MCL Injury Physiotherapy
A medial collateral ligament (MCL) injury commonly occurs after a force to the outside of the knee, a twisting injury, sudden change of direction, or sporting contact. Symptoms may include pain along the inner side of the knee, swelling or instability and can affect walking, stair use, turning and return to sport.
If the main problem after injury is marked instability or giving way, particularly during stopping, turning or landing, you may also refer to [ACL Injury Physiotherapy].
Common symptoms
- Inner-knee pain after a twisting or contact injury
- Local tenderness or swelling along the inner side of the knee
- Discomfort during walking, turning or side-to-side movement
- A feeling of reduced knee stability or confidence
- Difficulty returning to running or sport
How physiotherapy assesses
Physiotherapy usually begins by looking at how the injury occurred, such as during contact, twisting, changing direction or a fall, together with changes in swelling, weight-bearing and knee stability afterwards. Where appropriate, the location of pain, knee movement, strength, gait, single-leg loading, movement control and knee stability may also be assessed to understand current function and rehabilitation needs.
Further medical assessment may be appropriate after a more significant injury, where weight-bearing is markedly limited, instability is substantial, or where the ACL, meniscus or another knee structure may also be involved.
How physiotherapy may help
Physiotherapy may include activity modification, knee mobility work, strengthening and movement-control training according to the extent of the injury, knee stability and activity needs. Rehabilitation can then progress gradually towards single-leg loading, change of direction, running and other sport-related tasks according to individual return-to-activity goals.
If the injury occurred during football, basketball, skiing or another sporting activity, you may also refer to [Sports Injury Physiotherapy].
Related Conditions
ACL Injury
Meniscus-Related Knee Pain
Knee Pain
Not sure whether your condition falls into this category?
You may first arrange a physiotherapy assessment to understand the more suitable management approach according to your symptoms, activity needs, and rehabilitation goals.