- MCL Tear or Sprain Nonsurgical Recovery Time. It can take anywhere from a few days to 8 weeks for an MCL injury to heal and a person to return to ...
- Platelet Rich Plasma for MCL Tears. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment, a form of regenerative medicine, may be recommended to people with high grade MCL tears.
- Surgery for an MCL Tear. ...
- Resting, icing and elevating the knee.
- Taking oral medications that relieve pain and inflammation, such as aspirin and ibuprofen.
- Wearing a brace that allows the knee to bend while restricting side-to-side movement.
How should a MCL sprain be treated?
- Rest. Activities that irritates the knee, such as pivoting and walking for long periods of time, should be avoided until the symptoms get better.
- Ice. A person may be advised to apply ice packs to the knee to help reduce swelling and decrease pain.
- Compression. Wearing a tight, elastic bandage around the knee can help stop swelling.
- Elevation. ...
How to strengthen your MCL?
Try pillow squats.
- Stand up straight and place a thick pillow between your knees. ...
- Stand with your feet about hip-distance apart, keeping your back straight, your tummy tucked in and your eyes looking straight ahead. ...
- You don't need to do a full squat (with your thighs are parallel to the floor). ...
Does a MCL tear heal able on its own?
While an MCL tear can be extremely painful, the good news is that the tear usually heals on its own after a few weeks of rest. While there are no figures available on how many MCL injuries occur each year, it is considered the most common type of knee injury. You may hear a popping noise when the injury occurs.
How bad is a torn MCL?
Tearing the MCL is likely to cause more severe pain that spraining the ligament. A person may notice a popping sound at the time of the injury. This is the sound of the MCL tearing. A person is likely to notice swelling in the area, which may not happen immediately.
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How long does it take for a sprained MCL to heal?
MCL Tear or Sprain Nonsurgical Recovery Time It can take anywhere from a few days to 8 weeks for an MCL injury to heal and a person to return to normal activities and sports. Generally, the timeline is determined by the severity of the injury, although this is not true for every person.
How do you know if your MCL is torn or sprained?
An individual with an MCL tear may notice the following: A popping sound when the injury is sustained. Pain (ranging from mild to severe depending on injury grade) on the inside of the knee. Instability, or feeling like the knee cannot bear weight and may give out.
Is it OK to walk on a sprained MCL?
Walking can help with MCL sprains, but it should be done only after the pain has lessened considerably. If you sprain your MCL, it is best to walk as soon as possible. Continue exercising if the pain allows for it.
Will MCL sprains heal on their own?
It is a relatively common injury in contact sports. While an MCL tear can be extremely painful, the good news is that the tear usually heals on its own after a few weeks of rest.
What does a MCL sprain feel like?
Stiffness. Swelling. Tenderness along the inside of the knee. A feeling that the injured knee may give way under stress or may lock or catch.
What kind of brace is used for a sprained MCL?
A special brace, called a hinged-knee brace, is used for the non-operative treatment of more severe sprains (Grade 2 and Grade 3). It is a brace that offers external side to side support for the knee while allowing the ligament to heal.
Should you ice an MCL sprain?
Put ice or a cold pack on your knee for 10 to 20 minutes at a time. Try to do this every 1 to 2 hours (when you're awake) for the first 3 days after your injury or until the swelling goes down. Put a thin cloth between the ice and your skin. If your doctor recommended crutches or a brace, use them as directed.
What is the fastest way to heal a sprained knee?
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation After the swelling starts to subside, most people can walk while wearing a knee brace. During the first several days after the injury, your doctor may recommend applying ice to your knee 3 times a day for 15 minutes at a time to reduce swelling.
Where is MCL pain located?
MCL injuries hurt. Most people feel pain along the inside edge of the knee, and they also have swelling. You might hear a pop when the damage to the knee takes place, and your knee may lurch to the side. You may find it hard to walk, or feel like you can't put pressure on the leg with the hurt knee.
Is walking good for torn ligaments?
The short answer is yes. After the pain and swelling subsides and if there is no other injury to your knee, you may be able to walk in straight lines, go up and down stairs and even potentially jog in a straight line.
How do you sleep with a torn MCL?
0:503:04Sleeping Positions with Pain + Injuries - Pt.2: Knees | Tim Keeley - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo if you need to ice at night ice at rest this is a great position for you to be and I sit here iceMoreSo if you need to ice at night ice at rest this is a great position for you to be and I sit here ice back on top and then that position is you know really comfortable.
Does massage help MCL injury?
Massage to the MCL ligament is also beneficial much later in the rehabilitation process. Sometimes the ligament can stick to the bone underneath and freeing this up with massage can help with knee mobility and how the knee feels in general.
