MCL Knee Ligament Injury in Depth
| Common Signs & Symptoms | |||||
| Pain | Swelling | Stiffness | Weakness | Instability | Locking |
 |
|
|
|
||
TOP SELLING PRODUCTS for MCL Knee Ligament Injury
PhysioRoom.com Instant Ice Pack
1+ £1.99
6+ £1.49 (Save 25%)
12+ £0.99 (Save 50%)
24+ £0.69 (Save 65%)
50+ £0.49 (Save 75%)
SAVE UP TO 75%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant ice pack, without the need...
(1 review)
Vulkan Silicon Knee Support
£23.16 inc VAT Was £30.99 Save £7.83 (25%)
Silicon lined knee support for knee injury treatment and sports use. Provides warmth and extra compression to speed up healing...
Mueller Hinged Wraparound Knee Brace (extra lite)
£47.99 inc VAT Was £51.99 Save £4.00 (8%)
Superb value wraparound design knee brace with metal hinges and adjustable Velcro straps for a...
(1 review)
MCL Knee Ligament Injury Explained
The Medial Collateral Ligament is the knee ligament located on the inner side of the knee joint. It links the thigh bone and the shin bone. A knee ligament injury is referred to as a sprain, and this knee injury can occur if the knee is twisted or subject to force from an opponent during sport.
The Medial Collateral Ligament is the large ligament on the inside of the knee that links the thigh bone and the shin bone. Damage to a ligament is referred to as a sprain, and depending on the severity of the injury it is classified as first, second or third degree:
- A first degree sprain is damage to only a few ligament fibres.
- A second degree sprain is damage to a more extensive number of ligament fibres, but the ligament remains intact.
- A third degree sprain is a complete rupture of the ligament. Because of the force involved in this injury other structures in the knee, such as the Meniscus (Cartilage) or the Anterior Cruciate Ligament can also be damaged.
The injury is usually caused in one of two classic ways. In collision sports such as football (soccer), rugby, and American football, the Medial ligament can be damaged when an opponent applies a force (usually from their knee) to the outside aspect of the leg, just above the knee. Alternatively the Medial ligament can be damaged if the studs get caught in turf and the player tries to turn to the side, away from the planted leg .
MCL Knee Ligament Injury Signs & Symptoms
With a first degree sprain of the Medial ligament there will be pain when the site of the damage is touched. Stressing the ligament (when the knee is slightly bent and the shin is moved inwards in relation to the thigh) is painful - this action is reproduced when standing up from sitting in a chair.
In the case of a second degree sprain, the pain is more severe when touched and when the ligament is stressed. There will usually be a swelling of the knee joint, but this may take 24 hours to appear.
In the case of a third degree sprain, where the ligament is ruptured, the knee joint is unstable and activity cannot be continued. There will be a bleed and an inflow of fluid into the joint but, because the capsule that surrounds the joint is also damaged, this fluid may leak out and swelling may not be evident
MCL Knee Ligament Injury Treatment
What you can do
 |
Consult a sports injury expert |
 |
Apply compression bandage to control swelling |
 |
Apply ice packs/cold therapy |
 |
Wear a knee brace for support & protection |
 |
Use a buoyancy aid for pool exercises |
In the initial stage of all three levels of injury medication prescribed by a doctor for pain relief should be taken if necessary. The PRICE protocol should be followed - Protection, Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation (never apply ice directly to the skin). The knee should be rested in an elevated position and Cohesive Bandage (which sticks to itself) should be used as a compression bandage to help prevent excessive swelling.
Ice Packs applied for twenty minutes, every two hours, can aid pain relief and help to prevent more tissue damage by cooling the tissues. The Aircast Knee Cryo/Cuff is the most effective method of providing ice therapy and can be used for the home treatment of knee injuries and knee pain. It can provide continuous ice cold water and compression for 6 hours – and significantly reducing knee pain and knee swelling.
In the case of a first degree sprain, sporting activities should not be undertaken for about 3 weeks.
