ACL Injury Symptoms and When to See a Specialist in Peoria & Chandler

Knee injuries are some of the most common setbacks for athletes and active individuals, but few are as disruptive as an ACL tear. The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) plays a major role in stabilizing the knee, and when it’s injured, even everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of the car can feel unstable or painful. Knowing the early ACL injury symptoms and when to seek care at  Eric Eifler MD can make all the difference in your recovery.

How the ACL Supports Your Knee

The ACL connects your thigh bone to your shin bone and helps control the forward and rotational movement of the knee. It acts as a stabilizing anchor during quick changes in direction, landing from a jump, or sudden stops movements that are frequent in sports like basketball, soccer, and skiing.

When this ligament is stretched or torn, the knee can lose its natural stability. Without proper diagnosis and treatment, the injury can worsen, increasing the risk of damage to surrounding structures such as the meniscus or cartilage.

Recognizing the Most Common ACL Injury Symptoms

An ACL tear can happen in a split second, often without warning. You might land awkwardly after a jump or twist your knee while pivoting. People often describe hearing or feeling a “pop” at the time of injury, followed by immediate pain or swelling.

Here are some of the most common signs to watch out for:

• A noticeable popping sound or sensation when the injury occurs
• Sudden swelling in the knee, often within a few hours
• Pain that worsens when putting weight on the affected leg
• A feeling of instability or that the knee might “give out”
• Limited range of motion, making it difficult to fully bend or straighten the knee

If these symptoms sound familiar, it’s a good idea to seek professional evaluation rather than trying to “walk it off.” The earlier you get examined, the better your chances of a full recovery.

When to See an ACL Specialist

It’s not always easy to tell how serious a knee injury is just by how it feels. Some partial tears or sprains might improve with rest, but others require more targeted knee injury treatment to prevent long-term instability.

You should consider scheduling an appointment with an orthopedic or ACL tear specialist in Peoria if:

• You heard a pop and experienced swelling soon after
• The knee feels unstable or buckles during movement
• You’re unable to bear weight or walk without pain
• Swelling or stiffness doesn’t subside after several days of rest
• You’re active in sports that involve cutting, jumping, or pivoting movements

A qualified specialist can perform specific tests to determine if your ACL is partially or completely torn. They may also order imaging, such as an MRI, to assess the extent of the injury and evaluate whether other structures in the knee are affected.

What to Expect During a Specialist Evaluation

When you visit an ACL doctor in Chandler or Peoria, you can expect a thorough assessment of your knee’s stability, flexibility, and strength. The consultation usually includes:

1. Medical history review – Understanding how the injury occurred and any previous knee issues.
2. Physical examination – Testing for joint laxity, tenderness, and swelling.
3. Imaging tests – X-rays help rule out fractures, while an MRI provides a clear view of soft tissue injuries like ACL tears.

Once your diagnosis is confirmed, your doctor will discuss your options based on the severity of the tear, your age, activity level, and goals for recovery.

Treatment Options for ACL Injuries

Treatment can vary depending on how badly the ligament is damaged. Some individuals with partial tears or less physically demanding lifestyles can recover without surgery through physical therapy and bracing. Others, especially athletes, may require surgical reconstruction to restore knee stability.

Non-Surgical Treatment

For mild or partial tears, your doctor might recommend:

• Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
• Physical therapy to strengthen supporting muscles
• Bracing to protect the knee during activity

Surgical Treatment

If the ACL is completely torn or instability persists, surgery might be the best option. During ACL reconstruction, the damaged ligament is replaced with a graft, often from the patient’s own tissue. Following surgery, rehabilitation is essential to restore strength and mobility.

Rehabilitation

Rehab focuses on gradually improving flexibility, rebuilding muscle strength, and restoring stability. Recovery timelines can vary, but most patients return to their normal activities within six to nine months with consistent physical therapy.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

Delaying treatment can make the situation worse. An untreated ACL tear may cause the knee to remain unstable, increasing the likelihood of additional injuries to the meniscus or cartilage. This can lead to chronic pain, weakness, and even early arthritis.

Early diagnosis allows your provider to create a personalized recovery plan, ensuring your knee heals correctly and that you regain confidence in your movement.

Choosing the Right Specialist in Peoria & Chandler

Working with an experienced orthopedic surgeon like Eric Eifler, MD, means you’ll receive care designed around your specific needs. With extensive experience in sports-related injuries and advanced reconstruction techniques, Dr. Eifler provides a precise approach to both surgical and non-surgical care.

Whether you visit his sports injury clinic Peoria or his office in Chandler, you’ll receive:

• Comprehensive diagnostic imaging and physical evaluation
• Honest discussion of your options for recovery
• Personalized rehabilitation plans tailored to your goals
• Ongoing support to help you safely return to your routine

Patients from across the area trust Dr. Eifler for his expertise and genuine commitment to helping them move freely again.

Taking the Next Step Toward Recovery

Ignoring knee pain or instability can lead to long-term complications that limit your mobility. If you’ve experienced a sudden pop, swelling, or instability, don’t wait for it to get worse. An evaluation by an ACL specialist can provide answers and set you on the path to recovery.

Eric Eifler MD offers expert care for Injuries & Treatments in Peoria, AZ, and Chandler, combining medical precision with a personalized approach that helps patients heal with confidence.

Book an Appointment with Our ACL Specialists Now! Find out whether your symptoms point to an ACL tear and explore the best treatment options for your lifestyle. Getting the right care early can make all the difference in returning to the activities you love.