Do You Need Surgery for an MCL Tear or Sprain? How Long to Recover?

Have you torn or sprained your MCL and are you wondering whether it will require surgery or how you can know whether your MCL has healed? In this video, Maryke looks at the most up-to-date research to answer these questions. She also explains how a physiotherapist will know when you are ready to go back to your sport.
This article explains when you need a knee brace for your MCL sprain and what type to get: sports-injury-...
👉 If you do need a brace, here are some examples:
✅ High stability with adjustable hinge: geni.us/hTAzKk
✅ Medium stabiity with adjustable hinge: geni.us/2spN8
✅ Medium stability without adjustable hinge: geni.us/Lyn48
🌟Need more help with an injury? You’re welcome to consult one of the team at SIP online via video call for an assessment of your injury and a tailored treatment plan: www.sports-inj...
📽️Video you may find useful:
▶️Treatment & Exercises for MCL Sprains & Tears: • MCL Sprains and Tears ...
▶️Knee Braces for MCL Tears or Sprains: Best Types & When to Wear Them: • Best Knee Braces for M...
📚 Chapters:
00:00:00 Introduction
00:00:32 Do you need surgery for your MCL tear or sprain?
00:01:42 How do you know when your MCL has healed?
00:03:37 How long for an MCL to heal?
00:04:06 How we can help
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👌If you want to show your appreciation for the advice you found here, you can support my channel by making a donation via PayPal: bit.ly/SIP-cha...
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References:
Vosoughi, Farzad, et al. "Medial collateral ligament injury of the knee: a review on current concept and management." Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery 9.3 (2021): 255.
👉Some links here are affiliate links that go to places where you can buy something relevant. If you buy something on those websites we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

This article explains when you need a knee brace for your MCL sprain and what type to get: sports-injury-physio.com/post/knee-braces-for-mcl-sprains-do-you-need-one-and-what-type-works-best 👉 If you do need a brace, here are some examples: ✅ High stability with adjustable hinge: geni.us/hTAzKk ✅ Medium stabiity with adjustable hinge: geni.us/2spN8 ✅ Medium stability without adjustable hinge: geni.us/Lyn48 If you buy anything via these links, we may get a small commission at no extra cost to you.

[@rebelthrukansas0]

Currently waiting on insurance to approve an mri to see if it’s an mcl or meniscus tear. It’s been about 4 months since it started and has grown to more prominent pain and discomfort. The only relief is walking backwards down a ramp, as walking down the ramp or down stairs increases the pain substantially.

[@temurikakachiya5094]

week ago hurt my knee within two mins of playing volleyball. dont know if its mcl or miniscus. its on my inside part of the knee. its stiff and painful when I touch it. swoling got a bit better last few days. also had blood cloath near my crotch. bending knee is kinda painful but more discomforting. whats my steps at this point?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Hi there, We cannot provide individual treatment advice without doing an in-depth assessment of your injury and your personal circumstances, as the advice might not be appropriate for you. You're welcome to book a video consultation with one of our physios if you would like an assessment and a personalised treatment plan: www.sports-injury-physio.com/

[@teej8452]

If there is a complete MCL tear and avulsion from its femur attachment would surgery be recommended?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Very likely but the consultant you see will also look at your movement and other aspects from their physical examination to decide what is best.

[@lethaldj13]

shit... i hope jimmy butler's MCL sprain is the 4 weeks one or shorter T_T

[@Praveen-y7n]

ma'am, My MCL ligament got torn but 1 month has passed so if I keep it in a knee brace and get treatment from now on, can MCL heal itself? Pls tell me soon😢

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

It will heal - get it assessed by a physiotherapist to know what you need to do

[@carmenchim2534]

After MCL (grade 3) surgery, will the knee recover to its state prior injury ? which it gains back flexibility, able to move side-to side, sitting cross-legged on the floor, squatting and kneeling ? How long do I need to weight-bearing after MCL grade 3 surgery ?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes, the knee will usually recover full function after surgery. You need to check with the doctor who did the surgery for when they are happy for you to start weight-bearing

[@eihasmile]

Does my mcl grade 2 injury need surgery if its involved with meniscus injury?...can you elaborate the healing prosess of mcl means after its healed the knee will be stabilize and strong again?..thank you..

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Your doctor is best placed to know what is right in your case but it is possible for Gr2 MCL + meniscus injuries to heal with using a brace and not surgery. Once it is recovered your knee will be strong and have full stability.

[@sofimushtak4651]

It's been 4 weeks since em resting now em able to do flexion n extension full extension n my flexion upto 90 degree can I drive my car but when I do drive my inner side of the MCL starts paining

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

It may just be that it is not yet strong enough to be in that position for so long or it may be that you're actually straining it subtly with the movements you do in the car.

[@sofimushtak4651]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio how can I contact u Like I will share my MRI scan reports

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You can contact me here: www.sports-injury-physio.com/contact

[@twaihoe]

How do we know that we got mcl gred 3 or 2 ? Can we still walk with mcl gred 3?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes, you can still walk with that it may just feel unstable. A physio can text it for you by checking how much resistance the ligament gives or how lax it is. But doing a scan is the only way to really know the exact details.

[@ragilbagasp7780]

mcl grade 3 no need to surgery?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

No, the research shows that even Grade 3 MCL tears do really well with conservative management, i.e. the right combination of rest and protection (to allow the MCL to repair) and rehab exercises to strengthen the MCL and leg muscles that support it. It is only in very specific cases that surgery may be required, like when the MCL has pulled away from the bone (avulsion fracture) and the muscles come between the two ends of the torn MCL.

[@margueritebeson8498]

What is a MCL ?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Medial collateral ligament

[@budershank]

How bizarre. I started lookup videos on Bicep Tendonitis and came across someone I had a few beers with in San Juan del Sur :)

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

🙈👋IPA is not part of the treatment!

[@shanil5135]

Is it safe to walk before the healing period of 6 weeks . I do have pain when i bend my knee . Should i try again or rest until the pain fully goes?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

You need to keep moving within limits of pain. Some discomfort when you move is absolutely OK - just avoid pushing into strong pain. Resting it and not moving at all is not good for healing. If you are unsure about what to do, a physiotherapist will be able to help you decide what exercises and how much walking is right. If you wanted help with your rehab and an exercise plan, this is something that our team of physios can assess and help you with via video call. You can read more about how the online consultations work here: www.sports-injury-physio.com/services

[@shanil5135]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio thank you so much

[@shanil5135]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio is the movement of leg can be done , if iam only on the 2nd week after sprain ?

[@shivangisinghal9035]

Can complete mpcl tear heal without surgery?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

I'm not sure what the abbreviation mpcl stands for.

[@shivangisinghal9035]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio Medial Patellar Retinaculum

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Ah OK - I don't know - the cases I have come across usually had surgery

[@javierparedes1898]

When they say MCL can heal , do they mean an MCL test can untear /reattach itself ?

[@SportsInjuryPhysio]

Yes, it can grow back together. A grade 3 tear means most of the ligament is torn through and even those have been shown to heal if you wear a good brace for 6 weeks.

[@javierparedes1898]

@@SportsInjuryPhysio Would you recommend sleeping with a knee brace ? What are your thoughts on anaconda knee braces ?