For second degree sprains, the rehabilitation period will be between 6 and 8 weeks. Rehabilitation under the supervision of a chartered physiotherapist is desirable to prevent a recurrence of the injury, which can be common if a return to sport is attempted too early.
In the case of a third degree sprain, where the ligament is completely ruptured, the treatment of choice is surgery to repair the structure. The type of reconstruction used will depend on the exact site of the damage and the preference of the surgeon. Many people find that using a Knee Brace can be very helpful if they have suffered a Medial Collateral Ligament injury. The brace supports the knee and takes the strain off the ligament during the early stage of injury, particularly when sleeping. The knee brace also provides protection during the later stages of rehabilitation. Running in a swimming pool, using a Buoyancy Aid, is an ideal method of maintaining fitness while the ligament is healing.
Many people find that using a Knee Brace can be very helpful if they have suffered a Medial Collateral Ligament injury. The brace supports the knee and takes the strain off the ligament during the early stage of injury, particularly when sleeping. The knee brace also provides protection during the later stages of rehabilitation.
MCL Knee Ligament Injury Prevention
What you can do
| |
Wear a knee brace for support & protection |
 |
Use a Wobble Board to improve proprioception |
You can't do a lot if a prop forward (in rugby) or a centre half (in football) decides to throw their weight against your knee. Passing the ball earlier is probably the best advice that can be given. In the case of someone who has had a previous Medial Ligament injury there may be a slight weakness, but there are measures that can be taken to help prevent a recurrence. A Knee Brace can provide increased knee stability and reassurance following previous knee injuries, especially during activities such as skiing.
Following a rehabilitation programme under the supervision of a chartered physiotherapist will help. This should include a lot of proprioception exercises (these improve the stimuli within the body relating to position and movement), since proprioceptive ability will be affected by the damage to the ligament. A Wobble Board is an excellent tool for continuing proprioception exercises at home.
Recommended Products for MCL Knee Ligament Injury
MCL Knee Braces & Supports
Vulkan 5mm Neoprene Knee Support (open kneecap)
£20.99 inc VAT
Great for relieving knee pain in cold weather and features an open kneecap section to provide mild support to relieve knee pain...
FREE Vulkan Bottle with this item on orders > £50PhysioRoom.com Advanced Hinged Knee Brace
£36.99 inc VAT Was £44.99 Save £8.00 (18%)
High quality advanced hinged knee brace that protects the knee following Ligament sprains, Cartilage tears and mild arthritis....
Mueller Pro Style Hinged Knee Brace (deluxe)
£71.99 inc VAT
The patented Tri-Axial adjustable hinges provide excellent protection for skiing and sports. Ideal for prevention and...
FREE Drinks Bottle with this item on orders > £50
FREE Quench Gum with this item on orders > £50Vulkan Silicon Knee Support
£23.16 inc VAT Was £30.99 Save £7.83 (25%)
Silicon lined knee support for knee injury treatment and sports use. Provides warmth and extra compression to speed up healing...
FREE Vulkan Bottle with this item on orders > £50Mueller Hinged Wraparound Knee Brace (extra lite)
£47.99 inc VAT Was £51.99 Save £4.00 (8%)
Superb value wraparound design knee brace with metal hinges and adjustable Velcro straps for a...
(1 review)
FREE Drinks Bottle with this item on orders > £50FREE Quench Gum with this item on orders > £50Donjoy Drytex Playmaker Knee Brace
£178.99 inc VAT
ACL KNEE BRACESuperb sports and skiing hinged knee brace for ACL knee ligament injuries and cartilage tears. Has...
McDavid Adjustable Patella Knee Support
£36.10 inc VAT Was £40.99 Save £4.89 (12%)
'One Size Fits All' knee support for knee ligament and cartilage injuries. The wraparound neoprene design has supportive steel...
Ice Packs & Compression
PhysioRoom.com Instant Ice Pack
1+ £1.99
6+ £1.49 (Save 25%)
12+ £0.99 (Save 50%)
24+ £0.69 (Save 65%)
50+ £0.49 (Save 75%)
SAVE UP TO 75%!A mouldable pack that becomes an instant ice pack, without the need...
