Do you need a knee brace for a torn MCL?

While MCL injuries of the knee are very common in sports, they fortunately don’t need surgery in most cases. In this Ask Dr. Geier video, I explain the treatment for a torn MCL and how an athlete can best return to sports.
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Please note: I don't respond to questions and requests for specific medical advice left in the comments to my videos. I receive too many to keep up (several hundred per week), and legally I can't offer specific medical advice to people who aren't my patients (see below). If you want to ask a question about a specific injury you have, leave it in the comments below, and I might answer it in an upcoming Ask Dr. Geier video. If you need more detailed information on your injury, go to my Resources page: www.drdavidgei...
The content of this KZbin Channel, / drdavidgeier (“Channel”) is for INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. The Channel may offer health, fitness, nutritional and other such information, but such information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. This content should not be used to self-diagnose or self-treat any health, medical, or physical condition. The content does not and is not intended to convey medical advice and does not constitute the practice of medicine. YOU SHOULD NOT RELY ON THIS INFORMATION AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR, NOR DOES IT REPLACE, PROFESSIONAL MEDICAL ADVICE, DIAGNOSIS, OR TREATMENT. You should consult with your healthcare professional before doing anything contained on this Channel. You agree that Dr. Geier is not responsible for any actions or inaction on your part based on the information that is presented on the Channel. Dr. David Geier Enterprises, LLC makes no representations about the accuracy or suitability of the content. USE OF THE CONTENT IS AT YOUR OWN RISK.
Sully asks:
I have a torn MCL - grade 3. I just want to know if I should wear the knee brace while I’m doing my home exercises?
The MCL is a thick ligament on the medial side (inside) of the knee. An athlete often tears the MCL when he is hit on the outside of the knee. Fortunately, most MCL injuries heal on their own without surgery. A brace that allows flexion and extension of the knee but protects against side-to-side stress is important.
In this video, I discuss MCL injuries and their treatments. I also discuss some of the keys to quickly and safely returning to sports and exercise.
Please remember, while I appreciate your questions, I cannot and will not offer specific medical advice by email, online, on my show, or in the comments at the end of these posts. My responses are meant to provide general medical information and education. Please consult your physician or health care provider for your specific medical concerns.

[@DrDavidGeier]

If you have questions about the injuries or treatments mentioned in this video, or about a sports or exercise injury, subscribe to my channel and click the bell to be notified of my Better Than Ever LIVE! streams, including an Ask Dr. Geier live show I do most Fridays at 12:00 PM ET.

[@SHINEStore12]

Dr. David Geier hi dr im 44 year diagnosed early osteoarthritis in knee i hv too much pain pls suggest me that knee brace is good for me?if yes which one thanx

[@kimberlyguffey8086]

I severed my ACL n mcl was in a external fixator from Sept 27th 2022 til Dec 13th got it removed n put into a brace Dr was supposed to do a hinge knee replacement but i got a staph infection in top pin site recovered from staph now he doesn't want to do knee replacement I have a 70 ,% bend but I want 100 any thoughts

[@profnplayerxx_001]

Hi I hurt my left knee on a trampoline I got a knee brace and crutches could you be able to tell me what kind of knee injury it would be thank you

[@ddistrbd1]

I injured my MCL (Right knee) exactly 29 days ago, not sure the extent of the damage to the MCL but the first 2.5 weeks I could not put weight on my right knee, contemplated going to my family doctor but didn't, mainly because I did some research and found out it would eventually heal, , I now feel 90% better, can walk without a cane but still wear a knee brace and planning to continue wearing it until I am confident it's fully healed.videos like this has an enormous effect mentally and physically on patients like myself so thank you for putting out minds at ease.

[@bjornvording9151]

How is it going now?

[@ddistrbd1]

@@bjornvording9151 I have fully recovered, it took a bout two months but it's all good now, thanks for asking.

[@bjornvording9151]

@@ddistrbd1 Good to hear, do you think you healed that fast because of the brace?

[@ddistrbd1]

@@bjornvording9151 I do not know for sure, I think I eventually would have healed anyway but the brace helped limiting the movement of my injured knee so may be it did shorten the length of time by a week or two.

[@bjornvording9151]

@@ddistrbd1 thank you!

[@ZethuMazibuko]

9 years ago I injured my left knee and sustained a dislocated patellar, grade II MCL sprain and a torn medial meniscus. I opted for conservative management even though the orthopaedic surgeon advised me to take the surgical option. I was placed in a brace for 6 weeks with NWB and given axillary crutches to aid with my walking. Thanks to physical therapy, I made a full recovery and have full range of motion. However, I was warned by the orthopaedic surgeon then that I may develop early onset arthritis to the injured knee and that years later there would be a strong possibility I'd need knee replacement surgery. Till this day I wear a sleeve knee brace especially in the Winter months, during physical activity or when my knee flares up.

[@taimooralibukhari]

I tore my MCL and damaged my meniscus 3 years ago. Some doctor recommended me surgery but I one said to rest 6 months and then rehab. after 1.5 years I am playing football like before but remember there is still itching and tenderness. A sudden change in direction reminds you there is something inside there. so as per my experience for mcl 1 whole year and proper exercise can get you to pre injury situation.

[@sukhaman2379]

Sir rest in the sense full rest or walking an all continue with donjoy brace??

[@gamesthatmatter9374]

@@sukhaman2379 u need to wear the brance for grade 2 6 weeks if u are over 30+

[@carlmarc3877]

Did you have fluid in your knee?

