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What Are the Most Common Ligament Injuries?

John Miller Physiotherapist Erin Runge Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Erin Runge
Physiotherapist assessing knee and ankle control after common ligament injuries

Assessing joint control after a ligament injury.

Common ligament injuries affect the strong bands of tissue that connect bones and help stabilise joints. They can occur after a twist, fall, collision or awkward landing. The ankle and knee are frequent injury sites, but ligaments in the shoulder, wrist, thumb, fingers and spine can also be affected.

Which Ligament Injuries Are Most Common?

Different joints are vulnerable to different injuries. Choose the area that matches your symptoms to find more detailed information.

Ankle ligament sprains

Rolling the ankle can injure the outer ankle ligaments. A higher ankle twist may affect the syndesmosis. Pain, swelling and difficulty walking are common.

ACL injuries

Twisting, pivoting or landing may injure the ACL. Rapid swelling, movement loss and a feeling that the knee may give way can occur.

MCL injuries

A knock to the outside of the knee or a twisting movement can strain the ligament on the inner knee, causing local pain and sometimes instability.

AC joint sprains

A fall onto the shoulder can injure ligaments at the top of the shoulder. Reaching across the body or lifting may become painful.

Thumb ligament sprains

A forced sideways or backward bend can damage thumb ligaments. Pain, swelling and weak pinching may indicate an injury needing assessment.

Neck injuries after sudden movement

Rapid acceleration or deceleration may affect several neck tissues, including ligaments. Whiplash symptoms do not automatically mean a ligament has torn.

For other knee ligament injuries, including the PCL and LCL, see the knee ligament injury guide. A forceful ankle twist may also cause a high ankle sprain.

What Are the Symptoms of a Ligament Injury?

Symptoms depend on the ligament and any associated injury. Common features include:

  • pain or tenderness following a twist, fall or impact;
  • swelling or bruising near the joint;
  • stiffness or reduced movement;
  • difficulty walking, lifting, gripping or participating in sport; and
  • a loose, unstable or giving-way feeling.

Muscle strains, fractures, tendon injuries and cartilage problems can produce similar symptoms. An assessment helps identify what may have been injured rather than assuming every painful joint has a ligament tear.

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How Serious Is a Ligament Sprain?

Clinicians may describe a sprain by its grade, but the joint's stability, other injured structures and your functional goals matter as much as the label.

Grade 1 — mild

Small-scale ligament fibre injury with tenderness and usually little or no measurable joint looseness.

Grade 2 — partial tear

More substantial ligament damage, often with swelling, movement difficulty or some instability.

Grade 3 — complete tear

A complete ligament rupture. Severity of pain varies, and specialist review may be needed depending on the joint and associated injuries.

Read the ligament tear guide for further details about severity, healing and management.

What Causes Ligament Injuries?

A ligament may become injured when a joint is forced beyond its usual movement or cannot tolerate an unexpected load. Common examples are a rolled ankle, a planted-foot pivot, a collision or a fall onto an outstretched hand. Previous sprains, fatigue and insufficient strength or balance can also influence repeat-injury risk.

When Should a Ligament Injury Be Assessed?

Arrange prompt physiotherapy or medical assessment if you cannot bear weight or use the injured area normally, develop rapid swelling, experience locking or repeated giving way, or are concerned about a significant tear. Some injuries require imaging or medical referral. The ability to walk does not exclude a serious knee or ankle ligament injury.

How Are Ligament Injuries Diagnosed?

A physiotherapist or doctor considers the injury mechanism, pain, swelling, movement, joint stability and everyday function. They may assess strength, balance and relevant movement tasks. An X-ray can help investigate a suspected fracture; MRI or ultrasound may be useful for selected soft-tissue injuries when the findings would change management.

How Are Ligament Injuries Treated?

Management depends on the ligament involved, whether the joint remains stable and the activities you want to resume. Early care may involve protection, reducing aggravating activity, comfortable movement and temporary bracing or a walking aid where appropriate.

Rehabilitation commonly progresses towards normal movement, strength, balance, joint control and work- or sport-specific tasks. Some complete tears and combined injuries need surgical or specialist assessment; others can be managed without surgery. Your clinician can help match the pathway to the findings and your goals.

Musculoskeletal physiotherapy step-up rehabilitation for confident movement

Rebuilding strength and joint control through guided movement.

