One of the most common ways people hurt their knees is by injuring their ACL (anterior cruciate ligament). This is one of the bands of tissue that holds the bones together within your knee . It also helps to keep your knee stable. You can stretch or tear your ACL if you make a sudden movement or quick, sharp turn when you’re running or jumping. It’s often painful and can make it hard to walk or put pressure on the injured leg. Following are the few symptoms that may point to a torn Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Instability going down stairs - T he intense pain and swelling may subside temporarily with time, if a torn ACL is left untreated, the feelings of unsteadiness and discomfort will likely remain, and you may experience recurrent pain and swelling, as well as have your knees give way when walking, especially when going up or down stairs. M ild cases anyhow should not be ignored . Pain or weakness kicking a ball - If you are unable to kick a ball as har