Initial Sharp Pain
One of the first symptoms of an ACL tear is a sudden pain, which can be traced to a specific incident that caused the tear or the injury. This is different from progressive knee conditions like knee osteoarthritis. [5]
Swelling
Swelling is most likely to occur within 24 hours of of the injury. When the injured location is swollen, it may be tender, this is a symptom of a damaged ACL. This swelling can be lessened through ice therapy and by raising your leg and propping it against a few pillows. [6]
Limited Range of Motion
This is another symptom of ACL. Damage to the ACL causes you to be unable to bend or flex your knee the way you usually would. It affects your knee and limits the extent to which you can move it around and also physical activity that can be done with it.