Treatment for MCL Injuries in Southeastern Wisconsin
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inner side of your knee and is designed to hold your bones together while adding stability and strength to a joint. Often referred to as an MCL sprain, these injuries to the ligament can cause it to stretch or even tear, which can be very painful. This condition is usually caused by a direct blow to the knee during contact sports.
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What are the different types of MCL injuries?
In order to help you determine which type of MCL injury you have, here is a description of each degree of MCL sprains:
Grade 1 MCL Injury
Refers to a strained, but not torn, ligament. It is the least severe injury out of all three grades.
Grade 2 MCL Injury
A ligament which is slightly torn, causing some instability and discomfort in the knee.
Grade 3 MCL Injury
The most severe, this is a ligament that has completely torn.
What are the symptoms of an MCL injury?
For most people, the symptoms of an MCL injury are not that different from other knee conditions. This is why it’s important that your doctor is able to examine the injury to determine which treatment option is most appropriate for your condition.
Common symptoms of an MCL sprain can include:
- Hearing a popping sound at the time of injury.
- Pain near the inside area of the knee
- Swelling of the knee joint
- Not able to put weight on the knee when applying pressure to the area
How to treat an MCL injury?
Typically, treatment options for an MCL injury depend on the severity of the sprain. Most people find that the injury tends to heal itself after a few weeks of rest. Here are a few other treatment options to discuss with Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance:
Immediate Treatment
Applying treatment immediately to the affected area is crucial to a quicker recovery time for all three degrees of MCL sprains. Some methods of immediate treatment include applying ice to the injured area to reduce the swelling, elevating your knee above your heart to reduce swelling, and using crutches to keep the weight off your knee.
Rehabilitation
As you recover from the MCL sprain, the goal is to gradually regain the strength in the affected knee in order to prevent the injury from recurring. Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance may recommend physical therapy, wearing a protective knee brace, and limiting involvement in contact sports.
Surgery
Although surgery is rarely recommended for an MCL sprain, it is sometimes necessary when the ligament is torn beyond the point of self-repair or when the MCL sprain has caused the injury of other ligaments.
What kind of results can you expect post-treatment?
Regardless of whether or not your condition was serious enough to require surgery, the outlook is positive. Most people with this condition can expect to fully heal in a matter of weeks, assuming that they maintain a recommended treatment regimen.
Schedule Your MCL Consultation Today
If you are experiencing knee pain or suspect an MCL injury, contact Midwest Orthopedic and Musculoskeletal Alliance today at 414-384-6700. Our orthopedic specialists in Southeastern Wisconsin will evaluate your condition and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.