Medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury of the knee:
The medial collateral ligament (MCL), is a knee ligament that is located along the inner border of the knee. The MCL extends from the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and helps to stabilize the inner (or medial) part of your knee joint. While other ligaments and tendons help to provide additional support, the MCL is the most important structure that prevents your lower leg from moving outward (laterally) in excess.
The MCL is commonly injured among soccer players, football players, and skiers and other athletes. The MCL can be injured by itself (isolated) or can be injured in conjunction with your ACL and/or your medial meniscus. The MCL is usually injured when the outside of the knee is struck, or if an individual is "slide tackled", forcing the lower leg outward in an awkward manner.
Diagnosis
When the MCL is injured, you will mostly likely experience pain along the side of your inner side of your knee. Some people will actually describe the feeling or hearing a "pop". After an MCL injury the knee may become swollen. The knee may also become black and blue (ecchymotic). One important point to make is that the MCL is not located within the knee joint, and as a result, if there is swelling within the knee joint, then an ACL or meniscus injury may have occurred.
In order to diagnose an MCL injury, and its severity, it is important to speak with your physician. A physician can usually diagnose MCL injuries based solely on history and physical examination. An x-ray and MRI are sometimes secondary to manual tests that can be performed.
Treatment After An MCL Injury
Treatment includes applying ice to the area, raising the knee above heart level, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). (See your physician before using any drugs to help treat your MCL injury). Initially, after keeping your knee still (usually with the help of a well designed knee brace), knee strengthening and stretching exercises should be done under the guidance of a health professional.
Functional knee braces such as the DonJoy Playmaker, or Drytex hinged knee brace have been known to help individuals after such an injury. These knee braces can help provide meaningful support and reduce knee pain to allow people to get back to sports and activities of daily living more rapidly. See your physician about these activity levels with respect to your knee brace.