[@Gavblends]

@@carlmarc3877 yes

[@lisbethsalander1723]

Did your rest involve mild excercise? Or complete rest with brace?

[@roninpdx1544]

Thank you I was scared of getting surgery

[@shinwolford2240]

Lil King j me too

[@katherinewest4541]

i go to a physical therapists for my knee in 3 days and i have all the signs of a mcl injury and i play 3 sports and i’m praying i can keep playing

[@robg5509]

How longs did it take to get back to sports??

[@christinawelsh632]

I had MCL and ACL replacement surgery and have been non weight bearing in a brace for 6 weeks with PT twice a week. Hoping for a complete and full recovery. Estimated time to be determined....

[@DrDavidGeier]

+Christina Welsh Keep us informed of how it goes. Good luck!

[@ryanbarr4910]

I bought a hinge brace for $8 from a thrift store. The doctor wrote me a "script" for a $750 brand new one. The first doc put me in a knee immobilizer for "scarring down" and this really decreased my range of motion when I took it off a week later. I have a "near complete, full thickness tear". So far the first 2 doctors are calling it a grade II tear and no surgery is indicated at this time. I will get one more opinion.

[@DrDavidGeier]

Good luck!

[@ChompstompMashups]

My MCL injury rundown. With covid-19 rules in place. Called the dr's office to explain what happened. The dr called back and had me explain what happened, where the pain was and range of movement. They had me go into a clinic for a x-ray the following day. Roughly 6 hours later, the dr calls me to say "well there is no break/fracture, so rest your knee and call if you need anything else".

[@adamhenry6754]

Wow

[@amro2]

My doctor prescribed a hard one, the one that does not allow bending so i don't know whether this is good or bad. please answer

[@alunthomas932]

I had an MCL injury last July. My Dr didn’t take it very seriously at all just sent me for X-rays which showed up nothing. It’s now 10 months later and it still hasn’t healed properly. I can’t run or play football and am still having to use a brace just to get by with day to day life. I also wake up most nights with shooting pains right through my inner knee☹️

[@RISHIFFDEVIL]

Are you okay now ?

[@chickenclips]

Snapped my MCL and ACL, which is not very common. It sucks. Stuck in a brace for 10 weeks. 6 weeks post op. Brace helps a lot for MCL stability.

[@RISHIFFDEVIL]

Current situation ?

[@captainbuck5969]

New to knee injuries. I accidentally fell 6’ through a floor opening on a Boeing 767. A mechanic forgot to put safety rope around the opening while working and I fell through it. Waiting for my MRI results. Appears I have a left MCL issue. The stiffness in my leg is pretty extreme. Good luck to all.

[@GSXR6kat]

I had an injury about a month and a half ago mounting my horse off of a platform which is designed to minimize mounting injury. I've had a previous ACL replacement on the same knee. I was prescribed dickpfenac sodium to help with pain and swelling that is supposed to last 12 hrs but am no doubling down on Tylenol to supplement. My knee buckles which causes extreme pain causing uncontrollable cries and excessive swelling about twice a week. I recently tried to get out of my SUV and it gave out buckling inward and loudly popping leaving me hanging on my vehicle door collapsed on the pavement...employees of the business ran to my aid. DOC told me it was a MCL tear associated to my previous ACL tear but they weren't sure if it was a full or partial tear. I tore my ACL on active duty but the government makes it so hard to file claims for injuries which occured during service I'm forced to try and cover my expenses out of pocket. This is affecting my regular day to day activities and impeding my ability to perform in my jobs. What brace would you recommend as I work on my feet all day as an aircraft m3chanic for my primary job then have to ride a horse for 1-10 hrs, fix fences and irritate multiple times a week for my second ...please advise. Thanks in advance!

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, July 28, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@brandonbrown3629]

So I was playing football and I got chopped. The opposing player dove into the outside of my left knee, I immediately felt a burning pain right on the inside of my left knee. At first it hurt to put weight on, I went to like shake my leg to "shake it off" and my knee went "click click" one click when my knee went left and the other came back right. I played about the the next 2 plays of our offensive series and 2 plays of defense, when I made a tackle I exploded up into the ball carrier and my knee felt extremely weak. Then I got taken out and my trainer did what he called the click method and pushed my knee in and my calf out and it went click and it also clicked when it came back in..... that is my knee injury/pain experience.

[@donkeninitz4590]

Literally a month ago, while preparing to walk into my surgeon's office for my first post-op appointment following TKR, I had a freak accident where I tore my MCL. I'd exited my wife's car and planted my feet, then as I pivoted to turn towards the building while reaching back to push the door closed, I heard a pop and then saw my surgical wound reopen (and extend three inches, curving inward) like a zipper. I could see the prosthetic joint: it was a gruesome injury. I ended up in the trauma bay at the nearby hospital where I had my original surgery, and that evening my surgeon came in to do emergency surgery to debride the wound and re-close it (no damage to the prosthetic joint or my quad). That was followed by three nights in an ICU, four nights in a step-down unit, and then three nights at an acute rehab facilty. I'm now one month into wearing a Breg T-Scope brace, and frankly I hate it, especially since I'm still required to use a walker (though I don't need it) as a safety measure while my MCL heals (it was a full tear; my surgeon described it as "shredded like a mop". The brace is really hard to keep in position, as it constantly wants to slide downward with movement. It's also on the heavy side and just cumbersome to wear. I started outpatient PT this past week and am recovering rapidly, but can't wait to shed the walker and the brace. I can easily walk without the walker at this point, so I'm really just pushing it ahead of me, and I ditch it if I'm just moving short distances. I've regained ROM back to close to where I was at the time of the initial post-op recovery (110 degrees ROM, when goal was 105 two weeks out from surgery), but man do I want to get rid of the walker and brace! I'm hoping my surgeon will authorize me to switch to just a cane this week.

