Help Your Teen Avoid an ACL Tear
Every high school sports season, some athletes tear their ACL — the anterior cruciate ligament in the knee. If your teen jumps or pivots quickly to grab a ball, they might feel a pop in their knee. They may even walk off the field. But within 24 to 48 hours, their knee could swell significantly.
If your teen is a girl, her risk of tearing her ACL is four to six times higher than a boy’s. Why? Researchers once believed hormones and body structure were the main reasons. But newer studies show those factors play only a minor role.
The real culprits are two preventable issues:
Biomechanics: Girls often jump, cut and pivot with a more upright posture than boys. They also tend to let their knees collapse inward into a knock-knee position.
Muscle imbalance: Girls typically have stronger quadriceps (front thigh muscles) than hamstrings (back thigh muscles). This imbalance can put extra pressure on the knee.
Prevention Works — If You Know About It
Research shows that prevention programs can reduce the risk of ACL tears in girls. These programs teach athletes how to move safely and strengthen key muscles. Unfortunately, many coaches don’t include them in training.
You can help your teen by encouraging them to:
- Keep their knees aligned directly over their feet during movement
- Learn proper landing and pivoting techniques
- Strengthen their hamstrings
A physical therapist can design a personalized workout to build these habits. This is especially important because a torn ACL can't heal on its own. If your teen wants to stay active long-term, they’ll likely need surgery.
What Happens After Surgery?
ACL surgery is highly effective at restoring knee stability and function. But once your teen has torn their ACL, they’re at higher risk for:
- Developing early arthritis
- Tearing the same ligament again
- Tearing the ACL in the opposite knee
That’s why prevention is the best strategy. Helping your teen build strength and learn safe movement patterns now can protect their knees for life.
Get Back on the Field
Find a licensed physical therapist who can help you build strength, improve movement and reduce your risk for injury.