An ACL injury is an injury to the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee, which is located in the middle of the knee joint. The ACL is one of the biggest stability structures of the knee.

On the field, ACL injuries tend to happen when there is quick deceleration, such as with quick stopping motions, changes in direction or pivots around other players. An ACL tear is often quite painful, and you may hear a pop or a snap.

You can suffer a mild ligament stretch that irritates some of the muscle fibers, a partial tear or a complete tear, which means there is complete disconnection of the ligament fibers.

Surgery is a common option for ACL injuries from sports, especially if it’s a partial to full tear, and/or you’re at increased risk of further damaging it.

After an ACL injury people are often prescribed a brace for the knee joint. For milder injuries, a knee brace may be used during the process of healing and while you’re continuing to rebuild strength. You should also start physiotherapy to get your range of motion back in the knee and get rid of any swelling.