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Core Knowledge
Injury/Pain
Contents
The Complete Guide to MCL Injuries
Overview
There are seven ligaments that run through and around the knee that help provide stability for the largest joint in the body. Three of the ligaments are rarely injured unless one of the other four is damaged at the same time. Two of them—the anterior cruciate (ACL) and the medial collateral (MCL)—are the ones most susceptible to serious injuries. The MCL extends from the end of the thigh bone to the top of the shin bone on the inside of the knee. Although common in sports, most MCL injuries respond well to conservative (non-surgical) treatment.
How They Happen
“MCL injuries occur when a sudden force or twisting motion is applied to the outside of the knee forcing the knee inward, most often when the foot is planted on the ground,” explains Jennifer Lewis, PT, DPT, ATC, a physical therapist at Athletes’ Performance in Phoenix, Arizona. “The injury may coincide with damage to other structures in the knee, including the ACL and the meniscus.”
MCL sprains involve stretching, partially tearing or rupturing the ligament. Typical scenarios involving MCL injuries in athletes include:
- A football player who gets hit at the outside of the knee joint
- A tennis player who plants a foot and changes directions quickly
- A basketball player who lands awkwardly after jumping for a rebound
- A gymnast who lands awkwardly during a floor or apparatus routine
By the Numbers
18-23
Percentage of all football injuries that involve the knee
20-34
Age range of athletes most likely to injure a collateral ligament
25
Percentage of all knee injuries seen in emergency rooms that involve collateral ligaments
50
Percentage of knee ligament injuries that do not involve contact with another athlete
Who’s At Risk
Athletes who play contact sports or who have to execute quick changes in direction are at the highest risk for MCL injuries. The short list includes skiers, hockey players and football players. Close behind are basketball, soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and baseball players, as well as those who play tennis, badminton and racquetball. Runners are less likely to sustain MCL damage, but it could happen if they misstep.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the severity of the injury and are classified according to the extent of the injury. MCL injuries are classified as grade 1, grade 2 or grade 3.
- Pain on the inside of the knee
- Tenderness to touch
- Swelling, stiffness
- Internal bleeding (grade 2)
- Somewhat unstable joint (grade 2)
- Unstable joint (grade 3)
- Unable to put weight on the leg (grade 3)
Initial Treatment
- Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day.
- Rest the knee until symptoms significantly diminish or disappear.
- Use an elastic wrap or bandage to compress the knee (to limit swelling).
- Use a pillow or cushion to elevate the knee when sitting during the day or sleeping at night.
Comeback Strategy
Mild (grade 1) MCL sprains heal with rest and initial treatment methods. More severe sprains take weeks or months to heal, and recovering from MCL surgery requires months, although surgery is not automatically called for with grade 3 tears.
Wear a knee brace or sleeve recommended by your physician or physical therapist.
Wear athletic shoes that provide strong lateral support.
Prehab
Incorporate these prehab exercises into your comeback routine:
How to Avoid This Injury
Athletes take risks when they play sports, and knee ligament injuries are among those risks. Some MCL injuries are not avoidable, but you can reduce your risk for an injury by following some of the suggestions below.
- Avoid sudden increases in frequency, duration, or intensity of exercise.
- Wear athletic shoes that provide strong lateral support.
- Work with a knowledgeable coach to ensure proper, sport-specific technique
Movement Prep
Incorporate these exercises into your warm-up routine:
References
- Jennifer Lewis, PT, DPT, ATC, Performance Physical Therapist, Athletes’ Performance, Phoenix, Arizona
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
- Iowa Orthopaedic Journal
- National Institutes of Health (Medline Plus)
- University of Maryland Medical Center
