MCL INJURY

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a ligament on the inside of the knee. An injury to the MCL might result in the ligament stretching, or partially or completely tearing. MCL injuries are one of the most common knee injuries, and generally occur from force to the outside of the knee.

Ligaments are made up of collagen fibers and designed to help stabilize joints. The MCL is part of a system of four ligaments that are crucial to mechanical stability within the knee joint. This ligament is intended to prevent the knee from bending inward. Strong impact to the outside of the knee, lower thigh, or upper thigh can force the knee to bend inward, thus damaging the MCL. The most common cause of an MCL injury is this angle of external impact applied while the foot is planted firmly on the ground. Athletes often feel immediate pain upon injury of the MCL and might even hear or feel the popping or tearing of the ligament.

Athletes usually injure their MCL while bending, pivoting, or twisting. We commonly see MCL injuries in soccer players, football players, or skiers. As with any injury, when we’re looking at an MCL injury, we’re looking to understand the root of the problem so that we can fix it and prevent it in the future. Our treatment plan often focuses on addressing the whole-body function for a better and safer athletic performance in the long term.