Tore Your ACL or Injured Your Knee Playing Sports?
Get a clear diagnosis and a real plan from a DC-area sports medicine knee specialist.
If you injured your knee skiing, playing soccer, basketball, pickleball, or working out — and now you have pain, swelling, instability, or your knee “gave out” — you may have torn your ACL or meniscus.
You don’t need to guess. You don’t need to wait months. And you don’t need surgery unless you actually need surgery.
Rajeev Pandarinath, MD is a fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon who specializes in ACL tears, meniscus injuries, and sports-related knee problems.
✅ Fast appointments
✅ MRI coordination if needed
✅ Clear plan — surgical and non-surgical options
✅ Focused on getting you back to activity safely
Common Ways ACL Injuries Happen
ACL tears commonly occur during:
- ⛷️ Skiing and snowboarding
- ⚽ Soccer
- 🏀 Basketball
- 🏃 Pivoting or cutting sports
- 🏋️ Gym or recreational athletics
- 🚶 Slips, falls, or awkward twists
Many patients describe:
- A pop
- Immediate swelling
- Feeling like the knee is unstable or giving way
- Difficulty trusting the knee to pivot or turn
If that sounds familiar, an ACL tear or meniscus tear is very possible.
Do All ACL Tears Need Surgery?
No.
Some people do well without surgery. Some absolutely need reconstruction. The right answer depends on:
- Your age
- Your activity goals
- Your knee stability
- Associated injuries (meniscus, cartilage, etc.)
The goal of your visit is not to rush you into surgery.
The goal is:
To give you an accurate diagnosis and the right plan for YOUR knee and YOUR life.
What Happens at Your Visit
- Thorough knee exam
- Review of X-rays or MRI (or order MRI if needed)
- Clear explanation of:
- What is injured
- What is not injured
- Your treatment options
- Straightforward plan:
- Physical therapy vs surgery vs further evaluation
You will leave knowing exactly what’s going on and what to do next.
Why See Dr. Pandarinath?
- Fellowship-trained in Sports Medicine
- Focuses on:
- ACL reconstruction
- Meniscus surgery
- Cartilage injuries
- Athletic knee injuries
- Treats:
- Athletes
- Active adults
- Skiers
- Weekend warriors
- Emphasis on:
- Correct diagnosis
- Appropriate treatment
- Avoiding unnecessary surgery
Surgery is recommended only when it truly benefits the patient.
Injured While Skiing?
Skiing is one of the most common causes of ACL tears due to twisting falls and binding release mechanics.
Many patients:
- Get hurt on a ski trip
- Are told “you probably tore your ACL”
- Come home unsure what to do next
If that’s you:
You don’t need to guess. Get it evaluated properly.
Request an Appointment
If you recently injured your knee and are concerned about an ACL or meniscus tear:
👉 Click below to request an appointment
📞 Or call our office to be seen as soon as possible
The sooner your knee is properly evaluated, the sooner you can get on the right path to recovery.
About Rajeev Pandarinath, MD
Rajeev Pandarinath, MD is a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon specializing in knee and shoulder injuries.
He treats:
- ACL tears
- Meniscus injuries
- Cartilage injuries
- Sports and activity-related joint problems
His approach emphasizes:
- Accurate diagnosis
- Evidence-based treatment
- Matching the treatment to the patient’s goals
Worried you tore your ACL?
Don’t wait. Don’t guess. Don’t “see how it goes” for three months.
👉 Request your appointment today