MCL sprain
I hurt the inside of my knee. Is it my MCL?
A sprain of the ligament on the inside of the knee, usually from a blow or twist. Most heal well without surgery.
What it feels like
Pain and tenderness along the inside of the knee after a blow to the outside of the knee or a twist, with swelling and sometimes a feeling of instability.
What is actually happening
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inside of the knee and resists the knee being pushed inwards. Sprains are graded by severity. Isolated MCL sprains usually heal well with conservative care.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor promptly if the knee swelled quickly within hours, gives way, locks, or if you heard a pop, because the ACL, meniscus or other structures may also be injured.
How it is assessed
Assessment includes ligament stress tests to grade the sprain, screening for ACL and meniscus injury, swelling, range of motion and strength.
How it is treated
The Knee Ligament Sprain clinical practice guideline supports early protected movement and progressive rehabilitation. Treatment may include a hinged brace for higher-grade sprains, range of motion work, progressive strengthening and balance training, then running, cutting and sport-specific drills before return to sport.
What to do first
Protect the knee from side-to-side stress, keep it moving within comfort, and have it assessed to grade the sprain and plan rehabilitation.
Where this is assessed
- The Runner's Academy St. Clair West · Mon/Wed/Fri · 3:00 PM – 6:30 PM Book at Runner's Academy
- Athlete's Care Sports Medicine Centres Yonge & Eglinton · Mon/Wed/Fri · 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM Book at Athlete's Care
- Push Pounds Sports Medicine Downtown Toronto · Tue/Thu · 8:30 AM – 6:30 PM Call Push Pounds to book
References
This page is based on the following clinical practice guidelines and research.