(1 review)
Bodymedics Compression Cold Therapy Wrap (Knee)
£51.99 inc VAT
NEW!Great value, superbly comfortable fabric ice pack and compression support for knee pain treatment....
Aircast Knee Cryo/Cuff (Self Contained)
£71.99 inc VAT
NEW!Specialist knee ice therapy device. Fill it with ice and water to...
(2 reviews)
PhysioRoom.com Sprains & Strains Repair Kit
£11.15 inc VAT Was £15.99 Save £4.84 (30%)
Essential ice and compression kit to relieve pain, reduce swelling and speed up recovery following a sports injury, muscle...
Mueller Reusable Cold/Hot Therapy Wrap (Large)
£27.08 inc VAT Was £30.99 Save £3.91 (13%)
Durable fabric wrap complete with one 15cm x 22.5cm (6" x 9") reusable Hot/Cold pack. Ideal for...
(1 review)
FREE Drinks Bottle with this item on orders > £50FREE Quench Gum with this item on orders > £50Aircast Knee Cryo/Cuff with Cooler
£104.86 inc VAT Was £143.99 Save £39.13 (27%)
Ultimate knee ice therapy. Provides 6 hours continuous cold and compression to minimise bleeding,...
(5 reviews)
Rehabilitation Kit
Exercise Band Pack
£18.99 inc VAT Was £28.99 Save £10.00 (34%)
Superb value, 8 x 1m length resistance bands in all 4 varying strengths, for use during rehab exercises for the shoulder, ankle,...
AquaJogger 100 Floatation Belt
£28.99 inc VAT Was £40.99 Save £12.00 (29%)
The AquaJogger 100 is a floatation belt. One particular benefit is that it allows an early return...
(1 review)
Knee Injuries
- ACL Knee Injury & Reconstruction
- Torn Cartilage Knee Injury
- Runner's Knee
- LCL Knee Ligament Injury
- MCL Knee Ligament Injury
- Osgood Schlatters
- Knee Arthritis
- Osteochondritis Dissecans
- Patella Fracture
- Jumpers Knee
- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
- PCL Tear
Related Articles
Injury A to Z
Injury By Sport
Our Credentials
Information
& Expertise
You Can Trust
All medical information at PhysioRoom.com is provided by Chartered Physiotherapists, who specialise in sports medicine.
Why Shop With Us?
100% Secure
Shopping
Shopping
Money Back
Guarantee
Guarantee
£FREE Delivery
Orders Over £65
Orders Over £65
NEXT DAY Delivery
Order By 4pm
Order By 4pm
FREE Guides
Expert Injury Help
Expert Injury Help
Newsletter
Receive our latest news and offers.
Safe Shopping
We use full 128-bit encryption technology to keep your order and payment details safe.
© Copyright PhysioRoom.com 2001-2010. All rights reserved. Sitemap.
IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE
The articles on this web site are provided for general information only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. All exercises and information featured on this web site should only be practised under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional.
We accept the following payment methods
PhysioRoom.com Limited, Unit 1 & 2 Dawson Court, Billington Road, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 5UB, England
- Sitemaps
- Sitemap,
- Product Sitemap,
- XML Sitemap
- Advertise on PhysioRoom.com
- Download our Media Pack (250KB PDF File)
- Product Categories
- Supports & Braces, Hot & Cold Therapy, First Aid, Taping & Strapping, Foot Care, Rehab & Fitness, Massage, Back & Neck Care, Sports Clothing & Accessories
Anatomy Images
All figures marked © Martin Dunitz 2001 have been taken from Sports Injuries: Their Prevention and Treatment, 3rd Edition, by Lars Peterson and Per Renstrom, published by Martin Dunitz Ltd.
www.dunitz.co.uk
Sports Injury & Physiotherapy SEO by Epiphany.
0.26
Your Shopping Basket