An ACL tear is one of the most common knee injuries affecting athletes, weekend warriors, and active individuals. Whether it happens on the soccer field, basketball court, ski slopes, or simply during an awkward pivot, an ACL injury can immediately change your mobility and confidence.
At Dr. Allyson Estess’ orthopedic practice in Marina del Rey, patients throughout Los Angeles receive individualized care for ACL injuries—from diagnosis and rehabilitation to advanced minimally invasive ACL reconstruction when surgery is the best option.
As a former U.S. National Team and Division I soccer player, Dr. Estess understands firsthand how important it is to safely return to the activities you love.
What Is the ACL?
The Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) is one of the four major ligaments inside your knee. It helps stabilize the joint by preventing the shin bone from sliding forward and controlling rotational movement.
Without a healthy ACL, many people experience:
- Knee instability
- Difficulty pivoting
- Buckling during activity
- Reduced athletic performance
- Increased risk of additional knee damage
How Do ACL Tears Happen?
ACL injuries often occur without contact.
Common causes include:
- Sudden changes in direction
- Landing awkwardly after jumping
- Pivoting while the foot is planted
- Hyperextending the knee
- Direct impact during sports
Sports with higher ACL injury rates include:
- Soccer
- Basketball
- Football
- Volleyball
- Skiing
- Tennis
- Pickleball
Even recreational athletes can suffer ACL tears during everyday activities.
What Does a Torn ACL Feel Like?
Many patients describe hearing or feeling a loud “pop” when the injury occurs.
Other symptoms include:
- Immediate pain
- Rapid swelling
- Feeling like the knee “gave out”
- Difficulty walking
- Limited range of motion
- Instability when turning
Some people can still walk after an ACL tear, making it easy to underestimate the severity of the injury.
How Is an ACL Tear Diagnosed?
Diagnosis begins with a detailed physical examination.
Dr. Estess evaluates:
- Knee stability
- Ligament integrity
- Swelling
- Range of motion
- Associated injuries
Imaging often includes:
- X-rays to rule out fractures
- MRI to evaluate the ACL, meniscus, cartilage, and other ligaments
A comprehensive evaluation ensures every injury is properly identified before treatment begins.
Does Every ACL Tear Need Surgery?
Not necessarily.
Some patients recover well with:
- Physical therapy
- Activity modification
- Bracing
- Strengthening exercises
However, ACL reconstruction is often recommended for:
- Young active patients
- Athletes
- Patients experiencing knee instability
- Individuals wanting to return to cutting or pivoting sports
- Combined injuries involving the meniscus or other ligaments
Every treatment plan is personalized based on your goals, activity level, and lifestyle.
What Happens During ACL Reconstruction Surgery?
Modern ACL surgery is typically performed using arthroscopic (minimally invasive) techniques.
During surgery, the damaged ligament is replaced with a graft that functions as a new ACL.
Benefits of arthroscopic surgery include:
- Smaller incisions
- Less postoperative discomfort
- Faster recovery
- Lower risk of complications
- Excellent long-term outcomes
Dr. Estess specializes in arthroscopic sports medicine procedures, allowing patients to receive advanced surgical care with a focus on restoring function.
How Long Does ACL Recovery Take?
Recovery varies depending on the individual and activity goals.
General milestones include:
First 2 Weeks
- Reduce swelling
- Restore motion
- Begin walking safely
6–12 Weeks
- Improve strength
- Increase balance
- Progress functional exercises
4–6 Months
- Return to jogging and higher-level strengthening
9–12 Months
- Many athletes safely return to competitive sports after meeting strength and functional milestones
Following rehabilitation guidelines is just as important as the surgery itself.
Why Early Evaluation Matters
Ignoring knee instability can lead to:
- Meniscus tears
- Cartilage damage
- Arthritis later in life
- Chronic instability
- Repeated injuries
Seeking prompt orthopedic evaluation helps protect your knee and improve long-term outcomes.
Expert ACL Care in Marina del Rey and Los Angeles
Whether your injury happened yesterday or months ago, getting the right diagnosis is the first step toward recovery.
Dr. Allyson Estess provides comprehensive orthopedic care for ACL injuries, sports medicine conditions, and knee pain for patients throughout Marina del Rey, Los Angeles, Santa Monica, Venice, Culver City, Playa Vista, and the South Bay.
With experience as both an orthopedic surgeon and former elite athlete, she understands the physical and emotional challenges that come with sports injuries—and works with every patient to create a personalized treatment plan focused on getting them back to doing what they love.
Schedule a consultation today to learn about your treatment options and take the first step toward a stronger, more stable knee.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you walk with a torn ACL?
Yes. Some people can walk after an ACL tear, but the knee often feels unstable and may give out during certain movements.
Is ACL surgery always necessary?
No. Some patients do well with physical therapy alone, while others benefit from ACL reconstruction depending on their activity level and goals.
How long does ACL surgery recovery take?
Most patients recover over several months, with return to competitive sports often occurring around 9–12 months after surgery.
Is ACL surgery minimally invasive?
Yes. ACL reconstruction is commonly performed arthroscopically using small incisions, which can help reduce pain and speed recovery.
What happens if an ACL tear is left untreated?
Untreated ACL injuries can increase the risk of additional knee damage, including meniscus tears, cartilage injury, and early arthritis.