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Symptoms
By Mayo Clinic staffAt the time of an ACL injury, signs and symptoms may include:
- A loud "pop" sound
- Severe pain
- Knee swelling that usually worsens for hours after the injury occurs
- A feeling of instability or "giving way" with weight bearing
Once the swelling subsides, your knee may still feel unstable. It may feel as if it's going to "give way" during twisting or pivoting movements.
When to see a doctor
If you experience any of the signs and symptoms of ACL injury — a popping sound, severe knee pain, a swollen knee or a feeling that your knee is giving out — see a doctor. Also see your doctor if your knee feels loose or unable to support your weight. In general, the longer you wait to start treatment, the longer it will take to get better.
- Friedberg RP. Anterior cruciate ligament injury. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
- ACL injury: Does it require surgery? American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=A00297. Accessed Dec. 18, 2008.
- Friedberg RP. Patient information: Anterior cruciate ligament injury. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
- Hergenroeder AC. Treatment of knee injuries in the young athlete. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Nov. 25, 2008.
- Spindler KP, et al. Anterior cruciate ligament tear. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359:2135
- Murray MM. Current status and potential of primary ACL repair. Clinics in Sports Medicine. 2009;28:51
