How to Identify and Treat an MCL Injury: A Complete Overview

Injury to the knees is common to sportsmen, working individuals, and even persons engaging in routine physical activity. The most common knee injury to be encountered with is a Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) injury. MCL is one of the prominent ligaments present on the inside of the knee that stabilizes and restricts excess inward displacement of the joint. When torn, it gives rise to pain, swelling, and instability and thereby compromises movement and knee function in general.

Having knowledge of the cause, symptoms, and treatment of an MCL injury will help a great deal in having a successful recovery and a lifetime of healthy knees.

Why Does an MCL Injury Happen?

An MCL injury happens when there is excessive force on the knee, and the ligament is stretched or torn. A few of the reasons why an MCL injury may happen include:

●       Direct Knee Trauma: A direct blow to the lateral side of the knee, which is common in football, rugby, and hockey, will result in the knee collapsing inward and straining the MCL.

●       Sudden Changes of Direction, Sudden Stopping, or Clumsy Jumping: Sudden changes of direction, sudden stopping, or awkward jumping may subject the MCL to undue stress, leading to injury.

●       Overuse and Repetitive Stress: Repeated stress on the knee from activities like running or jumping eventually wears down the MCL, increasing its vulnerability to injury.

●       Falls and Accidents: Falling or slipping into a position that jerks the knee into an unusual position can result in an MCL tear.

Identifying the Symptoms of an MCL Injury

It is very important to detect an MCL injury on time so that it can be cured properly and healed with ease. Depending upon the extent of damage, symptoms vary from minor pain to full knee instability. Symptoms are:

●       Pain and Tenderness: Pain is usually experienced on the medial knee when force is exerted.

●       Swelling and Inflammation: Knee swelling due to internal bleeding or fluid retention surrounding the injured ligament.

●       Knee Instability: The knee "giving way" or collapsing upon stress is a common sign of MCL injury.

●       Limited Range of Motion: Stiffness and inability to fully bend or extend the knee are indicators of an MCL injury.

●       Bruising: Bruising can occur with more serious injuries from bleeding under the ligament.

Stages of MCL Injuries

MCL injury is divided into three stages depending upon the severity of injury:

●       Grade 1 (Mild Strain): Ligament is stretched but not torn. Mild pain and tenderness, but no buckling of the knee.

●       Grade 2 (Partial Tear): Ligament is partially torn, causing moderate pain, swelling, and instability of the knee.

●       Grade 3 (Full Tear): The ligament is completely ruptured, creating intense pain, excessive swelling, and a severe instability of the knee. The patient might be unable to walk without support.

Diagnosis of an MCL Injury

Proper diagnosis must be conducted to establish how serious the injury is and build an appropriate course of treatment. The following may be used by a healthcare expert:

●       Physical Examination: The physician will check the stability and pain of the knee by putting a little pressure on the joint.

●       Imaging Tests: X-rays are employed to exclude a bone fracture, and an MRI scan can give a clear picture of the ligament and the structures around it to determine the severity of the injury.

Treatment for MCL Injury

The treatment of an MCL injury varies with its severity. Most cases utilize non-surgical measures, but worse cases necessitate other interventions.

Non-Surgical Treatment

●       Rest and Activity Modification: Rest from activities that strain the knee to enable the ligament to heal naturally.

●       Ice Therapy: Using ice packs on the injured knee reduces pain and swelling.

●       Compression and Elevation: Use of a compression bandage and knee elevation can reduce inflammation.

●       Pain Management: Over-the-counter analgesics, including ibuprofen, can be used to manage pain.

●       Bracing and Support: A brace can be used to stabilize the knee and avoid further injury.

●       Physical Therapy: Strengthening and mobility exercises are essential in the rehabilitation of knee function and prevention of future injury.

Surgical Treatment

Only in exceptional situations where the MCL is completely ruptured and can no longer be treated conservatively is surgery indicated. Surgery entails repairing or reconstructing the torn ligament using sutures or grafts. Rehabilitation after surgery consists of a planned physical therapy program to acquire strength and mobility.

Recovery Schedule for an MCL Injury

Recovery from an MCL injury depends on its grade:

●       Grade 1 injuries: Recover in 1-2 weeks with rehabilitation and rest.

●       Grade 2 injuries: Heal in 3-4 weeks with progressive exercises in physical therapy.

●       Grade 3 injuries: Heal in 6-8 weeks or more, particularly if surgical intervention is necessary.

A return to sporting activities should similarly be gradual to allow the knee to be pain-free and stabilised first before resuming sporting or stress movements.

Conclusion

An injury to the MCL can result in chronic knee instability and pain if not addressed appropriately. Prompt diagnosis, adequate treatment, and a well-formulated recovery program are essential to restore full function in the knee.

At Adam Vital Hospital, our highly experienced team offers up-to-date treatment for MCL injuries, providing successful rehabilitation and cure for each patient based on their specific needs. From non-surgical treatments to surgery, we strive to assist individuals in recovering and regaining their active lifestyle confidently.