[@pipes2694]

I have a grade 3 MCL injury and my dad thinks I'm joking. I'm in so much pain but my dad told me after we went to a&e that I should just wear a compression tube on my knee. Thanks m8.

[@Tomas-ml9nv]

How is your knee now ? Can you run?

[@zubairali3975]

Are recover form thiss

[@shanXxx385]

Did you recoverv

[@mkp1214]

So my knees never doesn't hurt, and sometimes they hurt a lot more than usually. But it's in different spots every time, sometimes it hurts in the knee cap, sometimes in the bottom of my thigh bone, sometimes in the top of my shin, sometimes in the inside, and sometimes in the outside. I play rugby but this started way before that

[@KoolKrushIce]

Im a physical therapist. To my understanding the MCL Fibres are stretched at full extension and excessive flexion as well. I use a ROM brace to limit motion from 30-60 degrees initially to allow the MCL to sit in a reduced position and allow it the best chance to heal. What are your thoughts?

[@eyanlove5216]

Hi... When you say "initially", how long does it mean? Is in the first 2 weeks from the injury? For how long do you keep it to that degree? Thanks!

[@lindaguida4074]

I’m wearing a T Brace, broke my tibia, started PT! It’s very stiff!

[@sk_lucii]

I was blocking a corner back and as I was chopping my feet i dug into the turf too hard, and my left knee bent towards the left and popped... Hurts like crazy, any clue/diagnosis?

[@ottikable]

I had exactly this injury in the exact same context, my doc said it was an MCL tear. Been two weeks now, slowly getting better. How did your knee heal? Are you playing sport now?

[@moviezzmaniaa7681]

yesterday i also had knee injury while blocking and now my leg is not able to hold my weight on it.will you please suggest me some doctor who will not go for surgery instead of rest ?

[@benharris3919]

Coldweather.. I need to wear long pants.. do I get around with brace under pants or outside.

[@nanickyful]

I have a complete torn ACL and MCL tear.( I.e: they are no longer there. ) awaiting surgery but, they won't do it until I am fully able to bend my leg and straighten it and all the swelling/fluid is gone (to eliminate scar tissue.) I can NOT walk without a brace because my leg snaps in half and it ain't a good feeling. I wear it like all the time except for showering.

[@gamesthatmatter9374]

tear 2 . i am wearing don joy brace for 6 weeks

[@sheikhazharusman8349]

I had mcl 10 dsys ago.i can walk slowly but camot bend my knee i had wear knee brace.when i should start to bend my knee it hurys lot.

[@DrDavidGeier]

Let’s talk about this on Friday, May 27, at Noon ET, on my Ask Dr. Geier Live! show. Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on my website - drdavidgeier.com - in which I discuss every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people.

[@hannahrusk4341]

also i was a grade 3 injury

[@PadikFCI]

What settings of angles should be on the brace? Please help me because one doctor said to me 0-30 and the other said 30-90

[@SDkeepon]

Should I buy a $80 hinged brace or do I have to buy a $400 hinged brace for my MCL?

[@slopcrusher3482]

Bi it really depends, what level of tear do you have?

[@YugaPavankumar]

Mcl ++

[@virendrasinghbhati314]

I am having a MCL injury today is the 6th day but my knee is sweel.what to do doc

[@kapildeore3848]

Hello doc. I had MCL injury while playing basketball when landing knee got turned inside-out. I neglected it and went for basketball, same thing happened again.. Then I did MRI for that.. In MRI its was complete tear of acl. But my knee was completely stable with no pain. Doc. Adviced me to just postpone surgery for to months while he told me to do physiotherapy. Again when I came to doc.. He did orthoscopy and found acl been stretched, and did nothing but told me to work on phisio and exercise more.... This Was my experience.

[@SkyHermit]

Still no surgery 4 years later? Are you pain free now?

[@mlbbfranco553]

Doctor mentioned on prescription that I have an MCL ligament injury.... I got that injury before 3 week... How can I know the grade of my injury ??? When I try to lift or bend my leg it hurts a little....

[@patriciaalvarez545]

Hi DR , please help. I went bowling in May and noticed knee soreness. But a few days after, I experienced medial pain, swelling, catching and locking. X-rays and MRI show no tears or sprains of anything, just light cartilage. Today, I STILL have sharp medial pain when I try to walk normal along with swelling. For the past 5 months, I have to walk with a straight leg so that I don't feel pain. My quality of life is almost unbearable. Physical therapy and the doctors kept telling me to walk.

[@OurTurnip]

How long should I wear my brace?

[@memohaddad]

How do you know if you have the MCL? I believe I have one, I get pain when I flex my quads and calves and push towards the opposite side, its a slight pain on inner side. Best example is when I sit cross legged and place my injured leg on top of my non-injured leg, and put force on it towards my abdomen i feel a tightness/stiffness and pain. I can walk, run, even squat. Just that one feeling.

[@TheMergina]

I have confirmed MCL now. Symptoms are similar to yours, I can walk but definitely am so far from running or squatting. Swelling/bruising on the inner side of the knee is one of the symptoms. Your symptoms looks like you pulled a muscle rather than having a ligament injury.

