The medial collateral ligament is a small, thick band of tissue on the inner side of the knee joint. It connects two bones — the thighbone and the shin bone — preventing the knee from bending inward toward the other knee. When the knee is hit on the outer side of the leg, or if the knee is twisted violently, the MCL can overstretch, causing a partial or complete tear. MCL injuries commonly occur in football players who get "clipped" or hit on the outer side of the knee. Other causes may include twisting and turning while skiing, blows received on the soccer field, trauma from a car accident, or turning the knee sharply while the foot is planted on the ground. Healing times vary depending on each person and on the severity of the injury.

When you experience an MCL injury, you may have:

• Pain on the inner side of the knee.
• Swelling and bruising at the inner side of the knee.
• Swelling that spreads to the rest of the knee joint in one or two days following injury.
• Stiffness in the knee.
• Difficulty or pain when trying to bend or straighten the knee.
• An unstable feeling, as though the knee may give out or buckle.
• Pain or difficulty walking, sitting down, rising from a chair, or climbing stairs.

With an MCL injury, you may experience:

• A "popping" sound as the injury occurs.
• Pain and swelling in your knee.
• Difficulty moving your knee.
• Difficulty bearing weight on your leg to get up from a chair or walk.

If you see your physical therapist first, they will conduct a thorough evaluation that includes taking your health history. Your physical therapist will also ask you detailed questions about your injury, such as:

• Did you feel pain or hear a "pop" when you injured your leg?
• Did you turn your leg with your foot planted on the ground?
• Did you change direction quickly while running?
• Did you receive a direct hit to the leg while your foot was planted on the ground?
• Did you see swelling around the knee in the first two to three hours following the injury?
• Does your knee feel like it’s buckling or giving way when you try to use it?

Your physical therapist also will perform special tests to help determine if you have an MCL injury. They will gently press on the outside of your knee while it is slightly bent and fully straight to test the strength of your MCL. Your physical therapist also will check the inner side of your knee for tenderness. They will measure the area for any swelling and may use more tests to see if other parts of your knee are injured. They also will observe how you walk.

To reach a diagnosis, your physical therapist may team with an orthopedic doctor or other health care provider. The doctor may order further tests, such as an MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and to rule out other damage. An MRI is not needed in all cases but may be ordered to see if surgery is required. Your physical therapist or doctor may recommend devices such as a knee brace to keep your knee from bending. They also may have you use crutches to reduce pain.

Your physical therapist will work with you to design a treatment program that will speed your safe recovery. This program will include exercises and treatments that you can do at home. Physical therapy will help you return to your normal lifestyle and activities.

First 24 to 48 Hours

Your physical therapist may advise you to:

• Rest your knee and avoid walking or any activity that causes pain. They may recommend using crutches and a knee brace to reduce further strain on your MCL when walking.
• Apply ice packs to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every two hours.
• Wrap the area with an elastic bandage for compression.
• Consult with a doctor for further services, such as medication or diagnostic tests.

Your physical therapist can also help you:

Reduce Pain

Your physical therapist may use different treatments and technologies to control and reduce your pain. These may include:

• Ice.
• Heat.
• Ultrasound.
• Electrical stimulation.
• Taping.
• Prescribed exercises.
• Hands-on therapy, such as massage.

Improve Motion

Your physical therapist will choose activities and treatments to help restore normal movement in your knee and leg. These might begin with passive motions that your physical therapist performs for you to gently move your leg and knee joint. Later you will progress to active exercises and stretches that you do yourself.

Improve Strength

Certain exercises will aid healing at each stage of recovery. Your physical therapist will teach you the correct exercises to steadily restore your strength and agility. They will select the right equipment and teach you how to use it to safely to improve your knee strength. Equipment may include:

• Cuff weights.
• Elastic bands.
• Weight-lifting equipment.
• Cardio-exercise equipment, such as treadmills or stationary bicycles.

Improve Balance

Regaining your sense of balance is important after an injury. Your physical therapist will teach you exercises to improve your balance skills.

Speed Recovery Time

Your physical therapist is trained and experienced in the right treatments and exercises to help you safely heal. They will help you return to your normal lifestyle and reach your goals faster than you are likely to do on your own. Healing time will depend on how severe your injury is and which tissues are injured.

Return To Activities

Your physical therapist will discuss your specific goals with you. They will use your goals to create a plan and treatment program for your return to work, sport, and home life. Your treatment program will help you reach your goals in the safest, fastest, and most effective way possible. Your physical therapist will apply hands-on therapy, such as massage. They also will teach you exercises, work-retraining activities, and sport-specific techniques and drills to help you achieve your goals.

Prevent Future Injury

Your physical therapist can recommend a home-exercise program to continue on your own. This program will help you strengthen and stretch the muscles around your knee, upper leg, and core muscles to help prevent future injury.

If Surgery Is Necessary

Surgery is rarely needed for an MCL injury. If you do have surgery, your physical therapist will guide you through a recovery program over several weeks such as described above. They will help you minimize pain, regain motion and strength, and return to normal activities as safely and quickly as possible.

To help prevent a recurrence of your MCL injury, your physical therapist may advise you to:

• Avoid letting your knees collapse in toward each other when jumping, running, or turning quickly.
• Practice balance and agility exercises and drills.
• Always warm up before starting a sport or heavy physical activity.
• Follow a consistent strength and flexibility program to maintain good physical conditioning, even in a sport's off-season.
• Wear shoes that are in good condition and fit well.

All physical therapists are prepared through education and experience to treat MCL injury. However, you may want to consider:

• A physical therapist who is experienced in treating people with orthopedic injuries. Some physical therapists have a practice with an orthopedic focus.
• A physical therapist who is a board-certified clinical specialist or who has completed a residency or fellowship in orthopaedic or sports physical therapy. This physical therapist has advanced knowledge, experience, and skills that may apply to your condition.

You can find physical therapists who have these and other credentials by using Find a PT, the online tool developed by the American Physical Therapy Association to help you search for physical therapists with specific clinical expertise in your geographic area.

General tips when you're looking for a physical therapist (or any other health care provider):

• Get recommendations from family, friends, or other health care providers.
• When you contact a physical therapy clinic for an appointment, ask about the physical therapists' experience in helping people who have your type of injury.
• Be prepared to describe your symptoms in as much detail as possible, and say what makes your symptoms worse.

Find a PT Near You!