What are the treatment options for ACL tear?

The anterior cruciate ligament helps control forward movement and rotation of the knee. A treatment discussion considers knee giving-way, swelling, activity demands, other ligament or cartilage damage, age, work and sporting plans. Some people manage well with rehabilitation when the knee is stable for their activities; repeated instability can alter that plan.

Sports physiotherapy develops strength, balance, landing control and confidence. A brace may provide support for selected activities but does not replace muscle control. Prehabilitation prepares the knee before reconstruction when surgery is planned, helping address swelling and movement. Reconstruction replaces the damaged ligament with a graft, followed by lengthy staged rehabilitation.

An orthopaedic assessment can confirm the injury and check for associated damage. In the early phase, control swelling, regain comfortable knee straightening and avoid twisting or pivoting that causes giving-way. Follow a supervised exercise plan. If reconstruction is selected, prehabilitation and postoperative rehabilitation are separate stages, while return-to-sport testing should assess strength, control and confidence rather than relying on a calendar alone.

Arrange prompt review for a locked knee, inability to bear weight, rapidly increasing swelling, a cold or numb foot, severe calf pain, or a new injury. After surgery, fever, wound drainage, marked redness or sudden calf swelling needs medical attention. Do not return to pivoting sport while the knee repeatedly gives way.

Is my knee stable enough for rehabilitation without reconstruction? Are there meniscus or cartilage injuries to address? What should prehabilitation achieve, and which strength and control tests will guide my return to sport?