Do you have an MCL Injury?
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What is the MCL?
The Medial Collateral Ligament is a band of tissue that runs along the medial (inner) aspect of the knee. Ligaments connect bone to bone to promote joint stability and improve functional strength during movement. The MCL lies outside of the knee joint, connecting the distal femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone) in order to maintain close proximity of the bone structure.
Watch this VIDEO for more information on the MCL.
MCL is also called Tibial Collateral Ligament
What Causes an MCL Injury?
An MCL injury is common during sports activity. MCL sprains often result from a direct blow to the lateral (outside) aspect of knee, causing a forceful stretch to the tissues on the inside of the knee. MCL sprains can also result from sudden twisting or bending motions that cause increased stress on the inside of knee.
What are the Symptoms of an MCL Injury?
- Audible “pop” at time of injury
- Pain on the medial aspect of knee (inside)
- Generalized knee swelling
- Bruising on the inside of knee
- Feeling of giving-way or instability when walking/weight-bearing
- Catching or pain when actively bending or extending knee
How is an MCL Injury Diagnosed?
If you have sustained an injury to your knee, it is important to be seen by your medical provider in order to determine your course of care. An orthopedic physician will review your history and perform a physical exam in order to determine the severity of the injury. Special testing performed by your physician can determine if there is a laxity of the MCL. Additional diagnostic imaging may be order to further evaluate the injury, including x-ray and MRI. MRI is used to determine the severity of the MCL tear and determine if there are any other soft tissue structures involved (ie: muscle strains, ligament sprains, or tears in the meniscus (cartilage).
Grade 1 MCL Sprain: Stretch to ligament, minimal fibers involved
- Tenderness, slight bruising, and minimal swelling
- No notable instability
- Treatment:
- RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation)
- Physical therapy
- Protective bracing
- Recovery: 1-3 weeks of conservative treatment
Grade 2 MCL Sprain: Partial tearing – moderate fiber involvement, ligament remains intact
- Tenderness, bruising, and moderate swelling
- Possible knee instability
- Treatment:
- RICE
- Physical therapy – Modalities (US/e-stim), range of motion, progressive strengthening (quad, hamstring, and hip strengthening) to address functional deficits contributing to instability
- Recovery: 4-8 weeks
Grade 3 MCL Sprain: Significant tearing or rupture of the ligament
- Pain, significant swelling, bruising, and loss of function (ability to bend/extend)
- Instability – giving-way, buckling.
- Treatment: Conservative vs surgical intervention
- RICE
- Physical therapy – following MD protocol to protect injury/surgical repair. Gradual progression with an emphasis on gait mechanics, functional mobility, and dynamic strengthening in an effort to return patient to prior level of function.
- Recovery: 3-4 months
MCL Treatment in Jacksonville, FL
If you think you have an MCL injury, JOI has a dedicated team of physicians that are dedicated to your orthopedic treatment. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above and would like to see a physician regarding this, JOI offers six different MD locations and they are located throughout the northeast Florida area.
JOI MD Locations
JOI Rehab also offers physical therapy in numerous areas in northeast Florida. If your referring MD feels physical therapy would assist you in relieving of these symptoms, please give us a call at 904-858-7045.
JOI Physical Therapy Locations
To schedule an appointment with a JOI Orthopedic Knee Specialist, please call 904-JOI-2000, schedule online or Book Appointment click below.
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