MCL Tear

An MCL tear is an injury to the medial collateral ligament, the band of tissue along the inside of the knee that helps keep the joint stable. It affects the ligament and nearby soft tissues in the knee and most often happens during sports, falls, or sudden twisting movements.

What You Should Know About MCL Tear?

An MCL tear ranges from a mild stretch or partial tear to a complete rupture. Mild injuries often respond well to rest, bracing, and physical therapy while more severe tears can cause knee instability and may require a longer recovery plan.

Diagnosis usually includes a physical exam and may include imaging to check for other knee injuries. At Princeton Orthopaedic Associates we evaluate your knee, explain treatment options, and coordinate a recovery plan that matches your activity level and goals.

What Causes MCL Tear?

• Direct blow to the outside of the knee: A force applied to the outer knee pushes the joint inward and strains the MCL.
• Twisting or pivoting motions: Sudden changes in direction while the foot is planted can stress or tear the ligament.
• Contact sports: Activities like football, soccer, or hockey raise the chance of collisions and awkward impacts that injure the MCL.
• Falls or awkward landings: Landing unevenly from a jump or falling can place excessive force on the inside of the knee.

What Are the Symptoms of MCL Tear?

1. Pain along the inside of the knee
   • The pain is usually localized to the inner knee and may be sharp at the time of injury or a dull ache afterward.
2. Tenderness to touch
   • You may feel sensitivity when pressing along the medial side of the knee, especially near the ligament.
3. Swelling
   • The knee may swell soon after the injury, making it stiff and harder to bend fully.
4. Instability or giving way
   • Some people notice the knee feels loose or that it may give out when walking or changing direction.
5. Difficulty bearing weight
   • Walking or putting full weight on the injured leg can be painful or uncomfortable, depending on severity.

When to Seek Orthopaedic Care for MCL Tear

• Severe pain or swelling: Significant pain, rapid swelling, or bruising after an injury should prompt an evaluation to rule out a serious tear or other damage.
• Inability to walk or bear weight: If you cannot walk or stand on the injured leg without severe pain, seek orthopaedic care for assessment and support.
• Feeling of instability: If your knee feels like it will give way during normal activity, a specialist can assess ligament integrity and recommend treatment.
• Symptoms that do not improve: If pain, swelling, or limited motion continues after several weeks of home care, see an orthopaedic clinician for further evaluation.
• High-level athletes or recurrent injuries: If you need to return to sport or have repeated knee problems, an orthopaedic team can help plan safe rehab and prevention strategies.

Treatment commonly starts with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, along with bracing and targeted physical therapy to restore strength and motion. Surgical repair is less common but may be considered for severe tears or when other knee structures are injured.