What it is
The ACL is a ligament inside the knee that helps prevent the shin bone from sliding forward on the thigh bone and provides rotational stability. It is often injured during a non-contact twisting motion, sudden change of direction, or landing awkwardly from a jump — commonly in cricket, football, badminton, basketball and skiing.
Common symptoms
- A distinct 'pop' sound or feeling at the moment of injury
- Rapid swelling within a few hours
- Feeling of instability or the knee 'giving way'
- Difficulty with pivoting or turning
- Pain when weight-bearing on the affected leg
- Reduced range of motion
When to see a specialist
If symptoms persist despite initial rest and simple measures, are severe, or are affecting daily activities, an assessment can help clarify diagnosis and treatment options. Bring any previous imaging or notes to your consultation.
Treatment considerations
Whether ACL reconstruction is appropriate depends on the patient's age, activity requirements, associated injuries (meniscus, other ligaments), imaging findings and functional needs. Not every ACL tear requires surgery — some patients with lower demand activities may be managed with structured rehabilitation.
⚠ When further assessment is important
Contact us if you experience severe pain, sudden loss of function, fever, unexplained weight loss, or any concerning new symptom. Not every condition requires surgery — treatment is decided together after clinical examination and imaging review.
Rehabilitation: → ACL rehabilitation programme at VBJ
Dr. Vijay Chandar R.
15+ years of clinical practice with a focus on knee replacement, ACL and sports knee injuries, arthroscopy and shoulder surgery. Consultations at VBJ Bone & Joint Clinic, Kanakapura Road. Read full profile →
Explore treatment and rehabilitation
Read about the care options related to this condition. The appropriate treatment depends on your assessment; not every condition requires surgery.
Related information
Need an orthopaedic assessment?
Bring any recent X-rays, MRI reports or medical reports. We’ll examine you, review your imaging and recommend an appropriate treatment path.