{"id":1169,"date":"2023-05-08T07:24:45","date_gmt":"2023-05-08T07:24:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/healthguideline.net\/?p=1169"},"modified":"2023-05-08T07:24:46","modified_gmt":"2023-05-08T07:24:46","slug":"mcl-sprain-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthguideline.net\/2023\/05\/mcl-sprain-symptoms.html","title":{"rendered":"MCL Sprain: Symptoms, Grades & Treatment Plan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is placed on the medial (inner) side of the knee, connecting the medial femoral condyle and the medial tibial condyle. The MCL passes along the medial side of the knee. It is one of the major knee ligaments that help to stabilize the knee joint. It is a flat band of tough fibrous connective tissue composed of long, stringy collagen molecules that resist valgus force, which occurs if outwards force in the tibia\/foot with the knee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

An injury to the MCL has commonly known as an MCL sprain. Ligament injuries can either stretch or tear. MCL injury of the knee is by a direct blow, such as a blow to the knee’s outer aspect that stretches or tears the MCL. Contracting the muscle while running and turning can also put enough stress on the ligament to sprain or tear it but may develop gradually. This injury is frequent in contact sports.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Damage to the medial collateral ligament in the knee can lead to medial knee pain<\/a>, swelling, and a loss of stability in the knee. Treatment for MCL sprain is with ice, knee brace, and physical therapy. Surgery may be necessary for rare situations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MCL Tear Causes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

MCL injuries are common in contact sports such as football, rugby, and martial arts but can occur in daily living activities. The sprain results from falls that include a sharp change in direction, twisting, or (valgus) force on the ligament whilst the foot is fixed on the ground, and then it overstretches the ligament. Weakness or incoordination of the muscles predisposes you to a ligament sprain or tear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Repetitive sideways forces (valgus forces) on the knee can gradually over time lead to an MCL sprain. For instance, when you kick a football with the inside of the foot or from kicking in martial arts, which may gradually lead to an MCL injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MCL Tear\/Sprain Symptoms<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The symptoms of an MCL sprain depend on the degree of stretching or tearing the knee ligament you got. You may notice an audible snap or tearing sound at the time of your ligament injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MCL Tear Grades<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For MCL sprain, it grades 1, 2, or 3 depending on the injury’s symptoms\/severity. Grade 1 injury is a mild sprain, Grade 2 is moderate and Grade 3 is a complete tear of the ligament.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MCL Sprain Grade 1 Symptoms<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For the Grade 1 MCL sprain, the knee ligament is slightly stretchy, but they don’t actually tear. Although the knee joint may not hurt or swell very much, a mild medial collateral ligament sprain can increase the risk of a repeat injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n