Understanding A Torn Medial Collateral Ligamen (MCL)
While no one ever hopes for a knee injury, a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL) is probably the easiest knee injury to treat.
If you’re dealing with an MCL tear, you’re in luck— MCLs will often heal on their own—meaning no surgery and a full return to activities, even when dealing with the most severe tears.
The right course of treatment can help speed up your recovery, and physical therapy often plays a crucial role in making sure you get back to your life as soon as possible.
In this article, we’ll cover what an MCL injury is, the different severities of the injury, and how physical therapy can assist in your recovery.
What is the MCL and How Does It Get Injured?
The MCL is a vital ligament located on the inner side of your knee.
- Its primary function is to attach the thighbone (femur) to the lower leg bone (tibia) and keep the knee from turning inward.
- It also helps stabilize the knee during movement.
It can easily be injured when performing activities that require sudden changes in direction, or quick twists and turns—the types of movements common in sports such as skiing, basketball, or soccer, for example.
However, it can also happen in everyday activities like slipping on ice or even stepping awkwardly off a curb.
Symptoms and Diagnosis
When the MCL is injured, you’ll likely feel pain on the inside of your knee.
This pain can vary depending on the severity of the tear, but common symptoms include:
- Swelling around the knee
- Instability or a feeling that your knee might give out
- Stiffness, making it difficult to bend or straighten your knee
- Tenderness or sensitivity along the inside of the knee
- A popping sound or sensation at the time of injury (in more severe cases)
If you suspect you’ve injured your MCL, a healthcare provider or physical therapist can help diagnose the extent of the injury.
This may involve a physical examination to assess your knee’s stability and range of motion, along with imaging tests like an MRI to determine the grade of the tear.
Will A Torn MCL Heal On Its Own?
Yes; Why MCLs Tend to Heal Themselves
The good news is that MCLs are known for their ability to heal naturally.
- Unlike the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), which often requires surgery, the MCL benefits from its rich blood supply.
- When the MCL is torn, a blood clot forms, setting into motion a natural repair process involving “healing” blood cells that help correct the tear.
- Blood cells rush to the injury, helping repair and regenerate the damaged tissue.
- This means that, with proper care, most MCL tears can heal without surgical intervention.
However, to ensure proper healing, it’s important to follow a treatment protocol suited to the severity of the tear.
Types of MCL Tears: Grade 1, 2, and 3 Injuries
The protocol for treating an MCL injury is determined by the severity of the tear.
Each grade requires a slightly different treatment approach.
Grade 1 Tear: The Mildest Injury
A Grade 1 MCL tear is considered mild and typically involves slight stretching or small tears in the ligament fibers.
You may experience mild tenderness and discomfort, but your knee should remain relatively stable.
Treatment for Grade 1 Tear:
- Rest and Ice: Applying ice and keeping weight off the injured knee can reduce inflammation and prevent further damage.
- Short-Term Use of Crutches: You may need crutches for a few days to a couple of weeks, depending on the pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: In most cases, a few sessions of physical therapy will be recommended to strengthen the surrounding muscles and ensure that your knee regains full range of motion.
Most people with a Grade 1 MCL tear can return to normal activities within a few weeks, especially with the right therapy plan.
Grade 2 Tear: A Moderate Injury
A Grade 2 tear are a bit more serious and typically involves a partial tear of the MCL.
The knee may feel unstable, and swelling is more significant than in a Grade 1 tear. You’ll likely notice increased pain and difficulty bearing weight on the knee.
Treatment for Grade 2 Tear:
- Hinged Knee Brace: To support the knee and limit movement, a hinged knee brace is usually worn for several weeks.
- Activity Restrictions: Weight-bearing activities are typically limited for around a month or more to give the ligament time to heal.
- Physical Therapy: A targeted therapy program focusing on strengthening the knee and restoring flexibility will be essential. Therapy will also help you gradually increase weight-bearing activities in a safe and controlled way.
With consistent care and therapy, recovery from a Grade 2 tear usually takes around 6 to 8 weeks.
Grade 3 Tear: The Most Severe Injury
A Grade 3 MCL tear is a complete rupture of the ligament.
While this is the worst type of MCL injury, even these do not usually require surgery.
However, the knee will feel very unstable, and significant pain and swelling are common.
Treatment for Grade 3 Tear:
- Hinged Knee Brace: A hinged knee brace will likely need to be worn for several weeks to stabilize the joint.
- Limited Weight-Bearing: You will need to avoid placing significant weight on the injured leg for a few weeks to allow the ligament to heal properly.
- Progressive Physical Therapy: This is where a well-structured physical therapy program becomes essential. Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises designed to restore range of motion, build strength in the muscles around the knee, and improve overall stability.
Though it can take several months to fully recover from a Grade 3 tear, the majority of patients can return to normal activities without the need for surgery.
The Role of Physical Therapy in MCL Recovery
Regardless of the MCL tear severity, working with a physical therapist will increase your range of motion and strengthen the tendons and muscles surrounding the injured MCL.
A personalized therapy program is essential for:
- Reducing pain and inflammation
- Restoring range of motion in the knee
- Strengthening the muscles that support the knee joint, such as the quadriceps, hamstrings, and calves
- Improving overall balance and stability
- Preventing future injuries
Phase 1: Early Healing
During the initial phase of recovery, your physical therapist will focus on reducing swelling and pain.
- Gentle range-of-motion exercises will help you regain mobility in the knee without stressing the injured ligament.
- Techniques like icing, compression, and elevation may also be used to manage swelling.
Phase 2: Strengthening and Stability
As your MCL begins to heal, strengthening exercises will become the focus.
- Your physical therapist will guide you through exercises to build strength in the muscles that support the knee.
- Strengthening these muscles is key to stabilizing the knee and preventing further injury.
- You’ll also work on improving your balance and proprioception (your body’s ability to sense its position in space), which can help reduce the risk of reinjury.
Phase 3: Return to Activity
The final phase of recovery is all about getting you back to your normal activities.
- Your physical therapist will introduce more dynamic exercises that mimic the movements you perform in your daily life or sport.
- Gradually, you’ll increase the intensity of your workouts as your knee regains strength and stability.
Recovery Time For Each MCL Grade
Every individual heals differently, but most MCL injuries follow a general timeline.
With the proper care and physical therapy program, you can expect:
- Grade 1 Tear: Recovery in 1-3 weeks
- Grade 2 Tear: Recovery in 2-4 weeks
- Grade 3 Tear: Recovery in 6+ weeks
Our physical therapists at The Jackson Clinics can design and implement a progressive therapy program that aids your body’s natural ability to heal the MCL.
The earlier we can start your individualized exercise program, the less likely your problem will become chronic and the sooner you can return to the activities you enjoy.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
Moving Forward After an MCL Tear
Although an MCL tear can be painful and disruptive, the good news is that with the right approach, a full recovery is very likely.
By working with a skilled physical therapist, you can help your body heal naturally while building the strength and stability needed to avoid future injuries.
If you’ve recently torn your MCL or are struggling with knee pain, we’re here to help you design and implement a personalized recovery plan that meets your needs.
Let us guide you through your rehabilitation and get you back to the activities you love!
The Jackson Clinics serves 18 locations throughout Northern Virginia.
Find one near you: https://thejacksonclinics.com/locations/