Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
Description
This is a common injury of the knee. Your knee joint is cushioned by two c-shaped wedges of cartilage called the “menisci.” Each individual cushion is called a “meniscus.” This injury is a tear of one of these cushions.
Animations
Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
Causes & Triggers
Meniscus tears are often caused by physical activity. Twisting or rotating your knee suddenly can cause a meniscus to tear. Kneeling, squatting and heavy lifting can as well. And as you age, your menisci gradually become thin and brittle, which can increase your risk for a tear.
- Direct blow or trauma
- Sports injury
Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms may include a popping sensation and pain in your knee. You may have trouble straightening your leg. It may swell and stiffen, and it may lock in place.
- Pain
- Swelling
- Feeling of knee “giving way”
Tips & Treatment
Treatment options include rest, ice and medications. You may benefit from physical therapy. If these are not helpful, you may benefit from a surgical procedure to repair the damage. Your healthcare provider can create a care plan that is right for your needs.
- Severity of MCL injuries are graded as follows:
- Mild-Grade 1: Light damage, slight tearing of the ligament
- Moderate-Grade 2: Partial tear with more significant pain and instability
- Severe-Grade 3: Complete tear with severe pain, swelling and instability
- Treatment usually involves immobilizing the knee, resting, ice and anti-inflammatory medication.
- Non-surgical treatment can last 2-6 weeks or longer.
- Because this condition responds well to rest and conventional non-surgical treatment, surgery is rarely required for repair.
