A loud pop in the knee followed by pain paints a nightmare scenario for dedicated athletes. This sound and the sudden pain are standard indicators of an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear, as well as a meniscus tear.

The ACL and meniscus are important parts of your knee that play different roles in its stability and mobility. When one or both of these parts are damaged in an injury, you can lose much of the use of your knee until you receive treatment and recovery afterward. 

What causes a loud pop in the knee followed by pain?

ACL injuries and meniscus injuries are usually the result of traumatic force. A fall or an impact to the knee can cause it to twist in an unnatural position. When this happens, the ACL can stretch or tear, and the meniscus can tear.

Besides a loud pop, symptoms of an ACL or meniscus injury may also include:

• Swelling.
• Tenderness.
• Difficulty straightening or bending the knee.
• Instability or inability to bear weight.

When you have knee pain along with these symptoms, it’s important that you visit a health care professional for an examination and treatment. In many cases, surgery is necessary to repair a damaged ACL or meniscus. However, before your surgery and after, you need to visit a physical therapist.

Treating knee pain with physical therapy

Physical therapists play a vital role in your recovery from a torn ACL or meniscus. They help prepare the knee for surgery to help you transition into a smoother recovery afterward. They also help during your recovery to help you rehabilitate from the injury and the physical trauma of the surgery.

Physical therapy treatments for ACL and meniscus tears vary from person to person, but generally they include:

• Gentle stretches
• Light exercises
• Soft tissue mobilization
• Joint mobilization
• Posture guidance and more

Visit Franklin Rehabilitation for knee pain treatment

Have you heard a loud pop in your knee followed up by pain? You need to visit a health care professional for an assessment and treatment. At Franklin Rehabilitation, we can examine your knee and recommend a course of treatment to help you recover. Contact our team today for more information about ACL and meniscus tears or to schedule an initial appointment.