What does an ACL tear feel like? What are the symptoms?
Typically, the athlete will feel or hear a “pop” or a sense that the knee “gave out.” The athlete is unable to continue due to pain and instability. The knee usually becomes swollen anywhere from two to six hours after the injury, and it will stay swollen for two to four weeks. When the swelling subsides, the instability is still present and will give the athlete a feeling of unsteadiness.
