What Are MCL Tears?

An MCL tear is an injury to a ligament on the inside of the knee. MCL is an abbreviation for medial collateral ligament. The MCL is a strand of tough, fibrous tissue that connects the lower end of the thighbone or femur to the upper end of the shinbone or tibia. Its primary function is to stabilize the knee in standing and movement. Damage to the MCL often occurs with a blow to the outer knee or from a too-sudden change in direction made while walking or running, which torques or twists the knee. MCL injuries range in severity, from less-serious sprains to more-serious complete tears. 

Ligament injuries, including those involving the MCL, comprise close to half of all knee injuries. Fortunately, with time and proper treatment, most MCL injuries heal successfully. Let the orthopedic specialists and other medical providers at Baptist Health assist you, if you or a family member is dealing with an MCL condition.

What Are MCL Tear Symptoms?

Several symptoms are common to MCL injuries:

• A popping sound at the time of impact or extension
• Swelling of the knee and surrounding tissues
• Pain
• Tenderness on the inside of the leg
• A tendency for the knee to lock up
• An inability to place one’s full weight on the knee without it buckling

MCL injuries are categorized according to severity:

• A grade 1 MCL injury is a sprain, meaning that the ligament is stretched rather than torn. It is the least severe form of injury.
• Partially torn ligaments are grade 2 MCL injuries. Grade 2 is more serious than grade 1 but less serious than a complete tear.
• Fully torn ligaments are grade 3. A complete MCL tear is the most severe form.

What Causes MCL Tears?

Any type of physical activity that stresses the inside of the knee can result in injury. Hard contact to the knee, especially the outside leg, is one frequent source of trouble. A second is forcing unexpected changes in direction while in motion. Professional athletes and other persons engaged in contact sports such as football, soccer, or hockey are prime candidates for MCL injuries.

How Are MCL Tears Diagnosed?

Your physician will diagnose an MCL injury in the following manner:

• Document your symptoms and medical history.
• Conduct a physical examination of your knee and adjacent parts of the body. He or she will inspect the injured area visually, as well as checking for swelling, flexibility, and unusual joint movements.
• Order imaging tests, including X-rays and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. X-rays will reveal damage incurred by the kneecap (patella) or other bones in the area; MRIs, to the ligaments and other soft tissues.

Examination of the knee will require physical contact by your doctor. You should be prepared to experience some pain but every effort will be made to keep discomfort to a minimum.

How Are MCL Tears Treated?

Many MCL injuries heal on their own but more serious cases require medical attention.

At-home Treatments

There are a number of steps you can take at home to treat an MCL injury:

• Rest
• Elevate your knee and apply ice
• Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium
• Wear compression bandages or braces
• Use crutches to get around

Rehabilitation

A downside of resting your knee for any length of time is a gradual decrease in muscle strength and mobility. Rehabilitation helps you regain what you’ve lost during recuperation. A program of stretching-and-strengthening exercises, overseen by a licensed physical therapist, can play a critical role in fully restoring the health of your knee. 

Surgery

Surgery is reserved for the most serious cases of MCL injury, typically those involving complete breaks in the ligament. The surgical repair of an MCL is a two-step procedure. First, your surgeon will examine the interior of your injury using a tiny camera called an arthroscope, which will be inserted inside your knee through a small surgical incision. Secondly, the surgeon will stitch the ligament back together, using stitches, staples, screws, or a suture anchor.

The outlook for someone with an MCL injury is generally positive. Grade 1 injuries heal rapidly, sometimes in as little as one week. Grade 2 injuries take longer, up to a month. Grade 3 injuries can linger, requiring a couple of months to heal, often in conjunction with medical treatment.

Can MCL Tears be Prevented?

It is possible to prevent MCL injuries in some instances. Athletes should never skimp on stretching exercises or warmups before competition, because supple ligaments are less likely to stretch or injure than tight or stressed ligaments. Wearing appropriate protective gear is also critical to safely. Finally, exhaustion is an ally to injury. You’re more susceptible to bodily harm when tired, so never exercise beyond your limits.

MCL Tear? We Can Help.

MCL injuries can be a major source of pain and immobility. If you are experiencing the symptoms of an MCL tear or another form of knee pain,to schedule an appointment.

What Causes MCL Tears?

Any type of physical activity that stresses the inside of the knee can result in injury. Hard contact to the knee, especially the outside leg, is one frequent source of trouble. A second is forcing unexpected changes in direction while in motion. Professional athletes and other persons engaged in contact sports such as football, soccer, or hockey are prime candidates for MCL injuries.

How Are MCL Tears Diagnosed?

Your physician will diagnose an MCL injury in the following manner:

• Document your symptoms and medical history.
• Conduct a physical examination of your knee and adjacent parts of the body. He or she will inspect the injured area visually, as well as checking for swelling, flexibility, and unusual joint movements.
• Order imaging tests, including X-rays and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams. X-rays will reveal damage incurred by the kneecap (patella) or other bones in the area; MRIs, to the ligaments and other soft tissues.

Examination of the knee will require physical contact by your doctor. You should be prepared to experience some pain but every effort will be made to keep discomfort to a minimum.

How Are MCL Tears Treated?

Many MCL injuries heal on their own but more serious cases require medical attention.

At-home Treatments

There are a number of steps you can take at home to treat an MCL injury:

• Rest
• Elevate your knee and apply ice
• Take over-the-counter pain medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium
• Wear compression bandages or braces
• Use crutches to get around

Rehabilitation

A downside of resting your knee for any length of time is a gradual decrease in muscle strength and mobility. Rehabilitation helps you regain what you’ve lost during recuperation. A program of stretching-and-strengthening exercises, overseen by a licensed physical therapist, can play a critical role in fully restoring the health of your knee. 

Surgery

Surgery is reserved for the most serious cases of MCL injury, typically those involving complete breaks in the ligament. The surgical repair of an MCL is a two-step procedure. First, your surgeon will examine the interior of your injury using a tiny camera called an arthroscope, which will be inserted inside your knee through a small surgical incision. Secondly, the surgeon will stitch the ligament back together, using stitches, staples, screws, or a suture anchor.

The outlook for someone with an MCL injury is generally positive. Grade 1 injuries heal rapidly, sometimes in as little as one week. Grade 2 injuries take longer, up to a month. Grade 3 injuries can linger, requiring a couple of months to heal, often in conjunction with medical treatment.

Can MCL Tears be Prevented?

It is possible to prevent MCL injuries in some instances. Athletes should never skimp on stretching exercises or warmups before competition, because supple ligaments are less likely to stretch or injure than tight or stressed ligaments. Wearing appropriate protective gear is also critical to safely. Finally, exhaustion is an ally to injury. You’re more susceptible to bodily harm when tired, so never exercise beyond your limits.

MCL Tear? We Can Help.

MCL injuries can be a major source of pain and immobility. If you are experiencing the symptoms of an MCL tear or another form of knee pain,to schedule an appointment.