ACL Tear

An ACL tear happens when the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee is overstretched or torn. This ligament connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia) and helps keep the knee stable.

ACL injuries are common among athletes who play sports that involve sudden stops, twisting, or changes in direction, such as football, basketball, and cricket. But they can also happen in daily life due to falls, accidents, or sudden awkward movements.

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

If you have an ACL tear in Madipakkam , you may notice:

A popping sound at the time of injury
Severe pain and inability to continue activity
Swelling within a few hours after the injury
Instability or the feeling that your knee is "giving way"
Loss of full movement in the knee

Causes and Risk Factors

ACL tears can happen due to:

Sudden stops or direction changes while running
Landing awkwardly after a jump
Direct impact to the knee (common in contact sports)
Road accidents or falls
Weak muscles around the knee or poor training techniques

Athletes, women (due to knee anatomy differences), and people with previous knee injuries are at a higher risk.

Treatment Options for ACL Tear

Treatment depends on the severity of the tear and the patient's activity level.

Non-Surgical Treatment

Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation (RICE): For mild injuries
Medications: To reduce pain and swelling
Physiotherapy: Exercises to strengthen muscles and restore mobility
Braces: To stabilize the knee during recovery

Surgical Treatment

For complete ACL tears or patients who want to return to sports, surgery may be recommended.

ACL Reconstruction Surgery: The torn ligament is replaced with a graft taken from the patient's own tissue or a donor
Arthroscopic ACL Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure performed using small cuts and a camera for quicker recovery

Dr. Arun Kumar carefully evaluates each patient and recommends surgery only when necessary, ensuring the treatment matches the patient's lifestyle and goals.

Recovery after ACL Tear

Recovering from an ACL tear in Chennai takes time and patience. The recovery plan may include:

Physiotherapy: Starting soon after injury or surgery to strengthen muscles and restore balance
Rehabilitation Exercises: To improve flexibility, coordination, and stability
Return to Sports: Usually within 6–9 months after surgery, once the knee is strong and stable

Following the doctor's guidance and not rushing recovery is key to avoiding reinjury.

ACL Facts

200,000 ACL injuries yearly in US
Women 2-8x more likely than men
Peak age: 15-25 years
90% success rate with surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have an ACL tear or just a sprain?

An ACL tear usually causes a popping sound, rapid swelling, and knee instability, while a sprain is less severe. An orthopedic doctor can confirm with scans.

Can an ACL tear heal without surgery?

Partial tears may heal with rest, physiotherapy, and bracing. Complete tears usually need ACL reconstruction surgery for active patients or athletes.

How long does it take to recover from ACL surgery?

Most patients return to normal daily activities in 6–8 weeks, but full sports recovery may take 6–9 months with proper rehabilitation.

What happens if I ignore an ACL tear?

Leaving it untreated can cause repeated knee instability, further damage to cartilage or meniscus, and early arthritis.

ACL Tear Treatment in Madipakkam