How Long Does A Grade 1 ACL Tear Take To Heal?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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A grade 1 injury may be completely healed

within a matter of weeks

. In contrast, a grade 2 injury may require several months and continuous therapy to completely heal.

Does Grade 1 ACL tear require surgery?

ACL tears are graded by severity and are called sprains (a sprain is a stretch or tear in a ligament). A grade 1 ACL sprain occurs when your ACL is overstretched, but not torn.

If your knee is still stable, you likely have a grade 1 injury and may not need surgery

. A grade 2 ACL sprain is a partial tear.

What is a Grade 1 ACL tear?

Grade 1 – This is the mildest form of an ACL tear. A person who has a grade 1 tear

is still able to walk and maintain some stability from the knee

. While the ligament is stretched, it does not tear enough not to provide some function. Grade 2 – This is usually referred to as a partial tear.

Can Grade 1 ACL tear heal on its own?

If you suffer a complete ACL tear,

it won’t heal on its own

. These tears almost always need to be surgically treated, typically using a minimally invasive approach called arthroscopy.

Can you walk with a Grade 1 ACL tear?

Can you walk with a torn ACL? The short answer is

yes

. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.

Can you still bend your knee with a torn ACL?

After you damage your ACL, it’s

very likely that you won’t be able to bend

and flex your knee like you normally would.

Does ACL tear hurt?

A torn ACL

is very painful

and can debilitate a person for several months and perhaps for life, although recovery for some is possible.

How long does an ACL tear take to heal without surgery?

The prognosis for a partially torn ACL is good. Physical therapy will likely be required, but rehabilitation and recovery can happen

within 3 months

without surgical intervention. In some partial tears, surgery may be recommended.

Do partial ACL tears heal?

The prognosis for a partially torn ACL is often favorable, with the recovery and

rehabilitation period usually at least 3 months

. However, some patients with partial ACL tears may still have instability symptoms.

Do partial ACL tears heal without surgery?

partial tears and healing.

Full ACL tears cannot heal on their own

. These tears almost always need to be treated surgically, typically using a minimally invasive approach called arthroscopy.

Where is ACL pain located?

You will likely feel pain in

the center of your knee

during an ACL tear. Because the MCL is located on the side of your knee, the pain and swelling will be located on the inside of the knee structure rather than the middle.

Will walking on a torn ACL make it worse?


You shouldn’t walk on a torn ACL too soon after you’ve experienced an injury

. It might make the injury more painful and cause further damage. If you suspect that you’ve torn your ACL, see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis of your injury.

Can you still run with a torn ACL?

If you are wondering, “Can I run again with an ACL tear?” Rest assured, running with

an ACL tear is possible if the knee is stable and has proper strengthening to allow the muscle to support the knee

.

What happens if ACL injury is not treated?

If left untreated, a small ACL tear

will increase in size

, causing more pain and increasing the laxity in the knee. Without a properly functioning ACL, the other structures of the knee experience greater strain, which causes further injuries to tissues in the knee.

What does a partially torn ACL feel like?

Many people hear a pop or feel a

“popping” sensation

in the knee when an ACL injury occurs. Your knee may swell, feel unstable and become too painful to bear weight.

Should I bend my knee before ACL surgery?

Restoring knee range of motion should be one of your primary goals prior to ACL surgery. 1 If your knee is bending and straightening fully before surgery,

it is likely to quickly recover full ROM after surgery

.

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.