02-06T08:16:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=20210"},"modified":"2021-10-15T06:02:36","modified_gmt":"2021-10-15T06:02:36","slug":"14-signs-you-have-an-acl-tear","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/14-signs-you-have-an-acl-tear\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Signs You Have an ACL Tear"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of the 4 major ligaments of the knee alongside the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), lateral collateral ligament (LCL), and the medial collateral ligament (MCL). The three bones connecting at the knee are joined by the four ligaments which serve as ropes meant to connect the bones and keep the knee stable. Ironically, the ACL is the smallest of the four essential ligaments but accounts for up to 90 percent of the knee joint stability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Besides facilitating the smooth rotational stability of the knee, the ACL also prevents the tibia from literally colliding with the femur. ACL injuries fall within any of the three categories; Grade I- (a merely stretched ligament), Grade II (a partially torn ligament), and Grade III (A completely raptured ligament). There are several causes of an ACL tear that include a rapid change in direction, sudden stop, direct collision among others. Early diagnosis is crucial to treating a torn ACL, which is why establishing the signs of the injury is important. Below are 14 symptoms of an ACL tear;  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. A distinct audible \u201cpop\u201d sound<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The dreaded \u201cpop\u201d sound is one of the earliest indicators that your ACL <\/a>gave out from under you. If it happens during a soccer match, you will notice paramedics rushing to the scene with a stretcher since the sound is enough proof that the player won\u2019t be returning to the pitch for that match again. It indicates that the ligament has been raptured and immediate medical attention is needed.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The sound can be loud enough for bystanders to hear and figure out that you have raptured your ACL particularly if they had prior knowledge of this common sign of an ACL injury. Well, sometimes when the surrounding is too loud, you might not hear the pop but you will sure feel the sudden joint shift. If you hear the sound and feel the ligament giving in, it is important to stop moving to avoid causing more damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

2. Intense pain in the knee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

It won\u2019t be business as usual after an ACL tear. Expectedly, one experiences acute pains resulting from the torn ligament<\/a>. The injury interferes with the normal functioning of the knee and the regular flow of blood which happens to be quite painful.\u00a0 It gets worse when you try walking immediately after the injury. The pain is excruciating particularly if you had a severe injury-mostly a grade III. The pain accompanies the popping sound which serves as a reminder that your ligament is in terrible shape in case you missed the popping sound.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The pain is not too severe if you had a minor injury. You may only experience some mild soreness along your knee\u2019s joint line which serves to warn you from engaging in more rigorous physical activities that might worsen the injury. This may inhibit you from standing especially when the damage to the ligament is big. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

3. Swelling of the Knee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

After an ACL tear, the knee is expected to swell within the first 24 hours. The tear affects blood vessels<\/a> causing the blood to leak directly in the knee hence the swelling. It is not common to experience external bleeding during an ACL tear unless the impact severely damaged the skin into the ligaments causing blood to gush out. Even so, the knee area will still swell owing to the body\u2019s self-healing mechanism.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

After an injury, the body\u2019s defense responds by sending a legion of white blood cells to the torn area. The rapid movement of fluid into the injured area causes the knee to swell and become painful. In most cases, the pain and swelling subsides with time, although icing the area and elevating the leg a little with a pillow can help reduce these signs. It is important to refrain from physical activities that engage the knee least the damage to the ligament worsens. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

4. Difficulty Stretching the knee<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As you might recall, one of the primary functions of the ACL is to facilitate the smooth rotation of the knee. When an ACL tears, this function is compromised and even the slightest stretch of the knee is met with agonizing pain. It is important to note that overstretching the knee is one of the many causes of an ACL tear and it is understandable that after the injury, victims find it difficult to bend the knee. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are several ACL rehab exercises that help restore this crucial function of the knee especially if the injury was mild. Severe damage to the ligament, on the other hand, might require surgery after which the patient will begin physical therapy<\/a>. The rehabilitation process aims at among others, minimize pain and swelling of the knee, restore normal walking pattern, achieve full extension of the knee and initiate single leg control.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

