MCL Knee Injuries: Causes, Symptoms, and Recovery
The knees are the largest joints in the human body; they perform crucial functions in standing, walking, running, and jumping. They provide powerful thrusts and absorb tremendous shocks. Several ligaments run in and around the joint, providing front-to-back and side-to-side stability — including the medial collateral ligament (MCL) on the inside and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) on the outside. Two are particularly vulnerable to serious knee injury: the medial collateral ligament (MCL) and the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL).
The medial collateral ligament is vulnerable to forces applied to the outside of the knee that stretch the inside too far open, while ACL injuries occur when force to the front of the knee pushes the joint too far. The MCL runs along the inside of the knee, connecting the thigh to the lower leg. MCL injury is common, particularly in contact sports. Doctors manage most MCL injuries conservatively, without surgery.
Mechanics of MCL Injury
Sudden forces are the most common source of injury to the medial collateral ligament. An MCL injury can come from a twist or an impact to the outside of the knee. When the knee is forced inward past the point the MCL can hold it stable, the result is a stretch, tear, or rupture of the ligament. The frequent result is a sprain that can vary by grade, from a mild stretch to a complete rupture. A torn or sprained MCL is a common knee injury, but it is nonetheless limiting and requires care to avoid future complications.
The Numbers
- Up to 5% of isolated MCL injuries have associated tears of the meniscus, the soft cartilage plate in the knee.
- 15% of all sports injuries involve a knee injury.
- 50% of visits to sports doctors are for knee injuries, even though they make up only about 15% of all sports injuries — an indication that they are often significant and disabling.
High-Risk Groups
Competitive athletes in contact sports are most at risk for an MCL injury. This includes sports such as football and ice hockey, and impact activities like gymnastics and downhill skiing. Quick pivots are another leading cause, which brings in basketball, tennis, and racquet sports. However, MCL injuries can also occur during relatively easy activities such as jogging or walking, when a misstep causes a sudden twist of the knee.
Common Symptoms
The most common symptom is knee pain, often a sudden pain at the point and time of injury. The knee pain is accompanied by bruising and tenderness at the point of injury when touched. In a short time, swelling occurs, along with a noticeable loss of motion and flexion in the joint. Walking and standing become painful, and in severe cases the joint will not bear weight.
Some of the factors doctors use to diagnose and classify an MCL injury are as follows:
- Grade 1 — a mild stretch and slight tearing of the ligament.
- Grade 2 — a partial tear, looseness in the joint, and damage to the fibers.
- Grade 3 — severe disruption or a complete tear of the ligament.
What Care Usually Looks Like
The usual first step after an MCL injury is settling down pain and swelling while resting the joint so it can heal. Rest, icing, compression, and elevation of the joint are the standard starting point to stabilize things. Most MCL sprains heal with rest and less invasive care than surgery.
Rehab & Recovery
Recovery depends on the severity of the injury and whether other structures, such as the cartilage and meniscus, are involved. As a guideline, mild or Grade 1 sprains call for rest and the steps shown above. A more severe MCL tear or a Grade 2 sprain requires a longer period of healing, and many healthcare providers recommend a short course of physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the joint, which weaken with injury and inactivity.
Surgery is needed in only a small number of cases. Most MCL injuries — including many Grade 3 tears — heal well without surgery, because the ligament has a good blood supply. Surgery is generally reserved for cases that involve associated damage to other structures (such as the ACL or meniscus), or when conservative care hasn't restored stability. When surgery is needed, equipment can aid recovery, and many therapists recommend knee braces and leg-sleeve devices for support and protection during rehabilitation. In all phases, it is vital to use footwear that provides strong lateral support.
How to Lower Your Risk of an MCL Injury
Some MCL injuries seem inevitable in contact sports; they are part of the risks athletes accept when they participate. While it may not be possible to eliminate them entirely, you can lower the risk by following some guidelines for training, exercise, and equipment. Another factor that plays a crucial role is good nutrition, along with joint support supplements that support healthy joints and support cartilage and joint structure.
- Because the risk of MCL injury rises with sharp increases in exercise, avoid sudden jumps in activity and build up in small steps to reach your peak level.
- Use proper techniques in training and play; many sports rules and training requirements provide protection against knee injury when followed.
- Footwear is an essential source of protection — wear shoes that help the knee remain stable. The correct amount of friction matters, so shoes should be designed for your typical exercise or playing surface.
Range of Motion and Flexibility
Prior to exercise or sports, stretch and warm up the knees. Some combination of half-squats, side squats, and front and back lunges works well. Seated knee hugs are excellent, too — flex each knee by gripping it with both arms.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.