How to Treat and Heal a Torn MCL

The medial collateral ligament or MCL is critical to helping to stabilize the knee and prevent it from overextending. The MCL is a thick band that runs from the thighbone to the shinbone. It can become injured or torn as the result of a direct hit or from continual stress. Although painful, a torn MCL can be treated and healed without surgery in most cases. According to the University of California San Francisco Medical Center, recovery from a torn MCL generally takes no more than six weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Pain relievers
• Brace

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Instructions

• 1

  Visit with a doctor to confirm the diagnosis. If you have not already been seen by a doctor, make an appointment to have your knee checked out. A doctor can identify if you have a first, second or third degree tear. The severity of the tear will impact the course of treatment and length of recovery.

• 2

  Ice the knee as soon as possible. A MCL is characterized by inflammation and pain. Ice will help the inflammation to subside. The University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics recommends covering an ice pack with a towel or cloth and applying it to the knee for 20 minutes at a time, four to eight times during the day. If you do not have an ice pack, a bag of frozen peas or corn will also suffice. Do not leave the ice on the knee for longer than 20 minutes as it could do more harm than good. Continue for at least 24 to 48 hours until the swelling subsides.

• 3

  Elevate the knee. Keep the knee in a position that is 12 inches above the level of your heart. Use a few pillows or folded blankets underneath to achieve this. Elevate the knee when laying down and when sitting in a chair. Elevating the knee will also help reduce swelling. Continue for at least 24 to 48 hours until the swelling subsides.

• 4

  Keep off the knee. Rest the knee and leg by staying off it completely or by using crutches. Ask your doctor how much activity you can engage in as the different degrees of a MCL tear vary. Some people may be able to resume activity in a day or two while others will need to stay off the knee for weeks.

• 5

  Take a pain reliever. Depending on the degree of the tear, you may feel little to extreme pain. Take aspirin or ibuprofen as recommended and needed to help with pain management.

• 6

  Wear a cast or brace if prescribed by your doctor. A lightweight cast or brace may be necessary to help stabilize the knee and keep it from moving from side to side. The cast may be needed for up to 72 hours, depending on the severity of the tear.

• 7

  Follow up with physical therapy. Once the knee has stopped swelling, your doctor may recommend that you work with a physical therapist to strengthen the MCL and knee.