How is MCL surgery performed?
MCL surgery is generally performed through small open incisions on the inner (medial) knee. Recovery time from surgery will depend on the severity of the injury, the type of surgery performed, and other factors, such as age and overall health.
How long does it take for a MCL tear to heal?
MCL Tear or Sprain Nonsurgical Recovery Time. It can take anywhere from a few days to 8 weeks for an MCL injury to heal and a person to return to normal activities and sports. Generally, the timeline is determined by the severity of the injury, although this is not true for every person. Grade I (sprain or overstretched) tears will typically heal ...
What to do if you have persistent knee instability?
People who have persistent knee instability, even after nonsurgical treatment has been attempted. If surgery is recommended, a surgeon will either: Reattach the torn portion of the ligament. Reconstruct and/or augment the ligament using a graft.
How to stop swelling in knees?
Wearing a tight, elastic bandage around the knee can help stop swelling. Elevation. Keeping the knee propped up above the waist can help decrease swelling. In addition to the RICE method, a person may be advised to: Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen.
What to do if you have a rice knee?
In addition to the RICE method, a person may be advised to: Take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen. Wear a knee brace that allows the knee to move forward and backwards but restricts side-to-side movement. Exercise to restore range of motion and increase strength.
What to do when knee pain is irritated?
Rest. Activities that irritates the knee, such as pivoting and walking for long periods of time, should be avoided until the symptoms get better.
How to restore range of motion?
Exercise to restore range of motion and increase strength. These exercises typically include gentle stretches and strengthening exercises. People may also do upper body workouts and swim in order to keep up general conditioning. Some people may work with a physical therapist for guided treatment.
How to treat grade 3 MCL tear?
Treatment of Grade III MCL Tears. When a grade III MCL tear occurs, patients should brace their knee and use crutches until the pain has subsided. 7 The knee can be immobilized for a few days initially, but early range-of-motion will help in the recovery process. Once the patient can begin bending their knee, ...
How long does it take to recover from a grade 1 MCL tear?
Patients with a grade I MCL tear may be able to return to sports within one or two weeks following their injury.
How long does it take for a knee ligament to heal?
When this happens, you may face a recovery time of weeks to months, depending on the grade of the MCL tear.
Do MCL tears need surgery?
MCL tears often do not need surgery. There are many studies that document successful nonsurgical treatment in nearly all types of MCL injuries. 8 Most surgeons agree that for patients who complain of persistent knee instability, despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment, surgery is reasonable. 9
Can you brace your MCL?
Treatment always begins with allowing the pain to subside, beginning work on mobility, followed by strengthening the knee to return to sports and activities. 3 Bracing can often be useful for the treatment of MCL injuries. Fortunately, most often surgery is not necessary for the treatment of an MCL tear.
Can you bend your knees with a hinged knee brace?
Once the patient can begin bending their knee, early range-of-motion exercises should commence, including stationary bicycling. 7 Normal walking and progression to jogging can begin as pain allows. Use of a hinged knee brace is usually very helpful to support the knee, especially in the earlier stages of rehab.
Can a grade III MCL tear be surgically treated?
Some surgeons advocate surgical treatment of grade III MCL tears in elite athletes or in those athletes with multiple ligament injuries in the knee. In these circumstances, you should discuss the optimal management of your injury with your healthcare provider.
Who is the physiotherapist for MCL?
Our MCL sprain rehabilitation program has been created by International Rugby Physiotherapist Phil Pask and takes you step by step from injury to full fitness.
What is a medial knee sprain?
Medial Knee Ligament (MCL Sprain) A Medial collateral knee ligament sprain or MCL sprain is a tear of the ligament on the inside of the knee. It is usually caused by twisting or direct impact, but may develop gradually over time through overuse. Here we explain the symptoms, causes, treatment and rehabilitation of an MCL sprain.
What sports can medial collateral ligaments be injured in?
Medial collateral ligament injuries are common in contact sports such as football, rugby, and martial arts. However, they can also occur in daily activities such as falling and/or twisting action your knee joint.
What is the pain on the inside of the knee?
However, gradual onset pain on the inside of your knee should also be considered for pes anserine tendinopathy or bursitis.
How long does it take to recover from a grade 1 sprain?
A mild MCL injury or grade one sprain should take 3 to 6 weeks to make a full recovery.
Why do you tap your knees?
Taping your knee joint can also provide a high level of support and protection. Support taping is useful in the early stages, as well as later on when you return to full training.
Can MCL tear?
As a result, the medial ligament on the inside of your knee becomes stretched and if the force is great enough, some or even all of the fibres will tear.
How to tell if you have a MCL injury?