[@kalliew3342]

Karina G ik it’s been awhile since you posted this but idk if I hurt my mcl My pain is really random like if I’m running a lot or going up and down stairs it starts to hurt, on the inside of my knee. It’s not all the time though, squats don’t hurt normally unless I do a lot of them. And there’s no swelling. What do you think?

[@NOBOX7]

hello David the insides of my knees hurt , i believe its from work or from the gym , both knees went out at the same time, at first i couldn't sit on my knees any more or sit on my feet like when your praying because my legs could not bend all the way in . Please help me. I walk up to 12 miles a day at work and climb all day , im a scaffold builder for power plants and Industrial job sites

[@jeffreyramkaransingh2000]

Hi. Do you have a hinged-knee brace you can recommend for online purchase in the US? Thanks.

[@nayankumarthapa5720]

I have knee ligament MCL completely tear at femoral side .is it possible to self heal without surgery?

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, August 16, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@lyricalvideos7336]

Can I play football after getting completely healed from MCL ......as I played before injury....😓😓

[@ReneeUnrated]

It depends on you

[@Samantha_Varela]

I have a grade l MCL injury and am wondering what knee brace I should wear??

[@DrDavidGeier]

If you are able, join Dr. Geier here on Friday’s Ask Dr. Geier Live! show, Jan. 13, at Noon ET. He would be happy to discuss this. Also, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@pradeepchoudhary7112]

I did my surgery for grade 3 mcl and acl ruptures first my Dr did mcl and told me to wait for acl surgey Now my question is my knee feels super tight after mcl surgery plz advice

[@likenbaclips]

I tore my MCL 7years Ago and it still bothers me . I can no longer play physical games. should i have it brace ? would it still heal and be renewd like i didnt have a tare at all. i want to continue playing basketball.

[@thespabarn]

Good evening sir. I tore my MCL (grade 3)on Dec. 4 2016. I also have a fissure fracture on my lower tibia just above my ankle. My GP told me that they cannot cast the lower leg due to the fact that I would lose range of motion in my left knee. Instead I was put into a small brace that allowed me to keep my knee slightly bent. 2 weeks after the injury I was final able to get into the local orthopedics office and was given a 2nd MRI and left with a Donjoy x-act rom knee brace. my knee is fully extended and the tension and flex gauges are both set to 0. I am to keep my leg at 0 until I revisit the ortho on Jan. 16. I am allowed to bear weight on my knee but only with the brace on. I am to wear the brace 23 hours a day and take it off only to shower and dress. The main problem I am currently dealing with is severe shin splints. They are especially horrible while I sleep. My muscles seize up over the break (or so it feels), then the splints go all thru my knee (excruciating) and stop at mid thigh. I am sleeping in a recliner with 2 pillows under my leg to keep it elevated (to alleviate the swelling) and I keep the brace somewhat loose at night to deter swelling. (I also have a clotting disorder...antithrombin III deficiency which causes me to clot way to well. I see a specialist for this since I am not taking blood thinners and they are doing ultrasounds weekly to make sure I don't develop a DVT) My ortho is booked until my mid January appt and cannot address the shin splints issues. I am a 50 year old female with an athletic build. My BMI is in the normal range. I am 5'10 and approximately 145lbs. I have suffered from shin splints before but they seem especially vicious right now. Since I am not allowed any flexibility while wearing the brace, do you have any suggestions as to what may help the splints? Respectfully Lisa

[@thespabarn]

I forgot to add that I also displaced the posterior horn in my knee.

[@nayankumarthapa5720]

Is it possible self heal completely MCL tear at femoral side?

[@DrDavidGeier]

If you are able, join Dr. Geier here on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! show at Noon ET on August 16. He would be happy to discuss this. Also, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@lusilapinon4703]

I had a bad knee injury that resulted in Internal derangement of the knee. The MCL was injured. Now my knee is bending inward. Knee valgus. Unfortunately my doctors did not tell me to wear a brace. It has been 5 years. Is it too late to try to heal?

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on his monthly Ask Dr. Geier Live! Show, October 27, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@Peter-km4xd]

One month ago I was playing first base and had a big stretch which resulted in me having a grade 2 sprain in my knee. Ive been doing the RICE treatment everyday and taking advil for the swelling. I’ve been doing pt for about 2 weeks now and was wondering if it would be a good idea to wear a knee brace while playing baseball.

[@gamesthatmatter9374]

yes

[@annieconway8998]

Had knee replacement revision 3 months ago and my knee now knocks inwards and is constantly sore. My OS says he doesn’t want it taped or braced, but heck! How long can this take???

[@StonnieDennis]

Thanks!

[@josephagustin8557]

How much the knee brace?

[@gabbymejia2078]

I have a grade 1 MCL sprain and Kaiser even gave me a brace !!

[@sassysandie2865]

What kind of brace should I buy?

[@DiLauroPhoto]

I hurt my knee when I was 27 while snow skiing. I heard a loud pop when I did it so I am sure I tore my MCL. I immediately tried to stand on it and my knee joint shifted out of joint and then back in again. I never had surgery to heal it. Got on a plane the next day and went back to work on crutches. That's a whole other story... : - ( I am 50 years old now. I have reinjured it 4-5 times in the past 23 years as recent as a month ago. This knee has haunted me for the last 23 years. Doesn't hurt on a regular basis but it is very week. I always have to watch every step I make because I can reinjure it very easily at any time. I don't have insurance to get the surgery because I am self employed and can't afford the insurance. I have two questions. 1) how much does the surgery cost on average? 2) Is there anything I can do besides surgery? Thank you!

