Medial
Collateral Ligament (MCL) Sprain…
Ligamentous
injury to the knee is very common occurrence in sports and
accounts for 25% to 40% of all knee injuries. Medial Collateral
Ligament Sprains frequently occur when the athlete suffers
an injury which stresses the inside of the knee. The vast
majority of these type of sprains heal with time and require
minimal amount of immobilization. Often exercise prescription
is recommended and return to unrestricted activity is possible
in 3 to 6 weeks.
What
Is The Medial Collateral Ligament?
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) provides the main support
to the inside of the knee. The ligament has two portions.
The superficial MCL, which is closest to the skin, is the
most commonly injured. Sprain of this portion of the ligament
does not normally lead to instability of the knee, but patients
may often have difficulty regaining normal extension (straightening)
of their knee. Pain will often outlast return of normal
motion, but need not delay resuming activity.
About
The Injury
The MCL is most often injured as a result of an inward direction
force (valgus) or combined valgus and outward rotation of
the lower leg. Examples include a blow applied to the outside
of the leg or a ski suddenly turned outward. Injuries commonly
occur in soccer, football, basketball and skiing.
Pain
on the inside of the knee is the most frequent complaint.
Often, tenderness is found over the upper portion of the
ligament, but may be found in its mid-portion or its lower
end.
Normal
motion of the knee is inhibited. When motion is noted to
be abnormal, often the last few degrees of the knee extension
are lacking. Swelling on the inside of the knee may occasionally
be seen. If present, it will usually resolve in 48 to 72
hours.
Stability
of the knee is normal in superficial (Grade I) MCL sprains.
Rarely, injury to the cartilage may occur. Such injury would
manifest itself over time. Usually patients will complain
of catching or clicking deep within the knee once they begin
activity. Such a problem is then re-assessed in future check-ups
and does not usually pose an urgent situation. A tear in
the cartilage itself will not usually worsen with time.
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Additional
Orthopedic Conditions
Ankle
Sprains
|
Anterior
Cruciate Ligament (ACL) Injuries
|
Anterior
Knee Pain
|
Arthritis
|
Diabetic
Foot Problems
|
Feet
- Common Foot Problems
|
Fractures
|
Hands
- Common Hand Problems
|
Lower
Back Pain
|
MCL
(Medial Collateral Ligament ) Sprain
|
Meniscal
Injuries
|
Neck
Pain
|
Osteoporosis
|
Scoliosis
|
Shoulder
Pain
|
Sprains
and Strains
Additional
Preventative Care, Procedures & General Information
Arthroscopy
|
Back
Care |
Back
Pain and Lifting Safely
|
Broken
Hips - Prevention
|
Cast
and Splint Car
|
Climbing
Safely
|
Driving
Safely
|
Falls
- All About Falls
|
Joint
Replacement (Total)
|
Orthopedics
|
Playground
Safety Checklist
|
Sledding
Safely
|
Stay
Active, Stay Safe
|
Young
Athletes - Safety Tips
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