The medial collateral ligament MCL is one of the ligaments in the knee joint. A ligament is a tough, flexible band of tissue that holds bones and cartilage together.
The MCL is on the part of the knee closest to the other knee the "medial" side. It connects the bottom of the thighbone femur to the top of the shinbone tibia. The MCL helps keep the knee from moving side to side. The MCL can tear if an injury stretches it too much. Most people who tear their MCL feel pain and a "pop" in their knee when the injury happens. This stretches the ligaments on the inside of the knee too far or can tear them.
It is not uncommon for athletes to suffer tears of the medial collateral ligament and anterior cruciate ligament at the same time. The ligament also can be injured through repeated stress. This causes the ligament to lose its normal stretch and elasticity similar to a worn-out rubber band.
Your doctor will ask you to describe how the knee was injured, whether you have had other knee injuries and how your knee has felt since the injury. You may be asked about your physical and athletic goals. This helps your doctor decide what treatment might be best for you.
During the physical exam, the inside of the injured knee will be checked for pain or tenderness. Pressure will be put on the outside of the knee while the leg is both bent and straight. Depending on the degree of pain or looseness of your knee joint, the injury will be classified as:. If the immediate pain and swelling makes it too difficult to judge how severe the injury is, you may need to wear a light splint, apply ice and raise the knee.
Once the swelling and pain have lessened, your doctor will make the diagnosis. Your doctor may order a magnetic resonance imaging MRI scan. An MRI has an accuracy rate of nearly 90 percent in determining whether and how badly a medial collateral ligament tear is.
The medial collateral ligament has a good blood supply and usually responds well to nonsurgical treatment. Depending on how bad the injury is, it may be enough to rest the knee, wear a brace, take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen and have physical therapy. To keep the knee from moving, your doctor may recommend a lightweight cast or brace that allows your knee to move backward and forward but limits side-to-side motion.
This usually is recommended for 72 hours. He or she will also ask how you injured your knee and about your symptoms at the time of injury. You may have some tests, including an X-ray and an MRI. Most MCL injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Your doctor may suggest that you use crutches and wear a brace that protects but allows for some movement of your knee. You may need to reduce your activity for a few weeks.
But doing gentle movement as advised by your doctor will help you heal. A severe tear may need surgery. But this usually isn't done unless you also injure other parts of your knee, such as the anterior cruciate ligament ACL or meniscus. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to increase range of motion and strengthen your quadriceps muscles and hamstrings. Watch closely for any changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if you do not get better as expected.
Author: Healthwise Staff. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. Back to top Menu. Medial collateral ligament MCL injury. Causes of medial collateral ligament MCL injury An MCL injury is usually caused by your knee being pushed inwards towards your other knee.
Looking for physiotherapy? Self-help for medial collateral ligament injury If you injure your knee, you should follow the POLICE procedure to manage any type of soft tissue injury to your knee. Medicines for medial collateral ligament injury You can take over-the-counter painkillers , such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, to help relieve your pain. Physiotherapy for medial collateral ligament injury Your physiotherapist will carefully assess your knee and then plan a programme of rehabilitation exercises to suit your individual needs.
Surgery for medial collateral ligament injury Most people recover from an MCL injury without needing to have surgery.
This is most likely if: more than one ligament or tissue in your knee is damaged your knee remains unstable after physiotherapy. Did our information help you? Complete the survey. About our health information At Bupa we produce a wealth of free health information for you and your family. Related information. Posterior cruciate ligament PCL injury. Read more. Anterior cruciate ligament ACL injury.
Lateral collateral ligament LCL injury. Meniscal tear. Patellar tendinopathy jumper's knee.
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