weeks following injury, the pain is usually subsiding and the swelling is lessened. You can now try to stretch the knee to regain motion. Stationary cycle, swimming (flutter kick only) and the following exercise program are recommended.
How long does a sprained MCL take to heal?
Recovery time for an MCL injury depends on the severity of the damage. On average, these injuries take six weeks to heal.
How do you heal a sprained MCL fast?
Early treatment for MCL injuries includes: Rest. Application of an ice pack application to reduce swelling that occurs hours after the injury. Compression using an elastic bandage or brace.
Treatment for MCL tears include:
- Exercises to strengthen muscles.
- Use of a protective knee brace during exercise.
- Limited activity.
Can you make an MCL sprain worse?
Although you will want to get back to your normal routine quite soon, it is important not to rush through your medial collateral ligament sprain recovery program. An early return to activity may worsen the injury.
Should you stretch an injured MCL? – Related Questions
What does a Grade 1 MCL sprain feel like?
Symptoms. Typical symptoms are pain and tenderness on the medial (inner) aspect of the knee with stiffness and guarding. Minor swelling and tenderness can be noted.
Can I walk on a sprained MCL?
Walking can help with MCL sprains, but it should be done only after the pain has lessened considerably. If you sprain your MCL, it is best to walk as soon as possible. Continue exercising if the pain allows for it.
Will MCL sprains heal on their own?
Can an MCL tear heal on its own? A grade 1 MCL tear (minor tear) can usually heal on its own with rest within one to three weeks. Grade 2 and grade 3 MCL tears, which are more severe, need proper treatment in order to heal, which can include resting, wearing a knee brace and doing physical therapy.
How do you tell if your MCL is sprained?
The symptoms of MCL sprain include:
- Tenderness and pain in the inner side of the knee.
- Swelling and bruising.
- Stiffness of knee.
- Difficulty walking.
- Bleeding and inflow of fluid into the joint.
How do you tell if MCL is torn or sprained?
An individual with an MCL tear may notice the following:
- A popping sound when the injury is sustained.
- Pain (ranging from mild to severe depending on injury grade) on the inside of the knee.
- Instability, or feeling like the knee cannot bear weight and may give out.
- Knee stiffness.
How do you treat a sprained MCL at home?
Most MCL injuries can be treated at home with rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Your doctor may suggest that you use crutches and wear a brace that protects but allows for some movement of your knee. You may need to reduce your activity for a few weeks.
Is MCL sprain serious?
When your MCL is damaged, your knee can over-extend itself, or bend too far in a direction that it’s not supposed to bend. You may heal on your own with basic care, rest, and rehab. But if your injury is severe, you may need to have surgery.
Can you bend your knee with a torn MCL?
The knee may feel stiff, and a person may have difficulty straightening their leg or bending their knee. They may also find climbing the stairs or sitting in a chair challenging as this requires them to bend their knee. A torn MCL can affect the stability of the knee.
What helps ligaments heal faster?
5 Treatment Solutions for Your Ligament Injury
- Rest. The generally accepted wisdom on how to initially treat a ligament injury can be summed up in one acronym: RICE, which stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation.
- Reduce Swelling.
- Ligament Injections.
- PRP Therapy.
- Balance Training.
What aggravates a torn MCL?
Rest & Immobilization: Once a MCL injury is diagnosed it is important that the affected area be rested immediately. Any further movement or stress will only aggravate the condition and prolong recovery. It is also important to keep the injured area as still as possible. Ice: By far the most important part.
Why is my MCL not healing?
These types of tears also usually don’t heal on their own. This is because the torn and retracted MCL becomes trapped above the hamstrings tendons, and it cannot heal back down to the tibia (shin bone).
Does knee brace help MCL?
A knee brace for MCL is often recommended to provide additional support and stability, especially if the patient plans on returning to sports.
