How Do I Know If I Have An MCL Tear? 3 Warning Signs While Playing Sports

A Strange Sensation In Your Knee On The Field

As a seasoned professional athlete or weekend warrior, sports can be a rewarding endeavor. Sports require extreme physical and mental tools, whether driving to the basket, running with a football, or blazing across the court to land a forehand smash in tennis. At the same time, some sports, especially contact sports, carry the risk of injury. Knee injuries are particularly common, as the knee absorbs many of the forces exerted during activity. Some knee issues are simply from overuse, but others could be a more severe, long-term condition. A medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, for instance, is the most common ligament injury of the knee. Identifying the signs of an MCL tear is essential for quick action, treatment, and recovery.

What’s the MCL, and can it actually tear?

The medial collateral ligament sits on the inside of the knee joint. The thick ligament is about 2 inches long, connecting the femur or thigh bone to the top of the tibia or shin bone. The MCL’s primary role is to support the knee and leg from forces that cause extensive inward or sideways movement. This ligament also works with the lateral collateral ligament (LCL) and anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) to stabilize the knee. The MCL is prone to tears when someone experiences a blow to the outer part of the knee. The collision causes the inner part of the knee to hyperextend, leading to a stretch or tear of the MCL. A sudden twist or overuse can also weaken and tear the MCL. Look for these 3 warning signs of MCL tears.

1. A pop, then pain like never before

An MCL tear is associated with a blow or twisting of the knee. A collision while playing sports or a sudden change in direction is the catalyst followed by what many describe as a popping sensation. The pain can range from mild to sharp and intense, isolated to the inner portion of the knee. In severe cases, the pain is so excruciating that placing weight on the leg feels impossible. The athlete often needs assistance off the field or court. The pain can worsen over the next few hours.

2. Instability and a catching sensation

As the athlete tries to walk, the knee suddenly feels unstable. The instability stems from the MCL’s inability to function effectively. The knee’s usual range of motion and flexibility is limited, and bending the knee feels painful and difficult. The torn ligament can no longer support the leg from moving inward. The knee feels loose and may be ‘giving way’ under pressure or moving from side to side. Immediate treatment is recommended to prevent injuries to other components, like the meniscus or ACL.

3. Swelling and bruising

For some athletes, the pain can be moderate, with some even walking off the field of play unassisted. However, swelling can occur about 1-2 hours after the incident. The inner knee feels tender to the touch and looks slightly larger than the opposite joint. Inflammation is the body’s initial response to injury and could signify fluid buildup. Some athletes may notice bruising of the skin and tensing of the muscles around the injury.

Don’t leave it to chance

These signs mean that immediate medical attention is necessary. Seek medical help from an emergency room or orthopedic specialist. MCL tears can range from a partial tear to a full-thickness tear. The medical team will use different tests to confirm the injury, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans and stability tests. The severity of the injury can determine the best treatment, especially if the athlete wishes to return to sport in the future. Treatment starts almost immediately and can be non-surgical, surgical, or a combination of strategies.

Solutions for your MCL tear

Partial tears, as indicated by imaging, can benefit from non-surgical treatment. The doctor will recommend bracing the knee and rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Painkillers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will keep inflammation at bay while the knee heals. During this time, physical therapy (PT) is essential. PT helps to regain strength and flexibility of the joint. Doctors are also combining strategies like regenerative medicine to speed up natural healing. Moderate to severe injuries, such as a full-thickness tear, often require surgery. The doctor can remove the damaged ligament using minimally invasive incisions and install a new tendon. The tendon usually comes from a graft or donor, secured to the bones with anchors and sutures.

Get back in action

Both surgical and non-surgical treatments need several weeks to see improvement. Partial tears that don’t require surgery can heal in 6-12 weeks. Full-thickness tears that require surgery need much more time, with many needing at least 12 weeks to heal. After healing, physical therapy is designed around the athlete’s return to sport and fitness, which can take several more weeks. If another ligament was damaged, such as the ACL, recovery can take 9 months or more. Thanks to quick treatment and tried and tested solutions, recovery from an MCL tear is possible. Look for the 3 immediate signs, take action, and return to sports as soon as possible.