5. The knee feels unstable <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Knee instability, also described as the knee \u201cgiving out\u201d can be caused by many things including arthritis, patellar instability, or a meniscus tear<\/a>. However, the one accompanying a popping sound and chilling pain is proof of an ACL tear. This means that the knee is compromised and would require immediate medical attention. An unstable knee is unlikely to support weight or bend and stretch effortlessly.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Treating an unstable knee depends on the severity of the ACL tear. A mild ACL injury resulting in knee instability can cure with enough rest, icing, and elevation of the knee to deal with swelling and pain. The victim can also wear a knee brace to help support the knee while it heals. From there, a series of physical therapies become essential in improving the knee\u2019s strength and mobility. In a few weeks, the victim should be recuperating just fine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

6. Difficulty Walking <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The major function of the knee is to facilitate walking through the flexion and extension of the lower leg proportionate to the thigh. When the ACL is compromised, walking is affected by the extension. It is for this reason that paramedics rush to carry an injured athlete immediately after an ACL tear. In the case of a mild ACL tear, the victim might only experience discomfort <\/a>during walking, but the condition cannot totally paralyze mobility. Grade I and sometimes grade II of ACL tear can be rehabilitated through light physical therapy that includes wearing knee braces for a while, at least until the knee can flex without difficulty.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is important to note that the extent of the injury worsens when the victim continues walking or engaging the knee immediately after the injury. Until the severity of the condition is determined, a victim should stop walking and seek medical attention. 
<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

7. Difficulty bearing weight<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The knee supports the weight of the body from the thighs upwards. The four ligaments play a major role in keeping the knee strong that it can endure the bodies and even external weight<\/a>. When an ACL tears, this function of the knee is compromised and it can no longer support the weight of the body, leave alone external weight. Inability bearing weight is one of the main signs of a knee injury. This can be accompanied by a stabbing pain on the joint, swelling, and stiffness.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inability to bear weight is common in Grade II and III of ACL injuries where the extent of the damage to the ligament is too severe for the knee to withstand pressure. A patient experiencing this symptom would need assistance standing, limping, or even walking. Wearing a knee brace can help stabilize the knee and guard it against further injury, nonetheless, it is not recommendable for the patient to carry heavyweights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

8. Abnormal X-Ray imaging <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A doctor can order x-ray<\/a> imaging to evaluate the severity of a knee injury. When the x-ray images don\u2019t match those of a normal knee, an MRI can be ordered to help ascertain the extent of damage to the ligaments. A radiologist can easily identify a torn ACL given the anatomy of the knee is pretty straightforward.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In most cases, MRI studies are not necessary for diagnosing an ACL tear because the physical examination is just as accurate. However, MRI studies are used to diagnose associated damages to the meniscus, and cartilage where the keen examination is needed. The signs of an ACL tear are common across the board regardless of the cause. Even in mild cases of an ACL tear, the signs remain the same, but of course with relatively reduced symptoms. It is advisable to see a doctor when your knee swells for more than 48 hours, or when you experience inability standing or walking among other signs.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

9. Abnormal physical exams <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned earlier, x-ray imaging is the last thing a doctor needs to diagnose an ACL tear. There exist specifically designed tests to help tell when an ACL is torn, and to what extent. One of them is the Lachman test which is used to evaluate an abnormal forward movement of the shinbone (tibia). During the Lachman test, the doctor stretches the patient\u2019s shinbone forward and tries to feel the tear. The knee is held at 20-30 degrees while the femur is stabilized with one hand as the other shifts the tibia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The other test is the pivot shift maneuver where the patient is put under anesthesia as the surgeon <\/a>tries to detect the abnormal movement of the joint where an ACL tear is suspected. Lastly, there is the drawer test which is performed with the knee bent about 90 degrees and the shinbone moved back and forth to assess whether the ACL is intact. Any of the three tests can effectively help diagnose an ACL tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

