What is the Difference Between the Symptoms of ACL and MCL Tears?

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Differences Between the ACL and MCL Tears

By: Justin Delicato PTA/Site Coordinator JOI Rehab Fleming Island

Four major ligaments stabilize the knee. The MCL, or Medial Collateral Ligament, is located on the inside of the knee. It attaches the thigh bone to the shin bone. The ACL, or Anterior Cruciate Ligament, is a ligament connecting the upper leg bone with the lower leg bone. It keeps the knee stable. This article will discuss the difference between ACL and MCL tears. If you want to learn more about the ACL, you can watch this video.

What are the symptoms of acl tears, knee sprain and symptoms of a meniscus tear? JOI explains what is the difference between acl and mcl tears? Image of the ACL and MCL Ligaments

Causes of an ACL Tears

Typical causes of this tear are:

hyper-extension of the knee
sudden turn or cut made with the knee
landing from a jump and the leg gives way
sudden stop or cutting
hit on the side of the knee while the foot is planted

It is typically referred to as an ACL sprain and classified based on the degree of damage ranging from first to third degree.

Symptoms of a Torn ACL

Common signs and symptoms of ACL tears include:

increased swelling in the knee minutes after injury
difficulty walking or standing
instability of the knee
audible “pop.”
the onset of intense or mild pain in the knee
loss of feeling or numbness down the leg, in serious cases

ACL Tears and Meniscal Tears ACL Ligament Tear or Sprain

Causes of an MCL Knee Sprain or Tear

Typical causes of this sprain are:

direct contact in sports
knee undergoes a twisting motion

It is typically referred to as anMCL sprainand classified based on the degree of damage ranging from first to third degree.

One major difference between an ACL and an MCL tear is that an ACL tear usually has significant swelling. Another difference between an ACL and an MCL tear is the amount of instability with walking. With an ACL tear, the patient will need crutches and braces to walk.

Symptoms of a Meniscus Tear or MCL Sprain

Depending on the grade of severity, a sprained MCL can result in varying symptoms.

Grade I: mild tenderness over the inside of the knee with minimal swelling
Grade II: more pain and swelling on the inside of the knee and more likely to display instability
Grade III: MCL ligament ruptures or tears completely, with significant swelling in the knee, difficulty bending the knee, and instability.

If you want to learn more about the Knee Anatomy, please watch this Knee Anatomy Video.

Treatment of Knee Sprains

image of patient receiving physical therapy for knee sprain JOI physical therapy can help with knee sprain recovery

For ACL and MCL sprains or tears, a patient must see an orthopedic specialist for further evaluation. The ACL and MCL are treated very differently in the orthopedic field. Both injuries are initially treated with ice, crutches, and immobilization. The ACL often requires surgery for the more severe sprains. The MCL does not usually require surgery unless it involves other ligaments or a complete rupture. At JOI, we have precise treatment protocols for both injuries. This article was focused on the difference between an ACL and MCL tear. However, often a more severe knee injury involves both of the ligaments.

Related Articles:

Watch this video from JOI and JOI Rehab on Why Knee Pain Can’t Wait!

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