Knee injuries, particularly those involving the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) can be painful and incapacitating. At OrthoOIC in Arlington, VA, we provide specialized care for individuals grappling with knee pain, torn ACLs, and other common sports injuries. Learn more about ACL injuries and how sports medicine urgent care can make a difference. Get the answers you need if you are questioning if you knee pain is a torn ACL.
The ACL is a crucial ligament that stabilizes the knee. It prevents the shinbone from sliding out in front of the thighbone. ACL injuries are common sports injuries in activities that involve jumping, sudden stops, or changes in direction. A torn ACL may manifest as a tear or sprain. A tear involves the partial or complete tearing of the ligament. A sprain occurs from an overstretched ACL ligament that does not tear.
A loud popping sound during the injury, severe pain, rapid swelling, loss of range of motion, and knee instability are common symptoms of an ACL tear. Prompt attention is crucial when experiencing knee injuries that include a pop, swelling, and instability. Seeking medical help at OrthoOIC’s sports medicine urgent care in Arlington, VA, ensures a timely and accurate diagnosis. Diagnosis involves a physical examination by a doctor and may include imaging tests such as MRI or x-rays to confirm the extent of the injury.
If you have knee pain from sports and want to prevent tearing your ACL, orthopedic specialists recommend proper exercise training to strengthen leg muscles. You will also need to focus on strengthening your core and lower abdomen. Rest and physical therapy are recommendations to prevent turning knee pain to an ACL tear. More extreme knee pain or other knee injuries may necessitate surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
Knee pain from sports, particularly from torn ACLs, can disrupt daily life and your athletic training. OrthoOIC in Arlington, VA, is a specialized sports medicine urgent care, providing comprehensive solutions for ACL injuries and related knee pain. Start your path to recovery with a convenient appointment at the top Virginia orthopedic urgent care.