What's the Difference Between an ACL Sprain and a Tear?

January 3, 2024

Share this article:

a man is sitting on the ground with a basketball and holding his knee after an ACL injury

As one of the most common sports-related injuries, ACL injuries are frequently misdiagnosed and misunderstood. It's critically important that both patients and physicians understand the difference between an ACL sprain vs. a tear, as the recovery time and treatment process vary based on the injury.


Understanding the ACL

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, is a powerful ligament that connects your shinbone to your thighbone, ultimately providing you with much-needed stability in the knee. This ligament works to aid in forward motion as well as rotational movement of the knee, which is one of the reasons why ACL tears and sprains are so common among athletes.


ACL Tear Symptoms

An ACL tear occurs when the ligament is torn. It is a serious knee injury, and the signs and symptoms are actually quite obvious. The most common symptoms of an ACL tear include:


  • A popping sound in the knee.
  • Significant swelling around the knee.
  • Loss of range of motion in the knee.
  • An inability to bear weight on the knee.


ACL Sprain Symptoms

An ACL sprain is less severe than an ACL tear. When an ACL sprain occurs, the ligament is simply stretched too far. The most common signs and symptoms of an ACL sprain include knee pain and minor swelling.


Treatment Options for ACL Injuries

The treatment for an ACL injury will vary based on the grade of the injury, and whether it is an ACL sprain vs. tear. Some treatment options for ACL injuries include:


  • Rest and elevation. For a low-grade injury, extended rest while the leg is elevated can help the tear repair itself.
  • Ice treatments. Icing the knee several times a day for 15-minute intervals can help the tear or sprain heal.
  • Surgery. ACL repair surgery is the best option for the most severe tears, but the recovery can be difficult. Massage therapy after surgery may be able to aid your recovery from ACL surgery.


Preventing ACL Injury

ACL injuries are not only extremely painful, but they also are incredibly restrictive, often preventing the injured person from resuming their normal activities. For athletes, an ACL injury is particularly devastating, as it can instantly finish a season or end a career.



Knowing the impact of an ACL injury, it's clear that prevention is very important. You can prevent an ACL injury by exercising the leg muscles on a regular basis. In particular, you should focus on hamstring exercises. Training programs that highlight proper knee positioning also can help prevent injury.

a man is sitting on the ground with a basketball and stretching his legs to prevent an ACL injury

Schedule an Appointment Today

At Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles, our providers are uniquely qualified to assist you as you recover from an ACL injury. Whether you are suffering from an ACL sprain or recovering from an ACL tear, we can provide you with the personalized care that you need to fully heal. Not only will we work with you to reduce the pain and swelling that you are experiencing as a result of your injury, but we also will strive to restore full motion to your knee.


Request an appointment at Advanced Physical Medicine of St. Charles today.

Connect with Us:

Man working at a laptop in a modern office, with sticky notes on a glass wall behind him.

Wrist Pain From Typing and Mouse Use: Key Causes

By Dr. Glenn • July 22, 2026
Learn why wrist pain from mouse and typing develops and how exercise-based physical therapy at Advanced Physical Medicine in St. Charles helps you recover.
Person clutching side while standing beside a beige sofa in a living room

Is It a Bulging Disc or Just a Muscle Strain?

By Dr. Glenn • July 10, 2026
Not sure if it is a muscle strain vs herniated disc? Use this quick self-check, learn the recovery timelines, and see when to seek care in St. Charles.
Physical therapist pressing on a patient’s lower back during treatment on a padded table

What to Expect During Your First Chiropractic Visit

By Dr. Glenn • July 6, 2026
Nervous about your first chiropractor appointment? APM in St. Charles walks you through the full process and what happens next.
Runner clutching a red, painful knee on a road

Does Humidity Affect Arthritis?

By Dr. Glenn • July 1, 2026
Does humidity affect arthritis? Yes, especially during Midwest freeze-thaw seasons. Learn why and explore non-surgical relief options at APM in St. Charles.
Man reclining on a chair, face covered by a hand, wearing a gray hoodie in a waiting area

Can Tight Neck Muscles Cause Your Headaches?

By Dr. Glenn • May 29, 2026
Learn how neck tension and muscle strain can trigger headaches, migraines, and stiffness. Discover treatment options that help relieve pain and improve mobility.
Person sitting on a couch, holding their shoulder in a bright living room.

Why Does My Shoulder 'Click' When I Reach Overhead?

By Dr. Dan • May 22, 2026
Shoulder popping with no pain when you reach overhead? Learn the common causes, when it matters, and how APM in St. Charles can help you move freely.
Golfer in blue shirt and white cap standing on a golf course, hand on back, club in hand

Why Your Golf Swing Causes Lower Back Pain

By Dr. Dan • May 12, 2026
Learn how your golf swing causes lower back pain, common faults to avoid, early warning signs, and effective ways to prevent discomfort.
Person sitting at a desk, leaning back and holding their lower back, suggesting back pain.

Why Does My Hip Hurt After Sitting All Day?

By Dr. Glenn • May 7, 2026
Learn why hip pain develops from prolonged sitting, common causes, related conditions, and effective treatments to relieve discomfort and improve daily movement.
Person stretching at a desk in a bright home office

Top Stretches for Office and Desk Workers

By Dr. Dan • May 4, 2026
Simple desk stretches to relieve neck, shoulder, hip, and wrist tension, improve posture, and stay comfortable and productive during long workdays.
A clinician adjusts a black lumbar support brace on a person's lower back in a professional office setting.

Common Injuries Treated by Physical Therapy

By Dr. Dan • March 20, 2026
Explore common injuries treated by physical therapy, including sprains, back pain, and sports injuries, and how rehab helps restore strength, mobility, and function.