[@TheSuperJP3]

Dave DiLauro physical therapy look it up on KZbin. I'm doing that almost everyday

[@glas13032]

I have the exact same issue with my right knee did it when I was 17 and now I am 47 never had surgery for it could not afford it I have to be extremely careful every day when I was reading your post I was thinking that’s exactly what my knee is like every day

[@nakulregmi7514]

I suffered knee injury while playing soccer 2 months before. My MRI report reads: Partial tear of ACL Grade II sprain (PArtial tear ) of MCL I have been wearing Knee Brace since then. So, what can be my further treatment and How long will it take for me to recover to playing conditions(I can walk normally now)

[@eoin5102]

How are u now

[@lolgrant]

Was hit from behind by a car in a hit and run incident whilst out cycling recently. Was very lucky not to incur more serious injuries but Level 2 MCL with immense pain at the time (almost 3 weeks since incident now) and still ongoing pain despite being given exercises by physio and specialist knee consultant. The MRI scan showed clear Level 2 tears on both sides of the knee and have had to buy a brace which is really helpful but I would like to know what the recovery period would be (of course this will vary) and when I can get back to light exercise, cycyling and swimming a sthey are a massive part of m life : I ride for commuting and pleasure every day throughout the seasons. Great useful clear video BTW Thanks.

[@lolgrant]

I have been told anything between 12 weeks to 5 months!!!

[@2010hennessy]

Thanks so much. This helped me a lot understand my injury.

[@madhurakavi9441]

I have what it says on my report and i quote "There is likely grade I/II strain of the Medial Collateral Ligament ". What does the term 'likely' here mean? Should i also worry about my meniscus, as the report also reads "There is grade I signal changes in the posterior horn of medial meniscus and anterior horn of lateral meniscus". What does a signal change mean? Is it something serious? Thanks in advance :)

[@markhudgins8926]

Just came to your sight to find out more. Thanks very helpfull

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m glad!

[@Jorary209]

Hi, My friend has both a tear their ACL AND MCL. The doctor reccomended surgery, but they're hesitant to do so. Just wanted to know your and other people's opinion on what they should do. Thank you in advance.

[@marysawaged1541]

I did Meniscus tear 3 years ago .I'm still in pain. ask for more opinions

[@PankajSingh-vh5rh]

Sir if in mri report there is "posterior cruciate ligament shows buckling with attenuation of femoral fiber" written. what's mean of that ?

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but I can’t legally answer medical questions and offer medical advice online. I have created thousands of articles and videos that discuss almost any musculoskeletal injury that should help you.

[@marysawaged1541]

I did a knee scoop in 2016. today is 5/14/19. I still have pain, My knee is crocked . My surgeon didn't send me to PT . Brace was prescribed for me but was very uncomfortable. You advice . I don't want to have another surgery. Im wearing a lift for my right leg. but doesn't feel comfortable . I need help

[@kristinamchale7727]

I think I have a grade 1 overuse mcl injury from walking too much. what is the treatment? should I wear a brace? could you do a video on knee overuse injuries and answer these questions? thank you love your channel.

[@DrDavidGeier]

Great questions. I will happily discuss it if you are able join me this Friday, June 17, on my Ask Dr. Geier live show - 12 PM ET on my KZbin channel. Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on my website - drdavidgeier.com - in which I discuss every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people.

[@andrewosullivan3409]

I have a Grade 3 tear if MCL. It happened 4 weeks ago. I now have a brace & im starting rehab today. Will my MCL repair after 4 weeks of no treatment? Thanks.

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier tomorrow, Dec. 9, on his Ask Dr. Geier show when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@chilidog3518]

question i tore my acl mcl and vertical tear in my lcl i had surgery on my acl and got that fixed but its been a year and a half and still finding my knee to buckle sometimes for example got on a dirtbike and was supporting the bike with my leg i had surgery on and it buckled causing me to wear a brace again for a few weeks till i was able to walk again i dont know if i need surgery on my mcl or what

[@JEasy23]

Bass Finatics same that's what I need to know. I had surgery on my ACL 9 months ago but he said I didn't have any other years but the side of my knee gives out sometimes

[@arsdwalos6840]

I had in my right knee an acl mcl grade 3 and a wide tare in my outside meniscus. Will the mcl heal on it own or does it need surgery as well?

[@bibekrulez]

I got mcl injury while playing basketball. Now i have long jump for firemen selection exam. I can walk, run, jump pretty fine but long jump might hurt my knee again. What do i do?

