Ligament Injuries (Medial Collateral Ligament)

A person with an MCL injury will experience pain in the inside portion of the knee. The individual will still be able to walk almost normally if the ligament has been only mildly stretched. If there is a severe tear, the individual will not be able to walk or bear weight on the leg. The amount of stiffness in the knee will depend on the amount of swelling.

Treatment
Treatment for MCL injuries depends on a number of factors including:

• the degree of MCL injury
• other injuries that may have occurred at the same time
• the person's age and future activities

The first step in treatment is the RICE method. This stands for rest, ice, compression with an elastic bandage, and elevation of the leg.

Medicines such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help reduce pain.

More painful injuries or those where the knee is unstable may require a splint or brace to immobilize the knee as well as crutches. After an initial period of RICE, physiotherapy is started.

This is aimed at restoring the range of motion in the knee joint and increasing strength in the thigh muscle. The majority of MCL injuries will heal successfully without surgery. Cases in which the ligament has been completely torn and the knee is unstable may require surgery.

Sometimes a special brace that allows knee movement while avoiding tension on the ligament is useful while the injury is healing.

For more information please call 020 8455 7809 or email us on info@igophysio.co.uk

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