Most people feel pain along the inside edge of the knee, and they also have swelling. You might hear a pop when the damage to the knee takes place, and your knee may lurch to the side. You may find it hard to walk, or feel like you can’t put pressure on the leg with the hurt kne e.
How long does it take for a MCL to heal?
It’s rare for someone with an MCL injury to need surgery, since this ligament can often heal within a few weeks or months with the help of other measures.
Why does my MCL tear?
Causes. When your outer knee is hit very hard, the MCL, which runs along your inner knee, can stretch out far enough to strain or tear. People who play football, hockey, and other sports where players impact other athletes with great force may injure their MCL this way. You may also stretch or tear your MCL if your knee is suddenly pushed to ...
What happens if you hit your knee hard?
Symptoms. Diagnosis. Treatment. If you collide with another player when you’re playing a sport and the side of your knee is hit hard, your MCL may be injured. The MCL (medial collateral ligament) is a band of tissue that runs along the inner edge of your knee. It helps to connect your shin and thigh bones to keep your knee stable ...
What to do if your knee is sore?
You’ll need to raise your sore knee when you put ice on it, keep weight off the joint, and protect and compress the injury with a knee brace or elastic bandage. To ease pain and swelling, your doctor may have you take NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) like aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen.
How long does it take to get back to sports after knee surgery?
Whether or not you need surgery, you may be able to play sports again with a few weeks or months. Your doctor can let you know when it’s OK to get back to those activities, and they may ask you to wear a knee brace when you’re active.
Can MRI show MCL?
Your doctor may also want to do some imaging tests of your knee: MRI. An MRI study can show MCL damage, so your doctor will know how bad your strain or tear is. X-ray. It won’t show your MCL, but it can show whether you have a broken bone. Stress X-ray.
What to do if you have a sprained MCL?
Due to the swelling associated with an MCL sprain, compressing the knee with a crepe or compression bandage can help reduce the swelling at the affected joint and provide a bit of support.
What causes a sprain of the MCL?
1. Trauma. One of the major causes of MCL sprain is usually due to trauma to the outer side of the knee joint. An external trauma like a fall can overstretch or tear the ligaments on the inner aspect of the knee. Advertisements. 2. Knee Deformities. Deformities such as knock-knees put a lot of stretching pressure on the MCL which may eventually ...
What is the MCL in the knee?
What Can Cause MCL Sprain? How Is It Treated? The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is one of the four major ligaments in the knee. It is located at the inner aspect of the knee joint. It attaches the tibia bone (found in your leg) to the femur (thigh bone) and prevents the knee from going inwards.
How to treat a numb knee?
Ice is usually used in forms of ice packs or crushing ice in a damp towel and placing it on the medial side of the knee for 15 minutes every 3 hours for the first 3 days.
How long does it take for a sprain to heal?
The recovery time of an MCL sprain depends on the severity of the injury. For a grade I injury, it may take a few weeks to heal. for a grade II injury, it may take six weeks to heal. For a grade III injury, it may take 3 – 4 months to heal.
What is grade 1 MCL?
Grade 1 MCL Sprain. In this grade of injury, the ligaments are not torn but have been stretched above the ligaments limit. It’s like stretching a rubber band just before it cuts. The rubber band cuts when it has exceeded its elastic limit.
Where is the MCL located?
It is located at the inner aspect of the knee joint. It attaches the tibia bone (found in your leg) to the femur (thigh bone) and prevents the knee from going inwards. An MCL sprain is an injury to the ligament and can vary depending on the severity of the injury. Usually, an injury to the MCL may also affect other ligaments in ...
How to get rid of MCL pain?
There are a variety of treatments that can help you find relief from your MCL pain and speed up the healing process. 1. Rest. The most important MCL pain treatment is rest—not the sleeping kind of rest, but rather rest for your injured knee.
How to heal a MCL?
Sometimes, a hinged brace or cast, and possibly the use of crutches, will be necessary to immobilize your knee and allow it to heal properly. 2. Ice. To recover from MCL pain, it’s important to relieve inflammation. Icing your knee can help reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as relieve some pain.
How do you know if you have an MCL injury?
There are many symptoms that can come with an MCL injury, including: Pain around the inside or side of your knee, ranging from mild to severe; Stiffness or swelling around your knee; Tenderness or sensitivity around your inner knee; The feeling that your knee will catch, lock, or give way;
What is the pain in the lower leg from a MCL tear?
There are two types of tears which are possible: a partial tear, which is less severe; or a complete tear, which is when the ligament is completely separated. When your MCL tears, the result is pain in your leg, primarily around your lower leg and knee. Torn MCLs are serious injuries and can take a long time to recover, ...
How long does it take to recover from a MCL injury?
