how long should you wait for an mcl sprain to heal before rehab

MCL Tear or Sprain Nonsurgical Recovery Time It can take anywhere from a few days to 8 weeks for an MCL injury to heal and a person to return to normal activities and sports. Generally, the timeline is determined by the severity of the injury, although this is not true for every person.

Full Answer

How bad is a torn MCL?

A grade 1 MCL sprain recovery time is typically anywhere from 1 month to 9 months depending on recovery protocol and the severity of the sprain. This is why it can be so hard to pin down, because the grade 2 covers such a broad spectrum of the severity of MCL sprains. MCL Recovery Time Grade 3 A grade 3 MCL sprain is a complete tear of the MCL.

Does a Grade 2 MCL sprain require surgery?

Jun 23, 2020 · The medial collateral ligament (MCL) on the inner side of the knee is most often torn when there is a force that strikes the outside of the knee. 1 The MCL attempts to resist the knee bending sideways and tears if the force is too great. When this happens, you may face a recovery time of weeks to months, depending on the grade of the MCL tear. 2

Can a MCL tear heal without surgery?

Jun 18, 2020 · Strengthening and gentle stretching exercises can help your knee regain its function, and it’s also important for preventing stiffness that can interfere with your recovery. Overall, you should expect to regain most of your joint function within about two to three months, but returning to sports can take longer. Dr.

Do MCL tears require surgery?

The time it takes to fully recover from an MCL tear depends on how severe the tear is. A grade 1 (mild) MCL tear usually heals within one to three weeks. A grade 2 (moderate) MCL tear generally takes four to six weeks to heal with treatment. A grade 3 (severe) MCL tear can take six weeks or more to heal with treatment.

When should I start rehab after MCL injury?

three weeks after injury (grade 1) weeks following injury, the pain is usually subsiding and the swelling is lessened. You can now try to stretch the knee to regain motion. Stationary cycle, swimming (flutter kick only) and the following exercise program are recommended.

How long are you out with a sprained MCL?

Recovery time for an MCL injury depends on the severity of the damage. On average, these injuries take six weeks to heal. No matter the grade of the tear, initial treatment focuses on immobilizing the knee and reducing pain and inflammation.

Is walking good for MCL sprain?

Your physical therapist may advise you to: Rest your knee and avoid walking or any activity that causes pain. They may recommend using crutches and a knee brace to reduce further strain on your MCL when walking. Apply ice packs to the area for 15 to 20 minutes every two hours.Jul 20, 2020

What is the fastest way to recover from an MCL injury?

Treatment for MCL tears include: Exercises to strengthen muscles. Use of a protective knee brace during exercise....Treatment for MCL InjuryRest.Application of an ice pack application to reduce swelling that occurs hours after the injury.Compression using an elastic bandage or brace.Elevating the knee.Pain relievers.Sep 26, 2016

How do I strengthen my MCL?

0:012:18Strengthening Exercises for Medial Collateral Ligament MCL knee ...YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStraight leg raise exercises. Also work the quad muscles to prevent muscle wasting in the earlyMoreStraight leg raise exercises. Also work the quad muscles to prevent muscle wasting in the early stages just raise the leg a few inches off the floor. And hold for five seconds.

How do you strengthen an MCL injury?

You will need a pillow for this exercise.Sit on the floor with your knees bent.Place a pillow between your knees.Put your hands slightly behind your hips for support.Squeeze the pillow by tightening the muscles on the inside of your thighs.Hold for 6 seconds, then rest for up to 10 seconds.Repeat 8 to 12 times.

How do you tell if MCL is sprained or torn?

Symptoms of MCL Sprains and TearsA “popping” sound when the injury occurs. ... Immediate sharp pain from the inner section of the knee.Immediate swelling at the inner knee. ... Tenderness around the inner knee. ... Increased pain a few hours after the injury.More items...

Should I wear a knee brace for MCL injury?

