An MCL injury is an injury that results from a tear or sprain of the knee’s medial collateral ligament (MCL). The MCL runs along the inside of the knee and its role, as with the other knee ligaments, is to hold the knee bones together and stabilize and strengthen the joint. An MCL tear or sprain injury is usually the result of a blow you have received to the outside of the knee. If the force of the impact is significant, it can cause damage to the ligament on the other side of your knee. Symptoms of an MCL tear or sprain may include pain, stiffness and swelling of the inner knee. Treatment of an MCL injury usually involves resting the ligament by keeping weight off the knee, as well as use of ice, NSAIDS and possibly a knee brace. This injury can be classified as one of grades 1, 2 and 3 depending on extent of knee ligament damage.
This injury is usually the result of activities that require sudden sharp changes in running direction. These may include sports like football, basketball or hockey.
You can also receive an MCL injury from a sharp blow to the knee from the outside. The MCL is supposed to keep the knee from bending inward. Hence, a blow of this type may place excessive strain on the ligament and cause it to stretch or tear. This type of blow may be received while playing contact sports like football or hokey in which there are frequent inter player collisions.
If you have suffered an MCL tear or sprain, you will probably experience the following symptoms:
If your doctor determines that you have suffered an MCL tear, he or she will likely suggest that you allow your knee to rest by keeping weight off it for few weeks. Try to sit or lie down as much as possible during this time. If you do have to move around, consider using crutches or a wheelchair.
Your doctor may also suggest wearing a knee brace designed to stabilize your knee and give your MCL a chance to recover. If your injury is severe, consider using a hinged knee brace for the additional support it gives.
Other things you can do to treat your MCL injury include the folowing:
Expect your MCL tear or sprain to require 3-4 weeks to heal if it is mild (grade 1). A more severe injury may require as long as 8-12 weeks. In either case, you may need to consult a physiotherapist for a rehabilitative exercise program that will help you regain full knee function as soon as possible.
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The Bio Skin Gladiator uses a rigid hinge for knee ligament protection and is a useful brace to use after knee reconstruction. The brace has a rigid strapping system that securely anchors it to your leg and avoids the need for more costly braces. You can also adjust the range of motion using pins to limit the degree of flexion and/or extension.
The Bio Skin Gladiator – Front Closure uses a rigid hinge to effectively protect knee ligaments, including during the post reconstruction phase. The brace uses a rigid strapping system to firmly anchor itself to your leg and avoid the need for more expensive knee braces. The brace uses an easy on/off front closure design and has pins for the hinges that you can set to control the degree of flexion and/or extension.
The Bio Skin Hinged Knee Skin uses offset, bi-centric aluminium hinges to conform to the contours of differing leg shapes and provide extra knee support.
The Bio Skin Hinged Knee Skin – Front Closure uses offset, bi-centric aluminium hinges to conform to the contours of differing leg shapes and provide extra knee support. In addition, it has a hook & loop front closure design to simplify application and removal and to help it accommodate a wide variety of leg shapes.
The McDavid Knee Support With Stays & Cross Straps has reinforced spring steel stays to offer superior medial-lateral stability and confidence. It also includes elastic cross straps for enhanced compression and for collateral ligament support. The padded open buttress offers 360˚ support of the patella.
