ACL Injury

What is an ACL Injury?

An ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) injury involves damage to one of the key stabilising ligaments in your knee. The ACL connects your thighbone to your shinbone and plays a crucial role in controlling rotational movement and preventing your knee from sliding forward during activity.

ACL injuries range from minor stretching (grade 1 sprain) to partial tears (grade 2) or complete ruptures (grade 3). Complete tears are most common in sport and often require surgical reconstruction for athletes wanting to return to high-level activity.

What Causes ACL Injuries?

ACL injuries typically occur through two main mechanisms:

Non-contact injuries (most common):

  • Sudden deceleration or change of direction

  • Landing awkwardly from a jump

  • Pivoting with a planted foot

  • Hyperextension of the knee

  • Common in football, rugby, basketball, skiing, and netball

Contact injuries:

  • Direct blow to the knee from the side

  • Tackle or collision forcing the knee inward

  • Impact during sport or accident

Risk factors:

  • Female athletes (higher risk due to anatomical and hormonal factors)

  • Previous ACL injury

  • Poor landing mechanics or muscle imbalances

  • Fatigue during training or competition

  • Playing surface conditions

What Are the Symptoms?

ACL injuries often present with distinctive signs:

Immediate symptoms:

  • Audible "pop" at the time of injury

  • Severe pain and immediate inability to continue activity

  • Rapid swelling within hours

  • Feeling of instability or the knee "giving way"

Ongoing symptoms:

  • Persistent knee instability, particularly with pivoting movements

  • Difficulty with sports requiring cutting or jumping

  • Recurrent swelling after activity

  • Loss of full range of motion

  • Apprehension when changing direction quickly

Functional limitations:

  • Difficulty with stairs or uneven surfaces

  • Reduced confidence in sporting activities

  • Compensatory movement patterns affecting other joints

Concerned about an ACL injury or recovering from a reconstruction? Our specialist team has extensive experience treating ACL injuries across all levels of sport, from recreational athletes to professional rugby players and UFC fighters. We provide comprehensive assessment, pre and post-surgical rehabilitation, and performance-focused return-to-sport programmes.