How Long Does a Ligament Injury Take to Recover?

Recovery can range from several weeks for some mild sprains to many months for major tears. The injured ligament, associated tissue damage and your usual activities all influence progress. Less pain does not necessarily mean the joint is ready for running, contact sport or rapid changes of direction.

Can You Reduce the Risk of Another Sprain?

Not every ligament injury can be prevented. However, graded strengthening, balance work, landing and movement-control practice, suitable footwear and completing rehabilitation after a previous injury may help reduce avoidable risk. Taping or bracing may be appropriate for selected people.

High Ankle Sprain

Recognise syndesmosis injuries and how they differ from common ankle sprains.

Common Ligament Injury FAQs

What is the difference between a ligament sprain and a tear?
A sprain means a ligament has been injured. It can involve a small amount of fibre damage, a partial tear or a complete rupture. The terms are not mutually exclusive.
Can a ligament injury heal without surgery?
Many sprains and some complete ligament tears can be managed without surgery. The decision depends on the injured ligament, joint stability, associated injuries and your work or sport demands.
Can you walk with a torn ligament?
Yes. Some people can walk despite a substantial tear. Walking ability alone cannot rule out a serious injury, particularly if there is rapid swelling or a feeling of instability.
Should I exercise after a ligament injury?
Appropriate movement and progressive exercise often form part of recovery. The right amount depends on the joint, injury stability and stage of rehabilitation. Avoid demanding activity until the injury has been assessed when a significant tear is suspected.

What to Do Next

If pain, swelling or instability is limiting normal activity, a physiotherapy assessment may help clarify the injury and guide rehabilitation or medical referral. Choose a PhysioWorks clinic using the booking options below.

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References

  1. Martin RL, Davenport TE, Fraser JJ, et al. Ankle Stability and Movement Coordination Impairments: Lateral Ankle Ligament Sprains Revision 2021. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2021;51(4):CPG1–CPG80.
  2. Jadidi S, Lee AD, Pierko EJ, Choi H, Jones NS. Non-operative Management of Acute Knee Injuries. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2024.
  3. Waldron K, Brown M, Feldman M. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rehabilitation and Return to Sport: How Fast Is Too Fast? Arthrosc Sports Med Rehabil. 2022.

Can You Walk on a Torn Knee Ligament?

Erin Runge Physiotherapist Chelsea Gan Physiotherapist
Article by Erin Runge, Chelsea Gan
physiotherapist assessing walking safety with torn knee ligament injury

A physiotherapist checks whether walking is safe after a knee ligament injury.

You can sometimes walk on a torn knee ligament, but walking does not prove the injury is minor. Many people can still take steps after a knee ligament injury, even when the joint feels unstable or swollen.

Mild sprains may allow short, careful walking on flat ground. However, giving way, locking, sharp pain, fast swelling, or trouble taking weight can suggest a more serious injury that needs assessment before you keep loading the knee.

If walking increases pain or swelling, stop and protect the knee. A physiotherapist can assess knee stability, guide safe loading, and advise whether crutches, a brace, imaging, or medical review may be needed.

Should you walk on a torn knee ligament?

  • Usually safer: mild pain, little swelling, and the knee feels steady.
  • Reduce load: limping, moderate swelling, or the knee feels unreliable.
  • Stop walking: giving way, locking, sharp pain, fast swelling, or trouble taking weight.

Walking ability does not rule out an ACL injury, MCL tear, PCL injury, LCL injury, or meniscus tear. Reduce activity and arrange an assessment when symptoms do not settle.

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When Is Walking Safer After a Knee Ligament Injury?

Walking is usually safer when pain stays low, swelling does not increase, and the knee does not buckle. Keep walking short, slow, and on flat ground at first.

Avoid long walks, hills, stairs, running, pivoting, or sport until the knee feels stable and has been assessed. Some people can walk after an ACL injury, yet still have poor pivoting control.

When Should You Stop Walking on a Knee Ligament Injury?

Stop walking if the knee gives way, locks, swells quickly, or causes sharp pain with each step. These signs may suggest a higher-grade ligament tear or another injury inside the knee, such as a meniscus tear.

Stop walking and seek prompt advice if you notice:

  • rapid swelling within the first few hours
  • the knee giving way or buckling
  • locking, catching, or inability to straighten the knee
  • severe pain when taking weight
  • difficulty walking more than a few steps

Can Walking Make a Torn Knee Ligament Worse?

