Health Tips / Knee - Medial Collateral Ligament

Diagnosis and Symptons

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is located on the inside of the knee connecting the femur (thigh) with the tibia (shin). The primary function of the MCL is stability of the inside of the knee.

MCL injury is normally caused by a blow such as a tackle or kick to the outside of the knee. This in turn results in overstretching or tearing of the medial collateral ligament on the inside of the knee. It may aslo result from sudden stress such as a quick turn.

Symptoms

Symptoms will depend on the severity of the injury. Again, this is classified as mild, moderate or severe.
A mild injury is associated with nor stiffness and pain on the inside of the knee. An injury is classified as moderate, when there is moderate pain, tenderness and sometimes swelling, on the inside of the knee and occasionally instability.With a severe MCL injury there is much pain and tenderness in addition to swelling on the inside of the knee and instabilty of the joint.

Preventative measures

 
Proper warm-up and stretching is essential. Leg muscle strengthening through exercises and weights may also prove beneficial. Flexibility and strength of tendons and leg muscles such as quadriceps and hamstrings is essential so they can absorb stress and shock.

For serious injury always consult your doctor or physiotherapist. 
To find a Chartered Physiotherapist in your area check www.cppp.ie

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