Adventist Health Education Series – Understanding ACL Tears Before You Hear the "Pop"
Sidebar Feature: Dr. Fok Wai Ming – Understanding ACL Tears Before You Hear the "Pop" in Your Knee
While high-intensity sports can be exciting and enjoyable, abrupt movements such as pivoting, sudden stops, and hard landings can increase the risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears. These injuries are often related to improper knee alignment during activity—especially excessive valgus (inward) stress on the knee joint. A sudden "pop" sound, followed by rapid swelling and severe pain, typically indicates a tear, requiring immediate cessation of activity and prompt medical attention.
Diagnosis involves clinical examination and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to assess the extent of the ligament injury. In confirmed cases of complete ACL rupture—particularly among younger or active individuals—minimally invasive reconstruction surgery is generally recommended to restore knee stability. Postoperatively, patients must undergo a structured physiotherapy rehabilitation programme to regain joint mobility and muscle strength. The full recovery process typically takes more than six months before a safe return to high-impact sports, and long-term knee protection remains essential.
Prevention is always better than cure. Adequate warm-up exercises, appropriate footwear, and protective gear are crucial in significantly reducing the risk of ACL injury during sports.
