The MCL usually responds very well to non-surgical treatment, although surgery may be required in rare cases. Depending on the severity of the injury, a period of rest, bracing and physical therapy usually is sufficient to heal the tear. A grade 2 tear can take from two to four weeks to heal.
How do you treat a grade 2 MCL sprain?
The initial treatment for most grade 1, 2 or 3 MCL tears focuses on reducing the pain and inflammation in the knee while immobilizing the knee to keep it stabilized. This includes: Resting, icing and elevating the knee. Taking pain relievers, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, to ease pain and swelling.
Which is worse ACL or MCL tear?
The main difference between an ACL tear and an MCL tear is that an ACL tear will have a distinctive popping sound, while an MCL tear will not. MCL tears are typically easier to recover from than ACL tears. On the other hand, an ACL tear will most likely require surgery and at least six months or more of rehabilitation.
Do knee injuries heal on their own?
A mild to moderate knee ligament injury may heal on its own, in time. To speed the healing, you can: Rest the knee.
What kind of brace is used for a sprained MCL?
The best type of brace to protect the LCL or MCL is a hinged brace that will prevent the knee from buckling both inward and outward. A good ligament knee brace will provide added stability and compression to protect the knee.
Does Grade 2 ACL tear require surgery?
A torn ACL will not heal without surgery, but it is not appropriate for everyone. Individuals who have sustained a grade 2 (partial tear) or grade 3 (complete tear) ACL injury. Individuals who want to continue to be involved in competitive sports that require cutting and twisting (i.e. football, soccer, basketball)
Is cycling good for MCL injury?
ACTIVITIES AND EXERCISES AFTER INJURY TO THE MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT (MCL) OF THE KNEE. and the following exercise program are recommended. Utilize a stationary bicycle to move the knee joint and increase knee flexion. You may ride the cycle with no resistance for 20 to 30 minutes a day.
Likewise, what is a grade 2 MCL sprain?
A grade 1 MCL injury is the least severe. It means that your ligament has been stretched but not torn. A grade 2 MCL injury means that your ligament has been partially torn. This usually causes some instability in your knee joint. A grade 3 MCL injury is the most severe type of ligament injury.
How long after MCL surgery can I walk?
You should be able to begin exercises to restore strength and normal range of motion to your knee about four to six weeks after surgical repair of your MCL (medial collateral ligament). Once an MCL has fully healed, you should have a minimum of long-term effects.
Similarly, how do you make your MCL heal faster?
Hold some crushed ice against the side of the injured knee for 15 to 20 minutes and repeat as necessary, leaving a 1-hour interval between treatments. Raising the knee on a chair or stool can help to ease discomfort. Protect the MCL while it is healing to prevent further injury and speed up recovery time.
How do you rehab a MCL injury?
Quad sets
- Sit with your affected leg straight and supported on the floor or a firm bed. Place a small, rolled-up towel under your knee.
- Tighten the thigh muscles of your affected leg by pressing the back of your knee down into the towel.
- Hold for about 6 seconds, then rest for up to 10 seconds.
- Repeat 8 to 12 times.
How serious is a sprained MCL?
Although the knee joint may not hurt or swell very much, a mild ligament sprain can increase the risk of a repeat injury. With a moderate Grade II MCL sprain, the knee ligament tears partially. With a severe Grade III MCL sprain, the ligament tears completely, causing swelling and sometimes bleeding under the skin.
What is a Grade 2 knee sprain?
A Grade 2 Sprain stretches the ligament to the point where it becomes loose. This is often referred to as a partial tear of the ligament. Grade 3 Sprains. This type of sprain is most commonly referred to as a complete tear of the ligament. The ligament has been split into two pieces, and the knee joint is unstable.
How do you sleep with a sprained MCL?
To help find a comfortable sleep position, try placing a pillow between your knees if you sleep on your side, or under your knees if you sleep on your back.
Will a Grade 3 MCL tear heal on its own?
Treating an MCL Tear
The injury tends to heal on its own with rest over a period of a few weeks. In the past, it was common to recommend surgery for Grade 3 MCL tears, the most severe type of tears.
How can you tell the difference between a torn MCL and meniscus?
A medial meniscal tear can be mistaken for an MCL sprain because the tear causes joint tenderness like the sprain. With a valgus laxity examination, a medial meniscal tear can be differentiated from a grade II or III MCL sprain. The presence of an opening on the joint line means the medial meniscus is torn.
What is the best knee brace for MCL injuries?
One of the best MCL braces is the DonJoy Playmaker Knee Brace because you can use it for everyday activities or during sports. The strap design of the Playmaker enhances support of the knee joint, which helps prevent MCL injuries and provides stability for a recovering MCL.
Thereof, can you walk if you have a torn MCL?
Teens with a torn MCL usually need to take time off from sports, especially the sport in which the injury happened. If there is no pain and the knee does not “give way,” they can usually walk, stretch, and do low-impact activities such as swimming. Most teens with a low-grade MCL tear are back to sports within 6 weeks.
How do you treat a Grade 2 knee sprain?
If you have a Grade I or Grade II knee sprain, your doctor probably will recommend that you follow the RICE rule:
- Rest the joint.
- Ice the injured area to reduce swelling.
- Compress the swelling with an elastic bandage.
- Elevate the injured knee.
Can an xray show torn ligaments in the knee?
X-rays may be needed to rule out a bone fracture. However, X-rays don’t show soft tissues, such as ligaments and tendons. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). An MRI can show the extent of an ACL injury and signs of damage to other tissues in the knee, including the cartilage.
How do you tell if knee is sprained or torn?
What are the signs and symptoms of a knee sprain?
- Stiffness or decreased movement.
- Pain or tenderness.
- Painful pop that you can hear or feel.
- Swelling or bruising.
- Knee that buckles or gives out when you try to walk.