Dealing with Medial Collateral Ligament Injuries

What is an MCL injury? An MCL injury is a sprain or tear to the medial collateral ligament.

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four ligaments that are critical to the stability of the knee joint. It spans the distance from the end of the femur (thigh bone) to the top of the tibia (shin bone) and is on the inside of the knee joint. The MCL resists widening of the inside of the joint.

The MCL is usually injured when the outside of the knee joint is struck. This action causes the outside of the knee to buckle, and the inside to widen causing it to be stretched too far, leaving the MCL susceptible to tearing and injury. Similarly, when the lower leg is forced to splay out, like when a passing shot is blocked or in a 50:50 challenge, it can produce the same result.

An injury to the MCL may occur as an isolated injury, or it may be part of a complex injury to the knee involving multiple ligaments and cartilage damage. Early treatment of an injured knee will help to speed recovery and minimize the symptoms.

Symptoms

  • The most common symptom following a MCL injury is pain directly over the ligament
  • Swelling over the torn ligament may appear
  • Some bruising and generalized joint swelling may occur 1 to 2 days after the injury
  • In more severe injuries the knee may feel unstable

Severity of a Pulled Hamstring

Symptoms of a MCL injury tend to correlate with the extent of the injury.

  • Grade I MCL Tear
    This is an incomplete tear of the MCL and the symptoms are usually minimal. Patients usually complain of pain with pressure on the MCL.
  • Grade 2 MCL Tear
    Grade 2 injuries are also considered incomplete tears of the MCL but the damage is worse. These patients may complain of instability when attempting to cut or pivot. Swelling in more evident over the ligament and pain is more significant with straightening and bending of the knee.
  • Grade 3 MCL Tear
    A grade 3 injury is a complete tear of the MCL. Patients have significant pain and swelling and often have difficulty moving the knee. Instability or giving way is a common finding with grade 3 MCL tears.

Acute Management

It is vitally important that treatment to a strained MCL starts immediately following injury. The most important phase for treatment is the first 48 hours post-injury. Early management will have you back on the field faster. Suggestions for immediate treatment include:

  • Stop your activity.
  • Rest the injured leg.
  • Use icepacks every two hours over the inside aspect of the knee, applied for 15 minutes.
  • Elevate the leg above heart height whenever possible.
  • Avoid exercise, heat, alcohol and massage in the first 48 hours, as these can all exacerbate swelling.

Professional help

Treatment of a MCL injury rarely requires surgical intervention. Almost always some simple treatment steps, along with rehabilitation, will allow patients to resume their previous level of activity. The time before an athlete is able to return to their sport corresponds to the grade of the injury.

Treatment of Grade I MCL Tears

Grade I sprains of the MCL are treated with rest from aggravating activity, anti-inflammatory medications and regular icing. With appropriate rehabilitation most patients with a grade I MCL tear will be able to return to sport within 1-2 weeks following their injury.

Treatment of Grade 2 MCL Tears

When a grade 2 MCL sprain occurs, use of a hinged knee brace is common in early treatment. Athletes with a grade 2 injury can return to activity once their knee is assessed as stable by their physiotherapist. Some mild pain may remain on return to play with kicking and pivoting but stability is considered the prime concern. Patients with a grade 2 injury often return to sport within 3-4 weeks.

Treatment of Grade 3 MCL Tears

When a grade 3 injury occurs patients usually wear a hinged knee brace and use crutches for the first week to 10 days following injury. After that time your physiotherapist may begin to increase the range of motion the knee brace allows. The crutches can be discontinued once the patient is able to walk without limping. The brace can be removed once your physiotherapist considers your MCL repaired and stable. Complete rehab from a grade 3 MCL tear can take 6 weeks to 4 months, unless it is associated with damage to other knee structures in which case the recovery time may be longer.

Physiotherapy provides rehabilitation and support

Physiotherapy treatment will depend upon the severity of the injury. Treatments may include:

  • Hands on therapy for damaged tissues. Soft tissue therapy is excellent for reducing inappropriate scar adhesions while promoting faster healing conditions.
  • Rehabilitation and strengthening exercises are used to rebuild the strength of the muscles around the knee to support the recovering MCL.
  • A stretching program within bracing restrictions to encourage faster return of full range pain-free movement.
  • A core stability retraining program is highly recommended.
  • Provide mobility aids such as crutches or knee braces.

Preventing MCL Injuries

Although it is important to be able to treat a MCL injury, prevention should be your first priority. Suggestions to prevent the risk of MCL injury:

  1. Warm Up properly
    A good warm up is essential in getting the body ready for any activity. Consider the FIFA 11+ warm up.
  2. Rest and Recovery
    Rest is very important in helping the soft tissues of the body recover from strenuous activity. Be sure to allow adequate recovery time between workouts or training sessions.
  3. Core Strengthening Exercises
    Exercises that challenge your ability to balance will help what is called proprioception, your body’s sense of balance.
  4. Stretch and Strengthen
    To prevent MCL injury, it is important that the muscles around the knee be in top condition. Be sure to work on the strength and flexibility of all the muscle groups in the leg.

If you have an injury and require an accurate diagnosis (investigations to be arranged as soon as possible), evidence based treatment and a comprehensive rehabilitation program taking you all the way back to your sport then contact Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy.

