The medial collateral ligament abbreviated as MCL is situated on the inner part of the knee but it is outside the joint itself. Ligaments keep the bones together and add stability and strength to the joint. The MCL connects the upper part of the tibia or shinbone to the bottom of the femur or the thighbone.
MCL injury is often referred to as MCL sprain. Ligament injuries can either stretch the ligament or tears the ligaments. MCL knee injuries are usually caused by a direct knee injury. This type of injury is common in sports that involve contacts. This is usually the outcome of a knock on the outer part of the knee that stretches or tears the MCL.
MCL injuries are of three grades and they can be:
1. Grade 1 MCL injury. This is the least serious. This means your ligament is stretched but not torn apart.
2. Grade 2 MCL injury. This means that the ligament has been torn partially. This usually causes instability in the knee joints.
3. Grade 3 MCL injury. This is the most severe of all the types of injury that affects the ligament. This happens as a result of complete tearing of the ligament. In this type of MCL sprain, joint instability is common.
What are the Causes of an MCL Injury?
When you hit your outer knee on a very hard object, the MCL, which passes through the inner knee, can stretch out far enough to strain or tear. Individuals who are into sports activities such as football, hockey, and other sports where players have a significant influence on other athletes may in this way injure their MCL. You can also stretch or tear your MCL if your knee suddenly is pushed to the side or bent or stretches too much.
What are the Symptoms of an MCL Injury?
The symptoms of MCL tears vary depending on the grade of the injury.
MCL tears can withstand a variety of forms, which will affect any special symptoms that manifest themselves. In some cases, MCL injury is isolated; in other cases, it is a more complicated injury involving other ligaments, bones or cartilage.
The symptoms of MCL tear are usually correlated with the grade of the injury, ranging from grade I to III.
Symptoms of Grade I MCL Tear: This is an incomplete tearing of the ligament. In these cases, the tendon is always continuous, and the symptoms reported are usually mild. Often, patients report pain and pressure inside the knee, where MCLs are located. In general, athletes who have grade 1 MCL injuries can resume quickly continuing their sport and missing an average of 2 to 4 weeks of play.
Symptoms of Grade II MCL Tear: This is an incomplete tearing of the MCL, but of a more serious nature. Patients report instability, especially during certain cuts or pivoting maneuvers, and their pain and swelling are much greater than during grade 1 tear. Athletes with this level of injury can usually expect to rest approximately 4 to 6 weeks before returning back to play.
Symptoms of Grade III MCL Tear: this is a complete tearing of the MCL; it is the most severe classification of this injury. Patients with grade III MCL have severe pain and swelling that often affect their knee bending ability. In addition, they usually experience at least some instability, with knee potentially "giving out". Rest and recovery usually last at least six weeks and often require some form of support for comfortable knee stabilization during that time.
MCL Injury Treatment
Treatment for an MCL Injury requires restoring the circulation and blood flow to the affected structures in your knee. Pain is caused when swelling, inflammation and decreased circulation generate a blockage, which causes blood flow to be interrupted or slowed. Treatment for this issue requires breaking up the accumulated fluids in your knee to allow for improved healing and quicker recovery.
Products recommended for symptoms of swelling, redness, pain, and inflammation, and if coolness makes your pain feel better:
Ice Substitute Poultice
Bruise Relief Liniment
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
Products recommended when swelling and inflammation are gone, but you still feel pain, stiffness, weakness, and/or sensitivity in cold and damp weather, and if heat makes your pain feel better:
Pain Relief Liniment
Tendon and Ligament Poultice
Muscle Therapy Massage Oil
