The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a common knee injury that can be caused by direct blows to the outer side of the knee or twisting and bending forces on the knee. As a football player who loves to twist and dribble with the ball close to my feet, cutting with the inside of my foot (as a right-footed player) has placed me under intense MCL strain, causing me to become wary of how often I turn.
The MCL is one of four major ligaments in the knee that help provide stability and support to the joint. It runs along the inner aspect of the knee, connecting the thigh bone (femur) to the shin bone (tibia). Its main function is to prevent the thigh bone from moving too far away from the shin bone on the inner side of the knee. In other words, it helps prevent excessive valgus or medial rotation of the knee.
Symptoms of an MCL injury include pain and swelling on the inner side of the knee, as well as a feeling of instability or weakness in the knee. Mild to moderate MCL injuries may allow the knee to bear weight, but it will likely be painful to do so. Severe MCL injuries may cause the knee to give out or buckle, making it difficult to walk or stand.
If you suspect you have an MCL injury, it's essential to see a doctor. They will diagnose the injury, determine the grade, and create a treatment plan that's best for you. Treatment for an MCL injury typically begins with rest, ice, and pain medication to reduce inflammation and pain. An individual may also be given a knee brace to wear to help keep the knee stable. Physical therapy is also often prescribed to help restore strength and range of motion to the knee. In more severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair or reconstruct the ligament.
The recovery time for an MCL injury will depend on the grade of the tear and the treatment plan. Generally, mild injuries may take a few weeks to heal, moderate injuries may take several weeks to a few months to heal, and severe injuries may take several months to a year or more to heal. It is crucial to follow the treatment plan recommended by your doctor and to avoid activities that may aggravate the injury until it is fully healed.
As someone who has dealt with MCL injuries several times, I have learned the importance of taking the recommended time off from sports to ensure a safe recovery. I have also learned the importance of not relying solely on taping, as it should only be used as a guide and not as a fixer or holder. Joints are fluid and should never be used as duct tape. By allowing my knee to heal properly, I was able to return to sport with confidence and reduce the risk of re-injury.
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