Walking too far, too fast, or without support may worsen pain and swelling. It may also increase the risk of a secondary injury if the knee is unstable.

Early care aims to protect the knee while keeping safe movement where appropriate. This balance helps reduce stiffness without overloading injured tissue.

Symptom Pattern Walking Advice
Mild pain, little swelling, stable knee Short, careful walking may be reasonable.
Moderate swelling or a limp Reduce walking and arrange assessment.
Giving way, locking, or rapid swelling Avoid walking and seek prompt review.
Unable to take weight Seek urgent medical assessment.

Why Knee Ligaments Matter for Walking

Knee ligaments act like strong bands that guide and stabilise the joint. The ACL, PCL, MCL, and LCL each help control different directions of movement.

The MCL supports the inner knee, the LCL supports the outer knee, and the PCL helps control backward shin movement. Muscles, tendons, cartilage, and the joint capsule also support knee stability. This combined support explains why some people can still walk after a ligament tear.

physiotherapist assessing knee ligament stability during movement test

Controlled testing helps identify knee stability and safe movement.

How Can Physiotherapy Help a Torn Knee Ligament?

Physiotherapy can help by assessing knee stability, reducing swelling, restoring movement, and rebuilding strength. Your plan may include walking advice, bracing guidance, balance retraining, and staged exercises.

Rehabilitation often starts with symptom control and safe movement. Later stages focus on strength, landing control, direction change, and return-to-sport loading where needed. This is especially important for people returning to field sport, gym training, running, or work that involves squatting, lifting, kneeling, or stairs.

Should You Use Crutches or a Knee Brace?

Crutches or a brace may help if walking increases pain, swelling, or instability. Your physiotherapist or doctor can advise whether support is useful and how long to use it.

Some ligament injuries need short-term protection, while others need closer medical review. You can view knee support options in the knee braces and supports section.

What Else Can Feel Like a Torn Knee Ligament?

Not every painful knee after a twist is a ligament tear. A meniscus tear, kneecap injury, bone bruise, fracture, or flare of patellofemoral pain can also make walking painful or unreliable.

Assessment helps match your symptoms, swelling pattern, mechanism of injury, and movement tests to the likely injury. It also helps decide whether you can keep walking, need temporary support, or need medical imaging.

walking normally after knee ligament injury rehabilitation

Rehab aims to restore confident walking and knee control.

Related PhysioWorks Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still walk with a torn ligament in your knee?

Some people can walk short distances with a torn knee ligament, especially with a mild sprain. However, walking is not a reliable test of severity. If your knee gives way, locks, swells quickly, or pain increases, stop walking and arrange an assessment.

How do you know if a knee ligament injury is serious?

A knee ligament injury may be more serious if you heard a pop, developed rapid swelling, cannot take weight, or feel the knee buckle. Locking or catching may suggest another injury inside the knee, such as a meniscus tear.

Should you rest or keep moving after a torn knee ligament?

Early movement can help some knee ligament injuries, but it must stay controlled and symptom-guided. Rest from aggravating activity, protect the knee, and seek guidance before returning to sport, running, pivoting, or heavy gym work.

Can a torn knee ligament heal without surgery?

Some partial ligament tears can settle without surgery. Some complete ligament injuries may also be managed without surgery if the knee remains stable and the person follows a structured rehabilitation plan. A physiotherapist or knee surgeon can help guide this decision.

When should you see a physiotherapist for a torn knee ligament?

Book a physiotherapist if you suspect a knee ligament injury, especially if swelling, instability, pain, or limping persists. Early assessment can guide safe walking, bracing, exercises, and whether imaging or medical review is needed.

What Should You Do Next?

If you suspect a torn knee ligament, avoid testing the knee repeatedly or pushing through pain. Book a physiotherapy assessment if you have swelling, instability, a limp, or trouble returning to normal walking.

Your physiotherapist can help decide whether you need imaging, bracing, a knee surgeon opinion, or a structured rehabilitation plan. Many knee ligament injuries improve with the right guidance, but early assessment helps you avoid guesswork and reduce setbacks.

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These knee support products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to help reduce strain, improve stability, and support your recovery at home.

