Answering: Can You Still Walk with a Torn MCL?
Rehabbing a Torn Medial Collateral Ligament
If you’ve recently suffered a torn medial collateral ligament (MCL), you may be wondering if you’ll still be able to walk.
It’s a common concern, especially for active individuals who enjoy sports, or anyone looking to avoid long periods of immobility.
The good news? Yes, you can still walk with a torn MCL in most cases, but how well you move and how quickly you recover depends on the severity of the tear.
Understanding what an MCL injury entails and the steps you can take toward recovery will help you get back on your feet with confidence.
Understanding the Role of the MCL
The MCL is a band of tissue located on the inside of your knee.
- Its main job is to connect your thighbone to your lower leg bone and prevent your knee from bending inward.
- It’s a crucial part of knee stability, and because of its position, it’s often injured during activities that require sudden changes in direction, such as soccer, skiing, or even a quick twist while walking.
- An MCL injury happens when this ligament is overstretched or torn, usually due to force or impact to the outside of the knee.
- This can range from a mild strain to a complete tear, classified as grade 1, 2, or 3 injuries.
Walking with a Torn MCL
Can You Still Walk with a Grade 1 MCL Tear?
A grade 1 tear is the least severe type of MCL injury.
The ligament is slightly stretched but not torn, so while you’ll likely feel pain and stiffness, walking is usually still possible.
You may have some discomfort, especially when putting weight on the affected leg, but with the help of crutches, ice, and rest, your knee should heal relatively quickly.
Can You Walk with a Grade 2 MCL Tear?
A grade 2 tear means the MCL is partially torn.
Walking becomes more difficult because your knee may feel unstable or give out unexpectedly.
- This kind of tear often requires wearing a knee brace to provide stability, and you might need to use crutches to keep weight off the injured leg for a few weeks.
- It’s important not to rush back into full activity too soon with a grade 2 tear.
While walking is possible, doing too much too quickly can delay healing or even worsen the injury.
Walking with a Grade 3 MCL Tear
A grade 3 tear is the most severe MCL injury, involving a complete tear of the ligament.
This type of injury makes walking very difficult without assistance, as your knee will likely feel unstable and painful.
- You’ll probably need crutches and a hinged knee brace for support during the initial recovery period.
- Despite the severity, the silver lining is that even grade 3 tears often heal without surgery.
However, rehabilitation is crucial to ensure proper healing and prevent long-term knee instability.
How to Recover from a Torn MCL
Recovering from a torn MCL is a process that requires time, patience, and often, professional guidance.
While the MCL can heal on its own, following the right recovery protocol will make all the difference in how quickly and fully you recover.
Immediate Care After an MCL Tear
Regardless of the severity of your tear, there are some immediate steps you should take to protect the knee and start the healing process:
- Rest: Reduce movement in the knee as much as possible, especially in the early stages. Crutches may be needed to help you get around without putting too much pressure on the knee.
- Ice: Apply ice packs to the injured area for 15-20 minutes every few hours. This helps reduce swelling and eases pain.
- Compression: Using an elastic bandage can help control swelling and provide support.
- Elevation: Keep the leg elevated whenever possible to reduce swelling.
Long-Term Recovery
Once the initial pain and swelling have subsided, the next phase of recovery is focused on rebuilding strength and mobility in your knee.
This is where physical therapy becomes essential.
Working with a physical therapist ensures you’re progressing safely and effectively. The earlier you start, the less likely you’ll experience long-term complications.
Here’s a breakdown of recovery strategies based on the severity of the tear.
– Recovery from a Grade 1 MCL Tear
- Duration: Typically 1 to 3 weeks.
- Treatment: Mild injuries usually respond well to rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications.
- Rehabilitation: Gentle exercises that focus on maintaining range of motion and flexibility will help prevent stiffness. Strengthening the muscles around the knee, particularly the quadriceps and hamstrings, will support your knee’s stability as it heals.
– Recovery from a Grade 2 MCL Tear
- Duration: 2 to 4 weeks.
- Treatment: With a grade 2 tear, you’ll likely need to wear a hinged knee brace for additional support and stability. Crutches may be necessary to avoid putting weight on the injured leg.
- Rehabilitation: A physical therapist will guide you through more targeted exercises to regain range of motion and strength, helping you return to normal activities without risking re-injury. Exercises may include gentle stretching, balance work, and muscle strengthening. Your therapist will progress your exercises as your knee becomes more stable.
– Recovery from a Grade 3 MCL Tear
- Duration: 6 weeks or more.
- Treatment: A grade 3 tear typically requires using crutches and wearing a knee brace for several weeks. Although surgery is rarely necessary, it’s important to give your knee enough time to heal before returning to full activity.
- Rehabilitation: With a grade 3 tear, physical therapy will focus on improving knee stability and strength, starting with gentle range-of-motion exercises and gradually increasing to more challenging movements. Your physical therapist may also incorporate functional exercises that mimic the activities you want to return to, such as walking, running, or pivoting.
Exercises to Help You Recover from an MCL Tear
Strengthening the muscles around the knee is key to regaining stability and preventing future injuries.
Here are some exercises that your physical therapist might incorporate into your recovery plan.
– Range of Motion Exercises:
- Heel Slides: Sit with your legs out in front of you and slowly slide the injured leg toward your body, bending the knee as far as is comfortable.
- Wall Slides: Stand with your back against a wall and slowly slide down into a squat position, then push back up.
– Strengthening Exercises:
- Quad Sets: While lying down with your injured leg straight, tighten your quadriceps muscle and press the back of your knee into the floor. Hold for a few seconds and release.
- Straight Leg Raises: Lie on your back and raise your injured leg straight up without bending the knee. Lower it back down slowly.
– Balance and Stability Exercises:
- Single-Leg Stands: Once you’re more advanced in your recovery, standing on the injured leg while balancing on a stable surface can help improve knee stability and prevent future injuries.
When to See a Doctor
If your pain persists, or if you’re unsure about the severity of your injury, it’s always a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional.
In some cases, additional imaging like an MRI may be needed to determine the exact nature of the injury and ensure there are no other underlying issues.
Did you know you have Direct Access* to Physical Therapy? No referral, no problem!
Conclusion: Healing Is Possible
A torn MCL may sound scary, but the vast majority of people recover fully without the need for surgery.
Whether you can still walk with a torn MCL depends on the severity of the tear, but rest assured, there are clear pathways to healing.
Working closely with a physical therapist can speed up your recovery — book an appointment with us today to get started!
The Jackson Clinics serves 18 locations throughout Northern Virginia.
Find one near you: https://thejacksonclinics.com/locations/