What Happens When You Sprain Your Foot?
An ACL tear often feels like a sudden and isolated injury. One moment, you’re moving, pivoting, or landing after a jump; the next second, your knee gives out. After the pain, swelling, and recovery process, most people just want to return to their routine. But many wonder if an ACL tear can lead to arthritis later in life and affect their mobility.
The short answer is yes. ACL injuries can increase the risk of arthritis, especially in the knee joint. A ligament tear can linger for many years and lead to joint wear and tear over time
ANF Therapy®, also known as Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy, is a frequency-based approach that utilizes wearable devices, ANF Devices, which are applied directly to the skin. These devices are configured with bio-coded frequencies, aiming to support the natural healing mechanisms and promote physiological balance.
This blog will explain what arthritis is, how ACL injuries increase the risk, and what steps you can take to protect your joint health in the long term
What is an ACL?
The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is one of four key ligaments in the knee. It connects the thigh bone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and helps keep the joint stable. Its main roles include:
- Preventing your tibia from moving too far forward
- Supporting twists, turns, and side-to-side movement
- Keeping your knee aligned under pressure
What Happens During an ACL Tear?
Anyone can injure their ACL, whether you’re a world-class athlete or just someone who took a wrong step on the stairs. The incidence of ACL tears is around 1 in 3500 in the United States. An ACL tear usually happens suddenly. It often takes place during a fast movement, a jump, or a quick change in direction.
When the ACL tears, the ligament stretches too far or snaps under pressure. This can happen from:
- Stopping suddenly while running
- A sharp twist during a pivot
- An awkward landing after a jump
- A direct hit to the side of the knee
Many people experience a “pop” at the time of injury. This sound or sensation often signals a full or partial tear of the ligament. Right after the tear, the knee may:
- Swell within a few hours
- Feel unstable or loose
- Lose the full range of motion
- Show signs of bruising or stiffness
In some cases, pain from an ACL tear is sharp and severe. In others, the knee may not hurt much, but it feels weak or gives out when you try to walk. Athletes often fall to the ground or stop moving immediately. Even with mild pain, an ACL tear should never be ignored. Without proper care, the injury can lead to long-term joint problems, including arthritis.
What is Arthritis?
Arthritis is a condition that causes inflammation, stiffness, and pain in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body but often appears in weight-bearing areas like the knees, hips, and spine.
The most common type of arthritis linked to ACL injuries is osteoarthritis, where the cartilage that cushions your bones wears down with time. Without enough cartilage, bones rub against each other, which causes swelling, pain, and reduced movement in your joints.
Can an ACL Tear Cause Arthritis?
Many people who tear their ACLs go on to develop arthritis. Here’s why:
Joint Instability
The ACL helps your knee stay steady and aligned. Once the ligament tears, the knee may shift or move in ways it shouldn’t, even after healing or surgery. This instability increases friction inside the joint, which wears down cartilage faster than usual.
Cartilage Damage During Injury
When the ACL tears, it often doesn’t act alone. Many ACL tears come with damage to other parts of the knee, especially the meniscus (the cartilage that acts as a shock absorber). Once cartilage gets torn or bruised, the risk of long-term joint changes rises.
Inflammation After Injury
Right after the injury, the knee swells. This swelling is a sign of inflammation, your body’s natural response to damage. If inflammation lasts too long or happens repeatedly, it can start to damage healthy tissue and speed up cartilage loss.
Uneven Weight Distribution
People who tear their ACL often change how they move. They may shift weight to the opposite leg or adjust posture to avoid discomfort. This uneven load affects the way pressure moves through the knees, hips, and back. Over time, this pattern can cause new or worsening arthritis symptoms in both legs.
How Common is Arthritis After an ACL Tear?
Studies show that up to 50% of people who tear their ACL will develop signs of knee osteoarthritis within 10 to 15 years. Some feel symptoms earlier, especially if they had a severe injury or needed surgery. This risk may be higher in those who:
- Had a complete ACL rupture
- Also tore the meniscus or cartilage
- Returned to high-impact sports without full recovery
- Had multiple knee surgeries
- Experience ongoing swelling, stiffness, or pain
What Does Arthritis After an ACL Injury Feel Like?
Arthritis symptoms may come and go at first. Some people feel fine during the day but notice discomfort at night. Others feel stiff when they wake up or after sitting for too long. Common signs of early osteoarthritis include:
- Stiffness in the knee that lasts more than a few minutes
- Aching pain that worsens with movement
- Cracking or grating sounds when bending or straightening the knee
- A feeling of tightness or swelling around the joint
- Reduced range of motion
- Trouble with stairs, walking, or kneeling
- Some may also feel weakness or fatigue in the muscles around the knee due to reduced activity
How to Manage an ACL Tear with Arthritis?
An ACL tear significantly raises your long-term risk of knee osteoarthritis (up to 50% within 10-15 years) due to joint instability, cartilage damage, inflammation, and altered movement. While initial recovery is crucial, protecting joint health is essential to prevent arthritis.
ANF Therapy® or Amino Neuro Frequency Therapy is a frequency-based approach that is applied by trained healthcare professionals to aid in the treatment, prevention, and relief of musculoskeletal injuries such as ACL injury. Moreover, this therapy is also used for related issues such as pain, swelling, discomfort, and limited mobility. It is designed for use in physical rehabilitation, neuromusculoskeletal care, and supportive treatment settings.
Outcomes:
ANF Therapy® is a non-invasive, drug-free method. It uses small carbonised metal devices that are applied to the skin. In a real-world study involving 1,054 patients across 45 countries, pain levels decreased significantly, from 7.6 to 3.1 out of 10 with ANF Therapy®. Common pain areas included the lower back, knee, neck, and shoulder. Patients also showed reduced swelling and improved range of motion. Satisfaction was high (92/100), and side effects, such as dry mouth, headache, and fatigue, were mild and short-term, reported by 42% of patients. The results are promising, but should be interpreted with caution.