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References

  1. Svantesson J, Piussi R, Weissglas E, et al. Shedding light on the non-operative treatment of the forgotten side of the knee: rehabilitation of medial collateral ligament injuries-a systematic review. BMJ Open Sport Exerc Med. 2024;10(2):e001750. doi:10.1136/bmjsem-2023-001750
  2. Lucidi GA, Solaro L, Grassi A, et al. Current trends in the medial side of the knee: not only medial collateral ligament (MCL). J Orthop Traumatol. 2024;25(1):69. doi:10.1186/s10195-024-00808-9
  3. Bingol I, Oktem U, Erden T, et al. PCL injury following high energy trauma: associated injuries and postoperative complications insights from a national registry study. J Orthop Surg Res. 2024;19:511. doi:10.1186/s13018-024-04927-1
  4. Arundale AJH, Bizzini M, Dix C, et al. Exercise-based knee and anterior cruciate ligament injury prevention: revision 2023. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(1):CPG1-CPG34. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.0301
  5. Jaibaji M, Najim O, Alali H, et al. Single-stage versus multistage reconstruction for multiligament knee injuries: systematic review and meta-analysis. J Clin Med. 2025;14(19):6897. doi:10.3390/jcm14196897

What Are the Symptoms of an ACL Tear?

John Miller Physiotherapist Erin Runge Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Erin Runge


ACL tear symptoms assessed after football knee injury

Early knee assessment helps guide safe next steps after suspected ACL tear symptoms.

ACL tear symptoms often appear suddenly after a pivot, twist, awkward landing or quick change of direction. Common signs include a pop, sharp knee pain, fast swelling and a feeling that the knee may give way.

An ACL tear affects the anterior cruciate ligament, which helps stabilise the knee during cutting, stopping, landing and turning. For a full overview of causes, diagnosis and treatment options, see our main ACL injury page.

Quick Answer: What Are the Main ACL Tear Symptoms?

  • A pop or snap at the time of injury.
  • Rapid swelling within minutes to a few hours.
  • Knee instability or a feeling that the knee may give way.
  • Pain and stiffness, often deep inside the knee joint.
  • Difficulty continuing sport, especially pivoting or landing activities.

These symptoms can overlap with meniscus tears, knee ligament injuries and bone bruising. A knee physiotherapist or doctor can assess your knee and help decide whether imaging or referral is needed.

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How Does an ACL Tear Usually Happen?

An ACL tear usually happens when the knee twists, collapses inwards or changes direction under load. It often occurs without a heavy collision. People commonly injure the ACL during football, netball, basketball, skiing, trail running or gym-based landing drills.

The ACL sits deep inside the knee and links the thigh bone to the shin bone. It helps stop the shin sliding forwards and helps control rotation. When the ligament tears, the knee can feel loose, wobbly or unreliable during weight bearing.

What Are the First Signs of an ACL Tear?

The first signs of an ACL tear are usually a pop, sharp pain, rapid swelling and knee instability. Many people cannot keep playing sport after the injury. Some can walk, but the knee may feel unsafe or weak.

Fast swelling is important because it may mean bleeding inside the knee joint. This can occur with ACL tears and other serious knee injuries. Early assessment helps check whether the ACL, meniscus, cartilage or other ligaments are involved.


ACL tear symptoms checked with knee stability test during physiotherapy assessment

Knee stability tests help guide diagnosis after a twisting injury.

Three Symptoms That Raise Suspicion

  1. Pop: You hear or feel a pop at the time of injury.
  2. Swelling: The knee swells quickly and feels tight or full.
  3. Giving way: The knee buckles or feels untrustworthy when you stand, walk or turn.

Can You Walk With a Torn ACL?

Some people can walk with a torn ACL once the first pain eases. However, walking ability does not rule out an ACL tear. The knee may still feel unstable, swollen or stiff, especially on stairs, slopes or uneven ground.

Avoid testing the knee with running, jumping or cutting movements after a suspected ACL tear. These actions may increase giving-way episodes and may irritate other structures. A guided knee pain assessment is a safer next step.

Other Common ACL Tear Symptoms

  • Deep pain inside the knee joint.
  • Swelling that returns after activity.
  • Reduced ability to fully straighten or bend the knee.
  • A stiff, tight or “full” feeling in the joint.
  • Loss of confidence when changing direction.
  • Pain or instability on stairs, slopes or uneven ground.
  • Difficulty returning to sport or training.

