ACL Tears in Athletes: Symptoms, Treatment Options & Recovery

November 19, 2025

Expert Guidance by Dr. Deepak Mishra – Best ACL Treatment Specialist & Best Orthopedic Doctor in Faridabad

Introduction

Among all sports-related knee injuries, an Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) tear is one of the most common and most challenging injuries faced by athletes. Whether you play football, basketball, kabaddi, badminton, cricket, tennis or engage in high-intensity workouts, the ACL plays a crucial role in stabilizing the knee during sudden movements.

When the ACL is torn, it not only causes immediate pain and swelling but also puts an athlete’s career, mobility and long-term knee health at risk. Timely diagnosis and expert treatment are essential to ensure full recovery and to prevent future complications like meniscus damage or early osteoarthritis.

In Faridabad, athletes and active individuals trust Dr. Deepak Mishra, practising at Asian Hospital Faridabad, as the Best ACL Treatment Specialist and one of the Best Orthopedic Doctors in Faridabad for advanced knee injury management and ligament reconstruction.

What Is the ACL and Why Is It Important?

The Anterior Cruciate Ligament is one of the major stabilizing ligaments of the knee joint. It prevents excessive forward movement of the tibia (shin bone) and controls rotational stability—both crucial during:

Jumping and landing
Pivoting and twisting
Sudden stops and changes in direction
High-speed running

Athletes rely on the ACL every time they perform explosive or quick directional movements. A damaged ACL results in instability, weakness and a high risk of further injuries.

How Do ACL Tears Occur in Athletes?

ACL tears usually occur during sports that require:

Rapid pivoting
Sudden change of direction
Landing awkwardly from a jump
Sudden stops while running
Direct tackles or collision

Common sports associated with ACL injuries include:

Football
Basketball
Kabaddi
Cricket
Volleyball
Badminton
Hockey
Gym/functional training

Often, the injury happens without any direct contact, simply from excessive twisting of the knee.

Symptoms of an ACL Tear

Athletes usually experience immediate symptoms. The most common signs include:

1. A Loud Popping Sound

Many athletes report hearing or feeling a “pop” at the moment of injury.

2. Sudden Severe Pain

The pain appears instantly and can make standing or walking difficult.

3. Rapid Swelling

Swelling within the first few hours is a strong indicator of ligament tear or internal bleed.

4. Knee Instability

The knee might feel like it is “giving way,” especially on turning or walking on uneven surfaces.

5. Loss of Range of Motion

Difficulty in fully bending or straightening the knee is common after the injury.

6. Difficulty Bearing Weight

The knee may not support body weight due to instability and pain.

These symptoms require immediate medical evaluation to prevent worsening of the injury.

Diagnosis of ACL Tears

A combination of clinical examination and imaging helps confirm the injury.

1. Physical Examination

Tests like the Lachman Test, Anterior Drawer Test, and Pivot Shift Test help assess ligament stability.

2. MRI Scan

MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing:

ACL tear
Meniscus injuries
Cartilage damage
Bone bruises
Other ligament injuries

3. X-ray

Used to rule out fractures or bony injuries.

A timely diagnosis ensures that treatment can begin early, preventing long-term damage.

Treatment Options for ACL Tears

Treatment depends on several factors:

Age
Activity level
Severity of the tear
Associated injuries (meniscus, cartilage, MCL, PCL etc.)
Future sports goals

Non-Surgical Treatment (Conservative Management)

Suitable for:

Minor sprains
Partial ACL tears
Non-athletes
Older adults
Patients with low physical activity demand

Treatment Includes:

RICE protocol (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Pain-relief medications
Knee bracing
Physiotherapy
Strengthening and stability exercises

However, non-surgical treatment is rarely sufficient for athletes because a torn ACL does not heal on its own. Without proper reconstruction, athletes may struggle with knee instability and recurrent injuries.

Surgical Treatment: ACL Reconstruction Surgery

Who Needs ACL Surgery?

Athletes
Young active individuals
Patients with knee instability
People with combined injuries (ACL + meniscus tear)
Patients planning to return to high-impact activities

What Is ACL Reconstruction?

ACL reconstruction involves:

Removing the torn ligament
Replacing it with a graft (new tissue)
Fixing the graft inside the knee using advanced arthroscopic techniques

Types of Grafts Used:

Hamstring tendon graft
Patellar tendon graft
Quadriceps tendon graft
Allograft (donor tissue)

The choice depends on the patient’s age, sport and knee anatomy.

Advantages of ACL Reconstruction Surgery:

Restores knee stability
Allows return to sports
Prevents further meniscus and cartilage damage
Reduces risk of early osteoarthritis
Improves long-term knee function

Modern arthroscopic ACL reconstruction ensures minimal pain, tiny incisions and faster recovery.

Recovery After ACL Surgery

Recovery requires patience, discipline and expert guidance. The typical recovery timeline includes:

Phase 1: First 2 Weeks

Reduce swelling
Control pain
Start gentle mobility exercises
Begin walking with support

Phase 2: 2–6 Weeks

Achieve full knee bending and straightening
Strengthen quadriceps and hamstrings
Improve weight-bearing

Phase 3: 6–12 Weeks

Start balance and stability training
Increase muscle strength
Begin low-impact cardio like cycling

Phase 4: 3–6 Months

Intense strengthening
Agility training
Advanced physiotherapy

Phase 5: 6–9 Months

Return to light sports
Controlled running
Sport-specific drills

Phase 6: 9–12 Months

Full return to competitive sports
Explosive movements and pivoting

Proper rehabilitation is crucial for complete recovery.
A structured physiotherapy program under a specialist ensures maximum stability and strength.

Returning to Sports After ACL Reconstruction

Most athletes return to their sport within 8–12 months, depending on:

Graft healing
Muscle strength
Proper rehabilitation
Sport-specific readiness

Athletes must clear functional tests before resuming competitive play to prevent reinjury.

Complications of Untreated ACL Tears

Ignoring an ACL injury can lead to:

Repeated instability
Meniscus tears
Progressive cartilage wear
Early osteoarthritis
Chronic knee pain
Loss of athletic performance

This is why early consultation with an expert is essential.

Why Choose Dr. Deepak Mishra for ACL Treatment in Faridabad?

For athletes and active individuals, choosing the right specialist can make all the difference. Dr. Deepak Mishra is widely recognized as:

The Best ACL Treatment Specialist in Faridabad
One of the Best Orthopedic Doctors in Faridabad
A leading expert in knee injuries, arthroscopy and sports orthopedics
Highly experienced in ACL reconstruction, meniscus repair and ligament surgeries
Known for providing personalized treatment plans based on sports demands and patient goals
Practicing at Asian Hospital, Faridabad

Patients trust him for his:

Advanced arthroscopic techniques
Excellent ligament reconstruction outcomes
Athlete-focused rehabilitation protocols
Clear guidance, compassionate approach and attention to detail

Appointment Contact: +91 8287334003

Conclusion

ACL tears are serious injuries that can significantly impact both athletic performance and daily life. With proper diagnosis, timely treatment and expert surgical care, athletes can return to sports confidently and safely.

If you’re experiencing knee pain, instability or have suffered a sports injury, consulting a specialist like Dr. Deepak Mishra ensures precise treatment and a smooth recovery path. As the best ACL treatment specialist and orthopedic doctor in Faridabad, he provides comprehensive care for athletes and active individuals seeking long-term knee health and superior surgical outcomes.