[@viralpatel7969]

I injured my left leg knee while playing Cricket and moving my body sideways. It was very painful and couldn't walk at all. I went to see my doctor (on 3rd of the injury due to weekend) and he suggested further MRI. My MRI Results came back and I have following things in the report. Can someone please help me understand what it means as I am very confused. this is as it reads. There is a full-thickness tear of the anterior cruciate ligament.There is a prominent radial tear of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus. Medial meniscus within normal limits in size, contour, and signal intensity without tear. There is a edema/bone bruise of the midportion of the lateral femoral condyle, posteriror lateral tibial plateau, and posteromedial tibial plateau, indicative of pivot shift and contrecoup injury. No evidence of fracture. No evidence of chondromalacia patellae. The posterior cruciate ligament is intact. Collateral ligaments are intact. Quadriceps and patellar tendons are intact. IMPRESSION: 1) Full-thickness tear of the anterior cruciate ligament 2) Prominent radial tear of the posterior horn of the lateral meniscus 3) Moderate-sized joint effusion. 4) No evidence of medial meniscal tear. MRI was taken roughly two weeks after the injury and its about 4th week right now. I am on the Knee brace which is helping a lot. First two days were weekend after the injury and I couldn't see the doctor till 3rd day, I was without a knee brace and the pain was like hell. I couldn't sleep at all those two days with so much unbearable pain. The main pain is in inner side of the leg right where MCL is and without brace even on 4th week I can't stay for 5 minutes. I feel sharp pain on the lower part of the MCL (Where you can normally feel the bone bump). I was 200% sure that I have MCL torn but my MRI suggests otherwise and I am all confused if there is no MCL tear why am I in so much pain on inner side of the knee joint. Can someone please explain? By the way I am scheduled for the ACL reconstruction in 10 days.

[@BsBhati54]

Abhi kese ho bhai

[@ifoneacess6143]

Bro, did you find answer for your MCL pain? I also got injured while playing cricket 4 months ago and I am getting sharp pain at MCL area but there is no tear of any ligaments in MRI Report. Plz reply me...

[@ignaciosevil1944]

I had a mcl Injury which was never specificlly diagnosed or given a grade. Even after 3 or 4 MRIs Also they completely inmobilized me knee It took me more than 1 year to be walking without pain Could you give me a recomendation on how to get better or atleast less prone to get injured again.

[@DrDavidGeier]

I can't say in your situation specifically, but physical therapy can help many patients avoid reinjury.

[@ignaciosevil1944]

which muscles should i focus on? which exercises?

[@leandercturnerjr4597]

Dr. David Geier

[@DrDavidGeier]

I think working with a physical therapist is the best strategy for a patient with a stiff, weak knee after an MCL injury.

[@ignaciosevil1944]

when do you get 100% recovery?

[@carmenmg6438]

hello doctor tks for the video.i had a mcl partial grade 2 a month ago after I fell on the floor. my treatment includes using a brace with no movement in the knee 24 hours a day whole leg straight..dont know the model in english but is complete imobilization..only phisio to strenght the knee till now and the same exercises..18 sessions and nothing change..could it be because of the using of this brace? plz any help would be appreciated. I must say I had pnp injection but no relief of my pain after 15 days.all the best !

[@padmavatipv2470]

Thank you very much. I was prescribed the braces fur knee injury. Wearing fir the past 15 days. How much time will it take to completely heal and when can I stop using the walker ? Is it possible to travel involving 10 hrs by flight with braces on ? Would be grateful fur an early reply.

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but Dr. Geier can’t legally answer medical questions and offer specific medical advice online. Join Dr. Geier on this Friday’s Ask Dr. Geier show, Oct. 14, when he'll be live on KZbin at 12 PM ET - and bring your questions! Until then, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@ricardoseisa2814]

My MCL injury is just recent. To be exact 21st of november. How long is the full recovery of MCL G3? And will you be able to play sports the way you are after healing?

[@DonnieEls]

Yes u do If u want to continue the shit you enjoy. My knee slips out of place every time I skate and it's really making me mad

[@mirandawiebe5422]

I fracture my left tibial and it heeled but know my knee buckles . What can I do?

[@ImCallingYouOUT1]

I partially tore my MCL in a slip and fall accident one month ago, it's a great two injury but I think it's worse than that because it still hurts and is still swollen. I also partially tore my quadricep tendon and that area also hurts a little bit. I am in a knee brace that is locked right now in the straight position and I have been for almost 5 weeks. I believe the MRI also said I had severe edema so it looks like I'm in for the long haul and I'm starting to notice that atrophy is kicking in on my left leg as well. Good times. What bothers me is that this was avoidable, this was a slip and fall on ice because of a defective rain gutter in town.

[@philburke1902]

Always watch where your walking. Surfaces freeze in the winter.Being sue happy is not the answer. Best of luck on your health recovery.

[@ImCallingYouOUT1]

@@philburke1902 it was worse. My ACL was torn and was reconstructed.

[@virendrasinghbhati314]

I just had an injury in my left leg MCL TODAY is the uth day but my knee is still sawollen,what to do further,i am also wearing the knee immobilizer

[@RISHIFFDEVIL]

Thik ho gye kya bhai?

[@shailendersharma9816]

Dear Dr Saab good evening, thanks for swift and crisp explanation... I also got injured during football, my Dr Sir suggested of MCL injury and muscle injury, no MRI done.... 3 weeks crossed swelling much down able to walk and Dr suggested few light knee strengthening exercises and hot packs, supplements and rest..... I am able to walk slowly straightwitb adequate knee bend but some times in oblique condition feels pinch tibia side and instability though not always...... In x-ray knee joint condition is good as no gap or dislocation or meniscus pressure seen...kindly guide on exercise and of my observation.....

[@DrDavidGeier]

I’m sorry, but I can’t legally answer medical questions and offer medical advice online. I have created thousands of articles and videos that discuss almost any musculoskeletal injury that should help you.

[@alpeshvlogs8277]

Thank you Doctor.....