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m mooney
m mooney
04:59 09 Jul 24
Julie Dimevski
Julie Dimevski
08:04 26 Jun 24
Kieran and the team have provided great customer service during my daughters recovery. They show care, and are supportive. He has been open and transparent, and positive. Thanks Kieran and team.
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Tim merchant
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Really inviting staff, always ready to help. They know what they are talking about and facilites are wonderful.
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best in the business the team here are the very best at their jobs
G G
G G
16:52 05 Mar 24
I came to Jubilee Sports Physio for help on how to exersise and get fit without injuring myself constantly.During my initial consultation Michael said, I was standing wrong, sitting wrong and exersises I did were not suitable for my body.After four sessions, 15 minutes of daily exercises in between and I can go on hikes, lift weights and feel many years younger.I now have the life I want and very grateful to Jubilee Sports Physio, for their professionalism from booking, greeting and being able to do all I want physically.I highly recommend Jubilee Sports
Lara Mangelli
Lara Mangelli
08:56 18 Dec 23
I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the exceptional care provided by Michael and James for attending to my son, both before and after his shoulder reconstruction. Michael and James' combination of kindness and professionalism played an important role in helping my son navigate through what was his first significant life challenge.They both demonstrated an unwavering commitment to my son's well-being, providing not only expert physiotherapy but also a level of compassionate support that went above and beyond.Thank you Jubilee team for your outstanding commitment to patient care. It's reassuring to know that professionals like Michael and James are dedicated to not just addressing physical challenges but also fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for individuals facing health setbacks. The receptions ladies were kind and helpful too.
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Judith Gifford
06:00 18 Dec 23
Over a period of 4 years my husband and I have had the expertise and professionalism of Michael Gabriel and staff at Jubilee Sports Physiotherapy Each of our ageing conditions required commitment to exercises to improve. When the conditions were clearly explained we gained confidence and understanding of realistic outcomes. We feel very fortunate for all of our treatments..and highly recommend Michael and staff.
Georgia Manos
Georgia Manos
12:08 13 Dec 23
The whole Jubilee team is fantastic. They are professional, knowledgeable and have always gotten me back playing football as quick as possible!
Jordan Figon
Jordan Figon
06:36 13 Dec 23
The team at Jubilee have been looking after me for over 15 years. Specially Michael with the help of Kieran. They have rehabbed me through 4 major surgeries as well as long standing injuries. It is because of these guys, I am able to still be involved in the game I love, stretching my career out as long as possible. In addition, my whole family is part of the Jubilee family
David Washington
David Washington
05:02 13 Dec 23
I have relied on Michael Gabriel for my physiotherapy needs for a number of years now. His professional work has allowed me to continue to chase the love I have for outdoors recreation.
Luke Payne
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22:05 12 Dec 23
Michael and his team are the best. So professional and knowledgeable and have kept me moving for years.
Diane sutton
Diane sutton
21:58 12 Dec 23
I have been a patient of Jubilee Sports Physio for many years, being treated for various injuries & chronic conditions. Michael’s diagnostic skills are excellent. I can highly recommend this practice for their care, proficiency & friendliness.
Nicole Simpson
Nicole Simpson
10:53 12 Dec 23
Micheal has helped over the years to heal and help with my injuries.. The entire team gives a five star help. I can’t praise them enough…Thank you so much
Judy Andrews
Judy Andrews
10:26 12 Dec 23
Michael has treated me on a number of occasions. He is very professional and very easy to talk to. He obviously knows his stuff and never fails to set you on the right path with his treatments
BERGE GABO
BERGE GABO
09:28 12 Dec 23
"I have been going to Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years.Very professional from the receptionists to the principal Physioswith lots of experience and straight to the point thatsave time and money"
Corinne Favaloro
Corinne Favaloro
04:09 02 Nov 23
I have been attending Jubilee physio, on and off, for many years.In fact three generations of my family are presently receiving treatment there. I have had several of the physiotherapist at Jubilee work on different problems and have found them all to be professional, knowledgeable and very caring in their treatment.
Nicole Di noia
Nicole Di noia
22:19 01 Nov 23
Thorough, professional and passionate team of physiotherapists.
Steve Chidgey
Steve Chidgey
02:04 04 Jul 23
The the treatment I received for injury was first class. Caring, knowledgeable and highly professional. The electronic home exercising provided to me showed me the required exercises so I was not let to a piece of papers directing me. Loved the app. This physio is the best I have used. Highly recommended.
Margaret Peace
Margaret Peace
01:29 01 Jul 23
I have attended Jubilee Physiotherapy for many years and have always had a positive experience. The staff are professional and knowledgeable. I always feel comfortable and safe in their care.My therapist, Samuel Leslie, knew exactly how to treat my new neck issue. As a result, I have made a very good recovery.
Angelina Mastoris
Angelina Mastoris
23:09 01 Mar 23
The guys at Jubilee are amazing! Been going for a couple years and each time I’ve had a great experience. Massive shout out and thanks to our team Physio Sam for helping me with my rehab and recovery. He’s helped improve my overall game and has made me stronger than before. He’s a legend. Would highly recommend, overall fantastic experience!
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