How Do ACL and Meniscus Symptoms Differ?

ACL tears more often cause rapid swelling and instability. Meniscus tears more often cause joint-line pain, catching, clicking or locking. However, both injuries can occur together, so symptoms alone cannot always separate them.

A physiotherapist or sports doctor may use knee stability tests, meniscus tests and movement assessment to guide the diagnosis. MRI may be useful when the injury pattern is unclear, symptoms are severe or surgery is being considered.

Practical point: A swollen knee after a twisting injury deserves early review, even if pain settles within a few days.

When Should You Seek Help After a Suspected ACL Tear?

Seek early assessment if your knee swells quickly, gives way, locks, feels unstable or cannot take weight comfortably. You should also seek urgent medical care if you have severe pain, obvious deformity, numbness, calf swelling, fever or signs of infection.

Early advice helps protect the knee and gives you a clearer plan. It can also help decide whether you need a brace, crutches, imaging, referral or early rehabilitation.

What Should You Do Straight After the Injury?

Stop sport or training and avoid pivoting, jumping or running. Use sensible short-term care such as relative rest, compression and elevation. Ice may help pain in the first stage if it suits you.

Next, book a knee assessment. Your physiotherapist can check swelling, movement, walking pattern, knee stability and early muscle control. They may also discuss whether you need medical review or MRI.

Treatment Options After an ACL Tear

Treatment depends on your age, sport, goals, knee stability, other knee injuries and confidence with movement. Some people need ACL reconstruction. Others may manage with structured rehabilitation and careful return-to-sport testing.

How Physiotherapy Helps ACL Recovery

Physiotherapy helps you reduce swelling, restore knee motion, rebuild strength and improve movement control. Later stages focus on balance, landing control, running, agility and return-to-sport readiness.

A complete ACL plan should not rely on time alone. It should use strength, hop, balance, confidence and sport-specific testing before higher-risk activity. Read more about ACL reconstruction rehabilitation and ACL injury prevention.


ACL tear symptoms rehab with supervised single-leg knee control exercise

Rehab rebuilds knee control, strength and confidence.

ACL Tear Symptoms: Decision Guide

Pop + rapid swelling Book an early knee assessment and avoid pivoting sport.
Giving way Seek guidance before stairs, running or return to training.
Locking or catching Assessment should also consider a meniscus injury.
Severe pain or unable to weight bear Seek urgent medical review.

ACL Symptoms FAQs

What are the first signs of an ACL tear?

The first signs are usually a pop, sharp pain, rapid swelling and knee instability. Many people cannot continue sport after the injury. Some can walk afterwards, but the knee may still feel unsafe.

Can I bend my knee with a torn ACL?

You can often still bend and straighten the knee after an ACL tear, especially once the first pain settles. However, swelling may limit motion. Painful catching, locking or joint-line pain may suggest a meniscus injury as well.

How do I know if I tore my ACL or meniscus?

ACL tears often cause a pop, rapid swelling and giving way. Meniscus tears more often cause clicking, catching, locking or pain along the joint line. These injuries can occur together, so clinical assessment and sometimes MRI are needed.

What injuries can be mistaken for an ACL tear?

Meniscus tears, MCL injuries, LCL injuries, patella dislocation and bone bruising can mimic some ACL tear symptoms. A structured knee assessment helps identify the most likely injured structure and guide safe next steps.

How painful is a torn ACL?

Pain is often sharp at the time of injury. It may ease, then build again as swelling increases. Pain levels vary because an ACL tear may occur alone or with meniscus, cartilage, bone or other ligament damage.

Can you tell if an ACL is torn without an MRI?

A clinician can often strongly suspect an ACL tear from the injury story and knee stability tests. MRI can confirm the diagnosis and check for associated injuries that may affect treatment decisions.

Where is ACL tear pain usually felt?

ACL tear pain is usually felt deep inside the knee. Some people also notice pain on the outer side or back of the knee, especially when there is bone bruising, meniscus injury or another ligament injury.

Which is worse, a meniscus tear or an ACL tear?

Both can be significant. ACL tears often cause more instability during pivoting sport. Meniscus tears may cause locking, catching or joint-line pain. The impact depends on the injury pattern, your goals and how the knee responds to rehabilitation.