[@hannahrusk4341]

at the beginning of 7th grade i was playing hide and seek and i was going to jump on sonthing to hide but i have really flexible ankles and high arches which allows me when im laying down on my back to touch my arch to the floor, due to my flexible ankles i turned very wrong sideways and dislocated my Patella and landed straight on my knee while dislocated which tore my MCL and fractured my Patella. i was in phisical theropy only i could sort of walk with one cruch. but most of the time i had to be in a straight not bendable brace 24/7, about 1 month and a half later i got my knee brace that i could bend, i had to go to phisical theropy for 3 to 4 months and still had to wear my brace to school and all the time exept for bathing. Luckly i didnt need surgery but they said i could get surgery of i really wanted. I was in waterpolo in the time that it dislocated and i havnt played for almost a year due to the fact that it hurts to turn my leg sideways and i could have a greater chance to pop out ny patella. it is almost fully healed and i can almost run at full speed.

[@DiLauroPhoto]

I tore my MCL 27 years ago snow skiing. Never had surgery. I have re injured it many times since then and once just recently. I am 54 years old now. The joint has gotten weaker and weaker after every re injury. It has completely ended any type of athletic ability for me and has effected my overall health because I can’t do anything athletic or fun except working out in the gym, which is soul sucking IMO. I’m considering riding a bike. Is that good or bad for MCL tear?

[@EEEBA1]

I am not a doctor but my doctor recommended that I ride bicycle which should help my MC tear. The injury happened two weeks ago and I still can't straighten my leg.

[@Halehji]

Thanks for your video, i have partial tear grade 2 MCL tear and complete tear of ACL since Feb 01. This happened in-skiing accident fall. can not bend or fully extend my leg. I was told i have to start walking on my leg remove my braces + start physical therapy. For the last few days i am trying to walk around the house without crutches but i am experiencing more pain and burning sensation in my MCL area. My pain was much less in pain prior to walking and I felt it is healing but even braces now pushing towards my MCL and very uncomfortable and painful. Please advise.

[@RISHIFFDEVIL]

You feel buckling inner side mcl When you injured ? Plz tell me

[@RISHIFFDEVIL]

You feel buckling inner side mcl When you injured ?

[@lauddles1563]

I tore my MCL last year while playing soccer from two people, one kicked the ball I was kicking at the same time as me and one stopped my leg from moving normally to prevent the injury. I was in a brace for 13 weeks and physical therapy for two months. I still experience pain. For example, as I am writing this I put on one of my smaller braces for support of my knee because I did something to it earlier today playing soccer. But I also have pain in my other knee and it is starting to move like my other knee. My right knee (the one that I tore) can move side to side, and my left knee is starting to do that as well as hurting, but I don't recall any impacts to that knee. I think it is from putting all the stress on that knee during recovery, but it has seemed to have gotten worse over time. Lacrosse is starting soon and I wanted to ask if I should wear my knee braces to practice, or should I bring them just in case?

[@rayanthony5475]

I just did my LCL the exact same way. How are you now ?

[@rayanthony5475]

MCL. Sorry

[@lauddles1563]

@@rayanthony5475 I'm doing good now! I still have quite a bit of lateral instability, but strengthening the muscles around my knee has helped so much! I hope you have a speedy recovery!

[@arturoaguilar875]

@@lauddles1563 i injured exact the same way you did. Playing football. Shoot and kick the ball, the defender missed the ball but kick my foot. From the internal side. Hear a crack

[@AbrarKhan-ok4ur]

I have MCL injury while playing football, doctor suggested to take medicine and exercise for atleast 6 week to cure the injury, initially stiffness and swelling for 10 days,, but improvement going on very slow, taking medicin tendor forte,,, cuz swelling still exists but stiffness 25% left. Please suggest best exercise for fast recovery

[@zubairali3975]

Bhai thik hogaya kya

[@Pillaijishnu1]

i sufferd with mcl injuary grade 3 do i really need a surgery

[@zubairali3975]

Kaise thik hua tha

[@southsacra7043]

I was playing soccer n got kick in the inside of my leg n got really swollen but the pain I'm getting is on the outside of the leg beside my knee I can walk but limping what can it be

[@aatifrashid5413]

Very informative video. You are great. Big love from Pakistan.

[@paigebales9924]

I fall at work on November 12 and my knee has still been swollen and it hurts to put all my weight on my knee

[@shanXxx385]

I possibly have a grade 2 mcl tear in my left knee did anyone else experience knee buckling I’m in a brace for the time being doing little exercises squats etc how long will it take to heal docs told me 6/8 weeks?

[@DrDavidGeier]

If you are able, join Dr. Geier here on Friday’s Ask Dr. Geier Live! show at Noon ET on March 3. He would be happy to discuss this. Also, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@killerpitdbo]

Went in for MCL injury and they wound up amputating leg

[@sassysandie2865]

killerpitdbo 😱why??

[@Tomas-ml9nv]

Bullshit

[@sarahwilsonfilms8693]

Ive torn my ACL and MCL (grade 2) - my surgeon wants to heal my MCL before going in to repair my ACL. I'm in a long knee brace that has those locks on the side, but I feel like I have no stability for my MCL, the brace totally lets it move side to side! It also hurts more than my smaller hinge brace. Seems weird to me that this is the brace I'm wearing now! It's one they provided on a loan, maybe it doesn't fit right???

[@stefaniamessina5145]

Hi i did my mcl and at the hospital they fitted the hinged brace for me showing me how . If the straps are not tight enough and slips down as you walk( it happens a lot unfortunately..)is not supporting to stabilize the knee. the round pads have to be in level with the knee, and you should be able to adjust the straps. I make sure to do that every now and then , and found myself ok. I know when is not in the rigth place as it start to sway a bit.. I just pull it up...

