The ACL is a dense band of connective tissue made up of collagen fibers that run from the distal end of the femur to the proximal end of the tibia.  The ACL helps to prevent anterior movement of the tibia away from the femur. Most injuries to this structure occur from changing directions rapidly, landing from a jump with improper biomechanics, slowing down from running, stopping suddenly, or direct contact to the knee while the foot is planted (i.e. getting tackled in football).  There are three grades of sprains: grade I overstretched fibers with microtearing, grade II partial tear of ligament with looseness, and grade III full tear of ligament with knee instability.  A grade III full thickness tear can only be repaired with surgery, if your physician deems it necessary.  Grade I and grade II sprains respond well to physical therapy where we address the impairments, and return our patients to their prior level of activity.

Associated Symptoms:

• Swelling
• Stiffness/decreased range of motion
• Pain
• Instability (feeling of looseness) when standing/walking
• Diffculty walking
• Giving out of the knee when standing on it.