MCL Tears

What is the MCL

- MCL is the Medial Collateral Ligament.  

- MCL is a broad and thick band that runs down the inner part of the knee, from the femur (thighbone) to about 5 inches from the top of the Tibia (shinbone).

- The MCL’s primary fun- MCL is a broad and thick band that runs down the inner part of the knee, from the femur (thighbone) to about 5 inches from the top of the Tibia (shinbone).ction is to prevent the leg from over-extending inward. Still, it also is part of the mechanism that stabilizes the knee and allows it to rotate.

MCL Sprains.

- Grade One MCL Sprain may have mild tenderness on the inside of the knee over the ligament. There is usually no swelling. A Grade one tear consists of a tear in fewer than 10 percent of the fibers.

- Grade Two MCL Sprain will have significant tenderness on the inside of the knee along the medial ligament. When the Valgus Stress Test is applied, there is pain with mild to moderate laxity in the joint, you cannot bend the knee sideways completely.

- Grade Three MCL sprain is a complete tear on the ligament. Pain can vary and may not be as painful as a grade two sprain. Valgus Test will show significant joint laxity, and the knee may be unstable.

 Treatment for Grade one MCL Sprain

- Prompt return to weight-bearing activities to encourage full motion.  

- Place a Space Ice Knee Wrap on the injured area.

- Safe Strength activities such as biking are recommended.

- No cutting or twisting activities  

- Anti-inflammatory medication for one-two

- Bracing with a hinged brace support MCL

- 1–4-week recovery time

Treatment for grade 2/3 MCL Sprain

- Protect the ends of the ligament

- Avoid applying significant stresses to the healing structures right after the injury

- Crutches (Maybe)

- Temporary knee brace

- Ice Application or Space Ice Knee Wrap

- Physical Therapy may help to dimmish swelling and encourage a return to full motion

- Safe Strength activities like biking

- Anti-inflammatories for 1-2 weeks

- Gradually return to weight training

- Functional testing and running program

Testing for MCL injuries

• Observation Palpitation
• The doctor will look for swelling, bruising, and deformity and will feel around the joint for tenderness, warmth, and swelling
• Valgus Stress Test
• The doctor will passively bend the affected leg to about 30 degrees of flexion.