[@63off]

Hi. Great video, thank you. I damaged both my MCL and the meniscus 6 weeks ago playing squash. My GP sent me off to the physio without any scans and the physio was someone I really didn't gel with. The injuries have been getting better though and I felt good enough to try squash again last night. I managed to get through the whole match but today I've realised I was nowhere near ready and feel like I've set myself back about 3 weeks. I don't have a hinged brace and I'm now wondering if I need to see a different GP to get a proper diagnosis and perhaps some scans. Do you think this is wise or should I just go find a better physio? The injuries are no worse than they were a few weeks ago, I feel I've just set myself back a bit.

[@dijaomi1]

i fell rock climbing about a week ago and was diagnosed with an ACL/MCL tear! Unfortunately timing makes it hard to see my doctor as quickly as I'd like. ive felt unable to walk or bend my knee since, even after aspiration. is this normal, or should i try to push it and move around a bit?

[@bhavyasharma4275]

Avi Bloomstein no if u have mcl injury ..try not to fold ur legs ..it can further harm ur ligament..n u really need to go to a doctor.. otherwise it will never heal.!

[@kenleighumali]

Does a brace also help with the healing process of a partial LCL tear?

[@DrDavidGeier]

It could.

[@upscaspirants620]

Sir please say something about swelling in the inner side of knee.why it is comes out and by which method I can resolve it🙏🙄 sir I hope you to say something on it

[@YouForKids]

how many months do it heal??

[@nirkaburnspadilla3859]

My orthopedic didn't recommend the knee brace but I really want my ligament to heal as soon as possible. I have a mild sprain and high grade partial thickness tearing. this happened three weeks ago and I've been on PT for two but still have a lot of pain and swelling. Do you think that not wearing a knee brace is making my recovery slower?

[@HEC892]

how is the recovery going?

[@Tomas-ml9nv]

The knee brace made my leg atrophy alot you were probably better off

[@celiatikka493]

How important is it to wear the brace at night. I had a total knee replacement which caused some MCL work as it had shrunk due to my bowed leg. I have been wearing the brace day and night but into week 2 post op, the brace is very uncomfortable in bed hampering my ability to sleep. Any suggestions would be appreciated to help me get a comfortable nights sleep.

[@gamesthatmatter9374]

nope

[@EstherKrisanti]

I just had patella dislocation (this is my second time, the first time was in 2010). Now is the 5th day after the accident and I still feel a painful feeling when bend my knee or walk as usual. Is it okay to ignore that painful feeling and do activity normally again or should I take some rest? And if I have to take some rest, how long will it take to recover again? Thanks!

[@natashawhipple8984]

I am 4 days post surgery for MCL and PLC reconstruction due to an auto accident. I am currently in a locked and fully extended brace with compression bandages. Zero weight bearing. What are your views or not bending the knee until PT starts? Should I have already started some mobility exercises? Also, is it ok to remove the brace while in bed to ice the knee? Thanks : )

[@DrDavidGeier]

Sometimes we will immobilize the knee early on depending on the ligaments repaired or reconstructed.

[@wigaddywhite8543]

Hey mate first I wana say thanks for your videos they make me feel a lot more calm I’m from nz I tore my mcl grade 2 doing jujitsu I have see. My orthopaedic surgeon he suggested I start using a bike straight away and had sent me home with let a brace Im slowly doing this on a bike but when I walk my knee feels like it is moving and sharp pains specially when I turn sideways Would you recommend getting this brace to help me ??? Hope to hear from you soon chers Kristin

[@DrDavidGeier]

If you are able, join Dr. Geier here tomorrow, Dec. 2, on his Ask Dr. Geier Live! show at Noon ET. He would be happy to discuss this injury. Also, check out the hundreds of videos here and thousands of articles on his website - drdavidgeier.com - in which he discusses every musculoskeletal injury suffered by athletes and active people. - Dr. David Geier team

[@rachelm9350]

Can you explain what it is like between a grade I, II, and III injury? I figure that at grade III the person is probably immobile and in serious pain. What about Grade I or II? I went to my doctor, and they thought my injury wasn't super bad (I kinda slid in my room- really slightly) and then it hurt like crazy like I overstretched myself, but I didn't hear any popping sounds and nothing touched me. How would I know if it is a grade I or a grade II? I can squat ok, but going from a 100% "straight" leg to a bent leg with weight on it hurts like hell. I'm not "stiff" at all.

[@mynattimynatti4139]

You probably have a grade two like me...I cant straight out my knee and when I try to it feels unstable...it hurts swells up icing helped alot in the beginning but I walk with a limp at the moment...but I'm going to start Physical therapy to strengthen it again

[@SHINEStore12]

hi is knee brace good for knee pain or early osteoarthritis ptnt?

[@davidmcclatchey6848]

For osteoarthritis take a look at a carnivore diet..

[@samueljacques250]

I got a MCL strain/sprain grade(2 possibly or between 1&2) playing soccer took a few hits to my right knee on the MCL side last year. had physio for injury during this year, how long to heal fully and how to go about strengthening it to get back some running and cycling training. keen for some extra advice.

[@Tomas-ml9nv]

Can you run now? I can cycle but running is hard and I'm afraid I will hurt it again as my legs are not used to the impact.

[@zubairali3975]

Are got cured