10. Tenderness along the knee joints<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

By examining the knee joint alone, a doctor can quickly determine if an ACL is torn. A torn ACL will leave the knee joint swollen, tender, and painful. When ACL tears, blood vessels in the ligaments are raptured and blood flows directly to the joint and other organs within the knee. Blood can be quite irritating to tissues, explaining why pain is a common sign of internal bleeding which is the case with an ACL tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Joint tenderness <\/a>and the accompanying pain can be reduced by icing the region while the leg stays slightly elevated. Note that this is only a temporary hack that helps ease the pain but cannot treat the torn ligament. In severe cases, surgery might be needed to correct this symptom and rehabilitate the torn ligament. In the meantime, it is advisable that one engages in light activities to avoid causing further injury to the ACL and other tissues around the knee.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

11. Creaky Joints<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Besides providing stability to the knee, ligaments alongside meniscuses prevent the femur from colliding directly with the tibia. There is a real risk of bones joining at the knee to collide as a result of injury or worn out tissues especially during old age. When the ligaments together with meniscus are compromised and the bones exposed to rub against each other directly during motion, a crackling sound is produced at the joints<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At this stage, walking, bending or even stretching the knee little aches. It is not advisable for a patient to move while in this condition because they risk damaging more tissues in the process. Fortunately, this condition can be repaired through reconstruction surgery. Doctors normally recommend ligament reconstruction to repair weakened or destroyed ligaments. The process involves harvesting tendons from other parts of the body to replace the damaged ligament and restore proper functioning of the knee.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

12. Hemarthrosis <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hemarthrosis, also referred to as the articular bleeding is bleeding into the joints. It can result from a genetic known as hemophilia or a torn ligament. The most common cause of hemarthrosis is an injury of the ACL. When a joint experiences about four different bleeding <\/a>within six months it can be described as a target joint. Bleeding in the joint occurs when tiny blood vessels located in the synovial membrane raptures leaving blood to flow directly into the joint. Hemophilia patients can experience hemarthrosis without a clearly established cause.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, a perfectly normal person can only experience hemarthrosis through injury, especially to the ACL. A bleed into the joints can cause pain, swelling, and in severe cases permanent disability. Hemarthrosis can cause the same damage to joints like arthritis. The bleeding can also damage the cartilage protecting the bones from rubbing against each other. This can potentially cripple a person\u2019s mobility over time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

13. Numbness and Tingling <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The nerves providing sensation to the knee run from the lower back to the hip, ankle, and leg. Pain from an injury is transmitted to the surface along these nerves. When a nerve or blood vessel is raptured severely during an ACL tear, one can experience numbness and a tingling sensation below the injury. Numbness <\/a>occurs when nerves are completely damaged that they cannot carry signals to and from the central and peripheral nervous systems. This can happen in a Grade II or III ACL tears where the damage severely affects ligament and surrounding tissues and nerves.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Among the symptoms of nerve damage resulting from a severe ACL tear includes reduced sensation in the thigh, leg, and knee. A victim can also experience numbness, soring pain, weakness of knee and difficulty climbing up and down staircases. Surgery may be needed to reconstruct the nerves and tissues damaged from the physical trauma.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n

14. Redness, bruising, warmth in the joint <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In the event of an ACL tear, the skin surrounding the knee reddens as a result of direct blood flow<\/a> to the joint caused by ruptured blood vessels. Injury to the ligament may extend to other tissues including blood vessels causing internal bleeding that is responsible for the reddening of the skin around the injured area. Joint reddening is then followed by swelling a few hours after the injury together with joint tenderness and warmth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Warmth in the skin surrounding the injury is a result of rapid blood flow to the region. Upon an injury, the body\u2019s immune system sends in torrents of blood carrying white blood cells meant to fight the \u201cinvasion\u201d of foreign agents. The increased activity around the injury area causes warmth and swelling. These symptoms can be combated by icing and elevating the knee a little to ease the pain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

<\/div>