What does the mcl of knee do?

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) of the knee is a strong, fibrous band of connective tissue that connects the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). It is located on the inner side of the knee and helps to prevent the knee from buckling inward.

The MCL is one of four main ligaments that support the knee joint. The other three ligaments are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL), the posterior cruciate ligament (PCL), and the lateral collateral ligament (LCL).

The MCL is commonly injured in sports that involve cutting and pivoting, such as football, basketball, and skiing. MCL injuries can also occur in car accidents and other traumatic events.

MCL injuries are typically graded on a scale of 1 to 3, with grade 1 being the least severe and grade 3 being the most severe. Grade 1 MCL injuries involve a slight stretching of the ligament, while grade 3 MCL injuries involve a complete tear of the ligament.

Treatment for MCL injuries depends on the severity of the injury. Grade 1 MCL injuries can usually be treated with ice, compression, and elevation. Grade 2 and 3 MCL injuries may require surgery to repair the ligament.

MCL injuries typically take several weeks to heal. However, some MCL injuries can take up to several months to fully heal.