How long will the pain last with a torn ACL?

Question:

I hyperextended my knee climbing up onto a ledge 3 feet off the ground last week and my symptoms seem to suggest a torn or stretched ACL... I am debating on a doctor visit, as it has been getting better and I have regained most of my stability in the knee (initially, I had trouble with balance side to side)... and surgery is out of the question as I am far too busy with work to take the time to have it repaired... any ideas on easing the pain and possible duration times I might expect ?

Answers:
You should have the knee looked at by an orthopedic doctor. The mechanism of injury is consistent with an ACL injury. As far as the pain with the current injury if should go down shorty...usually in 7-10 days. In about 2 wks the knee will feel like there is nothing wrong with it. This could be a false sense of security b/c without a functioning ACL you are risking further damage if you are active and participate in athletic activity. Anything that requires jumping, cutting, or lateral (side-2-side) movement requires you to have a functioning ACL. A torn or ruptured ACL NEVER heals on its own...it requires reconstructive surgery.

If there is no swelling then there is a chance you just strained it. Give a few days to recover.

ive injured my acl before and i know what you're going through. i would rather you have it taken a look at. an ACL injury is quite serious especially if you are active (i.e. you like sports, horsing around, etc). if its torn, you definitely have to think of surgery or else it wont heal properly. if it was stretched or bruised, it'll take a few months for the pain to go away but recurring pain will most likely bother for about a year... if not dealt with properly... if seriously suggest you have it taken a look at... just because its felling better doesnt mean its healing.

How long will the pain last with a torn ACL?

Health Resources