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

January 3, 2024

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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.

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