WHAT IS A MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT SPRAIN?
A sprain is a joint injury that causes a stretch or tear in a ligament, a strong band of tissue that connects one bone to another. The medial collateral ligament is located on the inner side of the knee. It attaches the bottom portion of the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia).
Sprains are graded I, II, or III, depending on the severity of the sprain:
- Grade I - pain with minimal damage to the ligaments
- Grade II - more ligament damage and mild looseness of the joint
- Grade III - complete tearing of the ligament, and the joint is very loose and unstable
HOW DOES IT OCCUR?
This injury usually occurs from a blow to the outer side of the knee, causing stretching or tearing of the medial collateral ligament. It can also be caused by a twisting injury to the knee.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?
There will often be pain on the innermost side of your knee. Your knee may be swollen and tender. You may have the feeling of your knee giving way. You might hear or feel a pop or snap at the time of injury.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will examine your knee for tenderness over the outside of your knee. Your doctor will gently move your knee around to see if the knee joint is stable, and if the ligament is stretched or torn. An x-ray or an MRI (magnetic resonance image) may also be necessary.
HOW IS IT TREATED?
Treatment may include:
- Applying ice packs to your knee for 20-30 minutes every 3-4 hours for 2-3 days, or until the pain and swelling go away
- Elevating your knee by placing a pillow underneath it
- Wearing a knee immobilizer or knee brace to keep you from moving and further injuring your knee and to minimize the pain of moving your knee
- Using crutches
- Taking anti-inflammatory medication or pain medication prescribed by your doctor
- Doing rehabilitation exercises
While you are recovering from your injury, you will need to change your sport or activity to one that does not make your condition worse. For example, you may need to swim instead of run.
WHEN CAN I RETURN TO MY SPORT OR ACTIVITY?
The goal of rehabilitation is to return you to your sport or activity as soon as is safely possible. If you return too soon you may worsen your injury, which could lead to permanent damage. Everyone recovers from injury at a different rate. Return to your activity will be determined by how soon your knee recovers, not by how many days or weeks it has been since your injury occurred. In general, the longer that you have symptoms before you start treatment, the longer it will take you to get better.
You may safely return to your sport or activity when, starting from the top of the list and progressing to the end, each of the following is true:
- Your injured knee can be fully straightened and bent without pain
- Your knee and leg have regained normal strength compared to the uninjured knee and leg
- Your knee is not swollen
- You are able to jog straight ahead without limping
- You are able to sprint straight ahead without limping
- You are able to do 45 degree cuts
- You are able to do 90 degree cuts
- You are able to do 20 yard figure-eight runs
- You are able to do 10 yard figure-eight runs
- You are able to jump on both legs without pain, and jump on the injured leg without pain
If you feel that your knee is giving way or if you develop pain or have swelling in your knee, you should see your doctor.
HOW CAN I PREVENT MEDIAL COLLATERAL LIGAMENT SPRAIN?
Unfortunately, most injuries to the medial collateral ligament are not preventable. However, you may be able to avoid these injuries by having strong thigh and hamstring muscles, as well as by maintaining a good leg stretching routine.
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