Related ACL and Knee Articles

What to Do Next

If you suspect an ACL tear, do not test the knee with sport, jumping or pivoting. Book an assessment with a knee physiotherapist or speak with your doctor. Early guidance can help you protect the knee and choose the right pathway.

PhysioWorks clinics across Brisbane provide knee injury assessment and rehabilitation planning at Ashgrove, Clayfield, Loganholme, Rochedale, Salisbury and Sandgate.

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ACL Products

These ACL knee support products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to help reduce strain, improve stability, and support your ACL recovery at home.

View all ACL support products

Follow PhysioWorks

Get physiotherapy tips, exercise videos, recovery advice and blog updates.

References

  1. Evans J, Nielson JL. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Injury. StatPearls. Updated 2023.
  2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries. Evidence-Based Clinical Practice Guideline. 2022.
  3. Kotsifaki R, Korakakis V, King E, et al. Aspetar clinical practice guideline on rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. Br J Sports Med. 2023;57(9):500-514. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-106158
  4. Arundale AJH, Bizzini M, Dix C, et al. Exercise-Based Knee and Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury Prevention. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2023;53(1):CPG1-CPG34. doi:10.2519/jospt.2023.0301

What Does the ACL Do in Your Knee?

The anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL, helps stabilise your knee by limiting excessive forward movement of the shin bone and contributing to rotational control.

John Miller Physiotherapist Chelsea Gan Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Chelsea Gan
Rugby player changing direction as the ACL helps stabilise the knee
The ACL contributes to knee control when the foot is planted and the body changes direction.

The ACL is one of the major ligaments inside the knee. It works with the surrounding ligaments, muscles, menisci and joint surfaces to help keep the knee controlled during daily activities and sport.

When the ACL is injured, the knee may feel unstable or give way during twisting, landing or sudden directional changes. For a broader explanation of symptoms, assessment and management, see our ACL injury guide.

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How Does the ACL Stabilise Your Knee?

The ACL runs diagonally through the centre of the knee and connects the femur to the tibia. Its primary mechanical role is to resist excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur.

The ligament also contributes to rotational stability. This role becomes particularly important when your foot remains planted while your body turns, slows down or changes direction.

Forward control

The ACL limits excessive forward sliding of the tibia beneath the femur.

Rotational control

It contributes to knee control during twisting, pivoting and rapid changes of direction.

Movement stability

A functioning ACL helps the knee remain controlled during walking, running, landing and sport.

When Is ACL Control Most Important?

The ACL experiences greater demands during movements that combine speed, deceleration, rotation and a planted foot.

These movements commonly include:

  • cutting or side-stepping;
  • landing after a jump;
  • pivoting on one leg;
  • slowing down quickly;
  • changing direction during field or court sports; and
  • recovering balance after an unexpected movement.

Football, rugby, netball, basketball and skiing often involve these movement demands. However, ACL function also matters when turning quickly, stepping off a kerb, carrying a load or walking on uneven ground.

Does the ACL Work Alone?

No. The ACL forms part of a larger knee-stability system. It works with the muscles around the hip, thigh and lower leg, as well as the joint capsule, menisci and other major knee ligaments.

These ligaments include the:

Together, these structures help maintain knee alignment, guide movement and manage forces travelling through the joint.

What Happens When the ACL Is Torn?

An ACL tear may reduce the knee’s ability to control forward and rotational movement. Some people notice instability during sport, while others experience giving-way episodes during daily activities.

Possible features of an ACL injury include:

  • a popping sensation at the time of injury;
  • rapid swelling;
  • pain and reduced knee movement;
  • difficulty continuing sport; and
  • a feeling that the knee is unstable or unreliable.

These symptoms do not confirm an ACL tear on their own. A clinical assessment can examine the injury mechanism, swelling, movement, ligament stability and functional capacity. Read more about the symptoms of an ACL tear.

Can Rehabilitation Improve Knee Stability?

Structured rehabilitation can improve strength, movement control, balance, landing technique and confidence. These changes may help some people return to valued activities without repeated instability.

Rehabilitation commonly addresses:

  • knee swelling and movement;
  • quadriceps and hamstring strength;
  • hip and calf capacity;
  • balance and single-leg control;
  • running, landing and change-of-direction skills; and
  • sport-specific or work-specific demands.

