Medial Collateral Ligament also known as the MCL is a thick ligament that holds the knee joint together on the inside of the knee.  It’s job is to help stabilize the inside of the knee and support medial movement(side to side movement).  Inflammation can build for in and around the ligament from repetitive use which causes instability and pain.  And then there can be trauma to the ligament which can cause the ligament to stretch past and partially tear or fully tear the ligament which can cause pain and instability to the area.  Anyone can incur this injury but we most commonly see this injury in individuals with a physical labor job, runners, cyclists, football players, soccer players, hockey players, among other athletes.

Symptoms of this injury typically will feel pain on the outside of their knee that is ache, sharp, pinching, sore and tender.  As well as notice swelling in and around the knee joint.  They may notice that there are instability issues with the knee with walking, running, moving side to side and standing on one leg(affected leg).  These symptoms can cause the individual to decrease activity levels as well as decrease range of motion.  There will be atrophy to the structures around the knee as well as the muscles that control the knee.  If left untreated this will increase in pain and decrease function and possibly tear more or affect the other joint structures around the knee.

The best course of action for this injury is to seek professional help.  A professional will be able to evaluate and diagnose the injury and build a specific treatment plan for the individual and the injury.  A proper treatment plan for this injury would include manual therapies to help mediate the muscular and ligament stress which helps with movement and pain management.  Mobilization and manipulation the pelvis, hip and ankle joint to keep fluid movement through the joints to avoid restriction of movement and range of motion issues.  Stabilization and strength programming to help build muscular and ligament support as well as prevent further and future injury.  And finally, a good self-care program that will give the individual control on managing the issue themselves.