MCL Injuries

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of four primary ligaments that stabilize the knee joint. The MCL is a tough, fibrous band that attaches to the end of the thigh bone (femur), spanning the knee joint to the top of the tibia, one of the lower leg bones. Its primary purpose is to maintain normal spacing between the femur and the tibia and provide stability to the knee.

Damage to the MCL frequently occurs when an outside force is applied to the outside of the knee, such as clipping in football. The force can cause the ligament to stretch or partially tear. It is often associated with other injuries such as damage to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) or tears to the meniscus. Symptoms of MCL injuries include pain, swelling, bruising and joint instability.

MCL injuries are typically graded I through IV by a physician or physical therapist:

• Grade I MCL tears are incomplete tears of the ligament. The symptoms are minimal with the patient complaining when pressure is applied to the MCL. Full recovery usually takes two to four weeks.
• Grade II MCL tears are incomplete tears. The patient experiences pain, swelling and knee instability when attempting to cut or pivot. Recovery takes three to six weeks.
• Grade III MCL tears result when the MCL is torn completely from the bone. Symptoms include pain, swelling, instability and range of motion of the knee joint. Recovery can take at least 8 weeks.
• Grade IV MCL tears are also called medial column injuries and involve more than one ligament of the knee. Treatment may involve arthroscopic knee surgery.

Once your injury is diagnosed, a physical therapist can guide your treatment to assure your pain is reduced as quickly as possible and your return to activity happens as safely and fast as possible. Initial therapy will focus on decreasing pain and swelling while at the same time increasing range of motion. In later stages the focus of therapy will turn toward resuming neuromuscular control, strength, balance, and proprioception. The final phases of rehabilitation are focused on resuming normal activity and sports as quickly and safely as possible.

For more information regarding MCL injuries email info@vvmc.com. To make an appointment for therapy, please call Howard Head Sports Medicine at (888) 652-7640.