What job does the MCL do in the knee?
Key points. The medial collateral ligament’s main function is to prevent the leg from extending too far inward, but it also helps keep the knee stable and allows it to rotate. Injuries to the medial collateral ligament most often happen when the knee is hit directly on its outer side.
Should I wrap my knee if I have an MCL strain?
If you have a mild MCL strain, it can heal on its own with rest, ice, and other self-care. You’ll need to raise your sore knee when you put ice on it, keep weight off the joint, and protect and compress the injury with a knee brace or elastic bandage.
How long does a MCL tear take to heal?
Nonsurgical Methods Recovery time for an MCL injury depends on the severity of the damage. On average, these injuries take six weeks to heal. No matter the grade of the tear, initial treatment focuses on immobilizing the knee and reducing pain and inflammation.
Why does my MCL keep popping?
An MCL tear causes pain on the inside of the knee. Tearing the MCL is likely to cause more severe pain that spraining the ligament. A person may notice a popping sound at the time of the injury. This is the sound of the MCL tearing.
Can you still walk on a torn MCL?
Can you still walk with a torn MCL? If you have a grade 1 (minor) MCL tear, you’ll likely still be able to walk at the time of the injury, though it might be painful. A grade 2 (moderate) MCL tear could make it difficult to walk at the time of the injury since your knee won’t be as stable as it normally is.
How can I speed up my MCL recovery?
Resting the knee after an MCL tear can help speed up healing. People should avoid contact sports and movement that puts too much strain on the MCL until the injury heals fully. This can help to prevent further damage. In some cases, surgery may be necessary.
What does it mean when you hear a crunching sound in your knee?
The crunching you hear likely is due to the cartilage in your knee becoming rough, so the bones cannot slide as easily in the joint as they normally do. Knee crepitus typically happens when the knee is bent, such as when you are squatting, going up or down stairs, or rising from a chair.
What is MCL sprain taping?
MCL Sprain taping is a knee strapping technique which provides a high level of support and protection following a medial knee ligament sprain. Our step by step guide explains how to tape your knee for maximum protection to the inside. This taping technique demonstated below is used as part of our full MCL sprain rehabilitation program.
How to tape medial knee ligament injury?
For Medial knee ligament injury taping you should add additional support strips at the sides of the knee to prevent lateral (sideways) movement of your knee joint. All taping techniques follow the same basic principles.
How do you treat an MCL sprain?
For MCL sprains make sure you add additional support strips to both sides of your knee to prevent hyperextension. Apply finishing strips in the same way you did the anchor strips. These hold the support strips firmly in place. Our step by step MCL sprain rehabilitation program takes you from initial injury to full fitness. Learn more…
What is the best treatment for a medial knee ligament sprain?
We recommend the following products to help treat and recover from medial knee ligament sprains: A cold therapy and compression wrap is essential first aid. It reduces pain and swelling and can also be used to apply heat later in the rehabilitation program.