There are three grades of MCL injury: Grade 1: This grade typically includes mild sprains and pain, and recovery is in as little as a few days to a couple of weeks. Grade 2: MCL injuries in this grade typically involve more severe tearing of the ligament and swelling of the knee, can take up to a month to recover.
Why does my MCL hurt?
MCL pain is usually caused by direct trauma to the knee. When your knee receives a blow on its outer side, it gets pushed inwards. This can stretch your MCL, often leading to tears. Conversely, a blow that hits your inner knee can also cause a ligament tear, but to your ACL, though these injuries are less common, as it’s less likely for your inner knee to be hit.
How long does it take for a MCL to heal?
MCL pain can be unpleasant and irritating, but most of the time you can expect it to heal within six weeks or so. As long as you follow the proper treatment methods, MCL pain usually clears up and your knee will return to normal. Reducing inflammation is key.
Why is it important to know that every MCL sprain is its own journey?
It’s because there is a spectrum of severity within both grade 1 and grade 2 sprains. There is a spectrum to this injury, and it’s important to realize right away that every MCL sprain is its own journey. It’s very hard to pin down exactly how long it will take you to recover.
How long does it take to recover from a grade 1 MCL sprain?
A grade 1 MCL sprain recovery time is typically anywhere from 1 month to 9 months depending on recovery protocol and the severity of the sprain. This is why it can be so hard to pin down, because the grade 2 covers such a broad spectrum of the severity of MCL sprains.
How long does MCL rehab last?
The program should last approximately 6-8 weeks. Grade 3 Rehab: MCL rehab for a complete tear can be divided into two categories. Pre-hab before a medical intervention (knee surgery) and rehab afterward. “Prehab” for a grade 3 sprain should focus on strengthening the quadriceps and hamstrings prior to the surgery.
What is grade 3 MCL?
A grade 3 MCL sprain is a complete tear of the MCL. This means that surgical intervention is the only way to restore a functioning MCL. There is not a recovery time for the injury; as it will not health itself.
What is the worst grade of MCL sprain?
There are typically three classes/grades of MCL sprains. Eloquently they are named grades 1,2, and 3. 3 is the worst. If you have a grade 3 sprain you probably can’t walk. A grade 3 MCL sprain will leave you feeling completely unstable and very anxious when on your feet. Grade 3 tears are by far the rarest MCL injuries.
How many degrees of injury are there to an MCL?
As mentioned above, there aren’t just three degrees of injury to an MCL. There is a spectrum. If on that spectrum of MCL injuries you find that your injury seems to be mending relatively quickly (i.e. progress is coming along in the first week), you likely have what would be classified as a grade 1 sprain. A grade 1 MCL sprain recovery time is ...
What exercises are good for quadriceps?
Single leg side squats are a good exercise to include in quadricep strengthening rehab protocols.
Classification
Signs and symptoms
Diagnosis
- The valgus stress test is a diagnostic test that is used in cases of suspected MCL injuries. The therapist takes hold of the leg, ensuring the knee is slightly bent (approx 30 degrees). They stabilize the thigh whilst applying outward pressure on the lower leg (tibia) and this stretches the medial ligament. Pain on the inside of the knee and or excessive movement (laxity) with an alter…
Structure
- The MCL itself has two parts to it; a deep section which attaches to the cartilage and capsule in the knee, and a superficial band that starts higher up on the femur to an area lower down on the inner surface of the tibia and is much more near the surface.
Clinical significance
- Injury to the MCL often occurs after an impact to the outside of the knee when the knee is slightly bent. The ligament on the inside of the knee becomes stretched and if the force is great enough, some or even all of the fibres will tear. A grade one tear consists of fewer than 10% of the fibres being torn. A grade 2 sprain is upwards of 10% but not a complete tear of the ligament as in a gr…
Cause
- Repetitive sideways forces on the knee (known as valgus forces) can gradually over time lead to an MCL sprain. For example, from kicking a football with the inside of the foot or from kicking in martial arts. However, pain on the inside of the knee which does not occur after a sudden injury should also be considered for pes anserine tendinopathy or bursitis.
Treatment
- Treatment can be considered in terms of immediate first aid during the acute stage and longer-term rehabilitation which will depend on the severity of the injury. Sports Physiotherapist Neal Reynolds explains the treatment and rehabilitation process that elite footballers would undergo. Immediate first aid in the form of the PRICE principles (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation) shoul…
Prevention
- Wear a compression bandage or knee support to help reduce any swelling and protect the joint. A hinged knee brace is best particularly for grade 2 and 3 injuries. It is a strong knee support which has solid metal supports down the sides to prevent sideways movement of the joint and protect the knee ligaments whilst healing. More severe grade 2 and ...