Management decisions vary between people. Some people manage successfully with rehabilitation, while others may consider ACL reconstruction because of repeated instability, associated knee injuries, occupational demands, sporting goals or personal preferences.

Learn more about ACL treatment and rehabilitation options.

Why Do Repeated Giving-Way Episodes Matter?

A knee that repeatedly gives way may place additional stress on the menisci and joint surfaces. Ongoing instability should therefore be assessed, particularly when it limits work, exercise or sport.

An assessment can help determine whether the symptoms relate to ACL instability, another knee injury or a combination of problems. It can also guide activity modification and the next stage of rehabilitation or medical review.

What Should You Do Next?

Consider a physiotherapy assessment if your knee feels unstable after a twisting or landing injury. Your physiotherapist can examine ligament stability, movement, strength and functional tasks before discussing suitable management options.

Early advice may also help you protect the knee, manage swelling and begin appropriate rehabilitation while the diagnosis and longer-term plan become clearer.

Choose your clinic and appointment pathway

Select a PhysioWorks clinic to continue to live booking, an appointment request or reception assistance.

Not sure what to choose? Compare appointment types
View all clinic locations and phone numbers

ACL Products

These ACL knee support products are commonly used by our physiotherapists to help reduce strain, improve stability, and support your ACL recovery at home.

View all ACL support products

Follow PhysioWorks

Get physiotherapy tips, exercise videos, recovery advice and blog updates.

ACL Injury

Learn about common injury mechanisms, symptoms, assessment and management options.

ACL Tear Symptoms

Review common signs that may follow a twisting, pivoting or landing injury.

ACL Injury Prevention

Explore strength, balance, landing and movement strategies that may reduce ACL injury risk.

References

  1. Brophy RH, Lowry KJ. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons Clinical Practice Guideline Summary: Management of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2023;31(11):531–537. View the AAOS guideline summary on PubMed.
  2. Evans J, Mabrouk A, Nielson JL. Anterior Cruciate Ligament Knee Injury. StatPearls. Last updated 17 November 2023. Read the ACL injury clinical overview.
  3. Yoo H, Marappa-Ganeshan R. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Knee Anterior Cruciate Ligament. StatPearls. Read the ACL anatomy and function overview.

ACL Function FAQs

What is the main function of the ACL?

The ACL’s primary mechanical function is to limit excessive forward movement of the tibia relative to the femur. It also contributes to rotational knee control.

Does the ACL control twisting?

The ACL contributes to rotational control, particularly when the foot is planted and the body pivots, lands or changes direction. Other ligaments, muscles and joint structures also help control rotation.

Can you walk with a torn ACL?

Some people can walk after an ACL tear, especially once pain and swelling settle. However, walking ability does not rule out an ACL injury, and the knee may remain unstable during turning, sport or uneven-ground activities.

Why does a knee with an ACL tear give way?

Giving way can occur when the knee cannot adequately control forward or rotational movement during a demanding task. Pain, swelling, muscle inhibition and associated knee injuries may also contribute.

Can rehabilitation help without ACL surgery?

Some people regain good strength, control and function through structured rehabilitation without surgery. Suitability depends on instability, associated injuries, activity demands and personal goals.

When should an ACL injury be assessed?

Arrange an assessment after a twisting or landing injury if the knee swells rapidly, loses movement, feels unstable, repeatedly gives way or prevents you from returning to normal activity.

Why Do My Joints Click When I Move?

John Miller Physiotherapist Erin Runge Physiotherapist
Article by John Miller & Erin Runge

Clicking joints are common during everyday movements such as squatting, walking, reaching and stretching. Many people first notice joint noises during exercise or when returning to activity after rest.

Clicking without pain is often a normal variation of joint movement. However, clicking may warrant assessment when it becomes painful, follows an injury or occurs with swelling, locking, instability or reduced movement.

Joint sounds can arise from soft tissue movement, pressure changes inside the joint or changes in movement control during loading. For broader guidance on joint symptoms, see our joint pain guide.

Physiotherapist assessing clicking joints during a controlled squat movement
Painless joint clicking is often assessed during movement.

Are Clicking Joints Usually a Problem?

Usually, clicking without pain is not a sign of damage. Arrange an assessment when clicking occurs with pain, swelling, repeated locking, giving way, reduced movement or symptoms following an injury.

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Why Do Joints Click?

Joint noises can have several causes. The sound alone does not confirm that a joint is damaged.

