MCL Injuries: Causes, Symptoms & Prolotherapy Treatment

MCL Anatomy & Function

The collateral ligaments stabilize the knee joint and include the Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL), Lateral Collateral Ligament (LCL), and Anterior Collateral Ligament. The MCL is located on the inside of the knee, running from the medial femur to the medial tibia, and is especially vulnerable to trauma and sports injuries.^{1, 2, 3}

Common Causes of MCL Injury

MCL injuries are often caused by abrupt changes in motion, twisting, turning, or direct blows to the knee. They are common in contact sports and may occur alongside other injuries such as hamstring sprains or knee fractures. MCL injuries can be partial or complete tears and are frequently seen in athletes.^{4, 5, 6}

Medial Collateral Ligament Injury Symptoms

Symptoms include acute or chronic knee pain, swelling, tenderness, limited range of motion, and sometimes a popping sound or sharp pain on the inside of the knee. MCL injuries are graded:

• Grade 1: Pain but no joint opening.
• Grade 2: Slight joint opening with a firm endpoint.
• Grade 3: Major joint opening with no endpoint.

How is MCL Injury Diagnosed?

Diagnosis starts with a detailed medical history and physical exam. Orthopedic specialists may order X-rays (for bone injury) and MRI (for soft tissue and ligament assessment).^{7, 8, 9}

Treatment MCL Injury

Most MCL injuries are treated conservatively. Options include:

• NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen) for pain and inflammation
• Physical therapy to restore strength and mobility
• Elastic bandages and knee braces to reduce swelling and support the joint
• Rest and activity modification

Recovery time varies by injury grade. Surgery is usually reserved for grade III injuries or when there are associated ACL tears.^{10, 11}

Prolotherapy

In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat MCL Injuries.
Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This stimulates the production of collagen cells, which are needed to repair the damage and help MCL injuries.
As prolotherapy treats the root cause of MCL Injuries, it is considered a permanent fix, preventing symptoms from returning.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take an MCL injury to heal?

Grade 1 injuries may heal in a few days to a week, grade 2 in 2–4 weeks, and grade 3 may take several weeks to months, depending on severity and treatment.

Can you walk with an MCL injury?

Walking is possible with minor MCL injuries, but severe injuries may cause instability and pain, limiting mobility until healing occurs.

How do you tell if MCL is torn or sprained?

A healthcare professional will assess your knee’s stability and pain during a physical exam, sometimes using imaging to confirm a tear or sprain.

Which is worse, ACL or MCL tear?

ACL tears are generally more severe, harder to treat, and have a longer recovery time than MCL tears.

Is walking good for torn ligaments?

Walking may be recommended after pain and swelling subside, but avoid overuse and follow your doctor’s advice.

How do you sleep with a torn MCL?

Use a pillow between your knees for support, sleep on your back or side with knees slightly flexed, and avoid crossing your legs.

Contact ProHealth Clinic Today for Your FREE 15-Minute Discovery Call

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Author Bio

Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating MCL Injuries, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.

With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with MCL Injuries and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.

He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.

Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.

LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliver-eaton-4338225b/

References

1. Desai, V. S., et al. (2020). The journal of knee surgery, 33(8), 785–791.
2. Loughran, G. J., et al. (2019). The American journal of sports medicine, 47(6), 1294–1301.
3. Lundblad, M., et al. (2019). Knee surgery, sports traumatology, arthroscopy, 27(11), 3692–3698.
4. Elkin, J. L., et al. (2019). Current reviews in musculoskeletal medicine, 12(2), 239–244.
5. Jung, K. H., et al. (2019). Arthroscopy, 35(5), 1520–1524.
6. Westermann, R. W., et al. (2019). Arthroscopy, 35(5), 1466–1472.
7. Albtoush, O. M., et al. (2019). Clinical imaging, 53, 32–34.
8. DeFroda, S. F., et al. (2019). The Physician and sportsmedicine, 47(1), 129–131.
9. Encinas-Ullán, C. A., & Rodríguez-Merchán, E. C. (2018). EFORT open reviews, 3(7), 398–407.
10. Goff, A. J., et al. (2018). Physical therapy in sport, 34, 227–237.
11. Logan, C. A., et al. (2018). Orthopaedic journal of sports medicine, 6(7), 2325967118787182.