MCL Sprain

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a critical stabilizer in your knee joint. It helps you move, pivot, and stay balanced. Unfortunately, it’s also vulnerable to sprains—especially in athletes or individuals who’ve experienced a direct impact to the outside of the knee. At Austin Sports Medicine, serving Central and South Austin, Bee Cave, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville, Texas, experienced orthopedic surgeons offer comprehensive care for MCL sprains, from evaluation to recovery. If you’ve recently injured your knee or suspect an MCL sprain, call the office or book an appointment online today.

What is an MCL sprain?

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a strong band of tissue located on the inner side of the knee. It connects the thighbone (femur) to the shinbone (tibia) and helps prevent the knee from bending inward.

An MCL sprain occurs when the ligament is stretched or torn, usually due to a forceful blow to the outside of the knee. This type of injury is common in contact sports like football and soccer, but can also happen during daily activities or accidents involving sudden twisting movements.

What are the signs of an MCL sprain?

People with an MCL sprain often report pain on the inside of the knee, swelling, and instability—especially when putting weight on the leg. In more severe cases, the knee may feel like it's going to give out.

MCL sprains are typically classified into three grades:

• Grade 1: Mild stretch with minor pain and swelling
• Grade 2: Partial tear with moderate pain and limited motion
• Grade 3: Complete tear, often causing significant pain and instability

How is an MCL sprain diagnosed?

An orthopedic specialist will start with a physical exam, testing the knee's range of motion and applying gentle pressure to determine the location and extent of the injury.

To confirm the diagnosis, your provider may recommend imaging such as:

• X-rays: To rule out bone fractures
• MRI scans: To assess soft tissue damage, including the severity of the ligament injury

How is it treated?

Most MCL sprains heal without surgery. Common non-surgical treatments include:

• Rest and bracing: Limiting movement to protect the knee
• Ice therapy: Reducing swelling and inflammation
• Physical therapy: Regaining strength, balance, and mobility

In rare cases where the ligament is completely torn or doesn't heal properly, surgery may be recommended to repair the MCL. Your provider at Austin Sports Medicine will guide you through every step of the process and create a treatment plan tailored to your specific injury and lifestyle.

If you're experiencing knee pain or instability, don't wait—contact Austin Sports Medicine to get an accurate diagnosis and start your recovery today. The team look forward to working with you.