Soft Tissue Movement

Tendons and muscles guide joint motion. A tendon may briefly move across a bony structure and produce a click. This commonly occurs around the knee, shoulder, hip and ankle.

Joint-Fluid Pressure Changes

Pressure changes within synovial fluid can produce popping or cracking sounds. This process does not automatically mean that joint damage has occurred.

Joint Loading

Joint compression can increase during squatting, running, stair climbing and lifting. Some people notice more joint noise during these loaded movements.

Movement Control Changes

Fatigue, weakness or coordination changes can affect how a joint moves. This may make clicking more noticeable during sport, exercise or repetitive tasks.

Do Clicking Joints Mean Damage or Arthritis?

No. Clicking, popping and crepitus are common in people who do not have pain or significant joint problems. Many healthy joints make noise throughout life without restricting movement or activity.

Joint noise also does not confirm arthritis. The clicking becomes more clinically relevant when it occurs with pain, swelling, stiffness, repeated locking, giving way or declining function.

When Should Clicking Joints Be Assessed?

Consider a physiotherapy assessment when clicking:

  • causes pain or discomfort
  • begins after a fall, twist or other injury
  • occurs with swelling or increasing stiffness
  • is associated with locking, catching or giving way
  • limits walking, exercise, work or sport
  • progressively worsens or reduces confidence with movement

A physiotherapist can assess joint range, strength, movement control and load tolerance. The assessment may help determine whether the sound is a normal variation or relates to a modifiable movement or loading issue.

Can Activity Levels Affect Joint Sounds?

Yes. Joint noises may become more noticeable after a period of reduced activity, during a sudden increase in exercise or when returning to sport following an injury.

Fatigue can also alter movement quality later in a training session. Gradual load progression, suitable recovery and improved strength may help reduce unwanted joint sounds over time.

What Can You Do About Clicking Joints?

If clicking is painless and your movement remains normal, you may only need to monitor it. Sensible strategies include:

  • continuing comfortable movement and exercise
  • increasing training loads gradually
  • noting whether pain, swelling or instability also occurs
  • avoiding repeatedly forcing a joint to click
  • building strength and movement control progressively
  • seeking assessment when symptoms worsen or follow an injury

Management for symptomatic clicking may include exercise rehabilitation, movement retraining, activity modification and gradual exposure to the movements that provoke symptoms.

Related Joint and Movement Information

What Should You Do Next?

If your joint clicks without pain and functions normally, you can usually continue your normal activities. However, assessment may help when clicking is painful, persistent, follows an injury or affects your confidence with movement.

A physiotherapist can assess the joint and help you choose an appropriate exercise, loading or rehabilitation plan.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why do my joints click when I move?

Joints may click when tendons or other soft tissues move across nearby structures, when pressure changes occur inside joint fluid or when movement control changes during loading. Clicking without pain is often normal.

Are clicking joints a sign of arthritis?

Not necessarily. Many people without arthritis have joints that click, pop or crack. Arthritis is more likely to cause other symptoms such as persistent pain, swelling, stiffness or reduced function.

When should I see a physiotherapist for clicking joints?

Consider an assessment when clicking is painful, begins after an injury, progressively worsens or occurs with swelling, locking, giving way, stiffness or reduced confidence with movement.

Can exercises reduce joint clicking?

Exercises may improve strength, movement control and load tolerance. This can reduce bothersome joint noise for some people, particularly when weakness, fatigue or altered movement contributes to the clicking.

Is clicking without pain a problem?

Usually not. Clicking without pain, swelling, instability or reduced function is commonly a normal variation. Monitor the joint and seek advice if new symptoms develop.

Should I stop exercising if my joints click?

You usually do not need to stop exercising when the clicking is painless and your function remains normal. Reduce or modify the activity and seek advice when clicking occurs with pain, swelling, locking or instability.

References

  1. Couch JL, King MG, de Oliveira Silva D, et al. Noisy knees—knee crepitus prevalence and association with structural pathology: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Br J Sports Med. 2025;59(2):126–132. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2024-108866.
  2. Kawchuk GN, Fryer J, Jaremko JL, et al. Real-time visualization of joint cavitation. PLoS One. 2015;10(4):e0119470. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0119470.

For further information about painful, stiff or irritated joints, see our joint pain causes, treatment and management guide.

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