How to Recover a Torn MCL

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) located in the knee helps keep the knee stabilized. Playing sports such as football can cause injury or a torn MCL, and symptoms of a torn MCL include pain in the knee, swelling and the inability to put weight on the injured knee. Recovery time depends on the severity of the injury, but the majority of torn MCLs heal within eight weeks.

Things You'll Need

• Ice
• Pain relievers
• Brace

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Instructions

• 1

  Limit activity. Avoid putting undo pressure on the injured knee to speed your recovery. Stop playing sports and avoid exercise or activity such as jogging, biking or lunges. These activities can prolong injury or complicate your condition.

• 2

  Fight pain with medications. Take an anti-inflammatory to reduce pain associated with a torn MCL. Take over-the-counter medications as instructed, or ask your physician for a stronger pain reliever if pain doesn't respond to OTC medications.

• 3

  Ease pain and inflammation with ice. Periodically place an ice pack on the injured knee to help reduce swelling and stop inflammation.

• 4

  Reduce swelling. Use pillows to elevate the injury knee to decrease blood flow and stop swelling.

• 5

  Immobilize the knee by wearing a brace. Limiting knee movement helps repair damage and allows for a faster recovery. Apply knee braces as instructed for the best results.