Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Medial collateral ligament pain

Medial collateral ligament injury

Medial collateral ligament

Torn medial collateral ligament

Overview

Symptoms

Treatment

Prevention

Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee

Alternative Names:

Knee injury - medial collateral ligament (MCL); MCL injury

First Aid:

Initial treatment of an MCL injury includes ice to the area, elevation of the joint (above the level of the heart), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), and limited physical activity until the pain and swelling subside.

After an initial period of immobilization (usually with a knee brace), gradual mobilization of the knee with strengthening and stretching should be performed. Physical therapy may be helpful to help regain knee and leg strength.

Surgery for isolated tears of the MCL is not usually performed.

Call immediately for emergency medical assistance if:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of MCL injury occur.

Call your health care provider if you are being treated for MCL injury and you notice increased instability in your knee, if pain or swelling return after they initially subsided, or if your injury does not resolve with time.

Also call if you reinjure your knee.

Review Date: 8/3/2004
Reviewed By: Kevin B. Freedman, M.D., Section of Sports Medicine, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Loyola University Medical Center, Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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