Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) acts to stabilise the medial portion of the knee. It runs from the inner surface of the bottom of our thigh bone to inside surface of our upper shin bone. Injuries to this ligament are a relatively common sporting injury and can occur when excessive stress is applied to the outside of the knee forcing the inner part of the knee to open and stretch.
MCL strains are graded by the amount of damaged ligament fibres for e.g. over stretch (Grade 1), partial tear (Grade 2), or complete tear (Grade 3). Depending on the grade of MCL strain, you may experience, tenderness along inside of knee, swelling, locking/catching with bending and straightening the knee or giving way of the knee in turning movements.
Following a thorough examination and diagnosis, conservative physiotherapy is the preferred treatment option over surgery. Good results with full recovery can be achieved following a quick diagnosis, manual therapy, acupuncture and an individualized, specific strengthening program.