Most patients with a grade I MCL tear will be able to return to sports within one or two weeks following their injury. For grade II injuries, you will most likely need to wear a hinged knee brace for a specified period of time.

Will an MCL heal itself?

While an MCL tear can be extremely painful, the good news is that the tear usually heals on its own after a few weeks of rest. While there are no figures available on how many MCL injuries occur each year, it is considered the most common type of knee injury.Jul 19, 2016

How do you sleep with a torn MCL?

0:503:04Sleeping Positions with Pain + Injuries - Pt.2: Knees | Tim Keeley - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPosition here there's probably going to be the most comfortable. If you've got an injury like thatMorePosition here there's probably going to be the most comfortable. If you've got an injury like that okay the beauty about this position here is you can put an ice pack under here as well.

What does an MCL sprain feel like?

Stiffness. Swelling. Tenderness along the inside of the knee. A feeling that the injured knee may give way under stress or may lock or catch.

How do you know if you have an MCL injury?

In the midst of some form of activity, you likely twisted or turned your knee at a bad angle, and heard a loud pop. Even if there was no pop, you’r...

Can you still walk with a torn MCL?

If you have a grade 3 sprain you probably can’t walk. A grade 3 MCL sprain will leave you feeling completely unstable and very anxious when on your...

How long does it take an MCL injury to heal?

It is tough to figure out just how long recovery will take by just looking at MCL sprain symptoms. Your best bet is to measure how quickly you’re M...

What does a sprained MCL feel like?

You’re likely reading this because you are on the receiving end of a pretty crummy feeling. In the midst of some form of activity, you likely twist...

Should I wear a knee brace for MCL injury?

If you have a grade 1 — or lower grade 2 MCL sprain — over-bracing the knee could cause some of the muscles responsible for knee stability to atrop...

Does MCL tear need surgery?

If you’re confident you don’t have a grade 3 sprain, you can avoid the doctor entirely. Your injury may require rehab, but you can find a number of...

How long does it take for a knee ligament to heal?

When this happens, you may face a recovery time of weeks to months, depending on the grade of the MCL tear.

How to treat grade 3 MCL tear?

Treatment of Grade III MCL Tears. When a grade III MCL tear occurs, patients should brace their knee and use crutches until the pain has subsided. 7  The knee can be immobilized for a few days initially, but early range-of-motion will help in the recovery process. Once the patient can begin bending their knee, ...

Can you brace your MCL?

Treatment always begins with allowing the pain to subside, beginning work on mobility, followed by strengthening the knee to return to sports and activities. 3  Bracing can often be useful for the treatment of MCL injuries. Fortunately, most often surgery is not necessary for the treatment of an MCL tear.

Can you bend your knees with a hinged knee brace?

Once the patient can begin bending their knee, early range-of-motion exercises should commence, including stationary bicycling. 7  Normal walking and progression to jogging can begin as pain allows. Use of a hinged knee brace is usually very helpful to support the knee, especially in the earlier stages of rehab.

Do MCL tears need surgery?

MCL tears often do not need surgery. There are many studies that document successful nonsurgical treatment in nearly all types of MCL injuries. 8  Most surgeons agree that for patients who complain of persistent knee instability, despite appropriate nonsurgical treatment, surgery is reasonable. 9 

How long does it take for a sprain to heal?

A mild Grade I sprain might take anywhere from two to six weeks to recover, while a Grade III sprain or complete rupture of the MCL could take months of dedicated rehab.

What is the MCL?

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is one of the major bands of connective tissue, like the ACL and the LCL, that help stabilize the knee. The MCL runs along the side of the knee, connecting the femur to the tibia.

Why does Curry use the MCL?

In most cases, the MCL helps protect the knee against any lateral force —like a sudden cut in basketball. “When Curry slid, he created a valgus force—a lateral force coming from the outside to the inside—that created stress on the inside of his knee,” Conlon says.

What is grade 3 sprain?

Grade II sprains sometimes involve some tearing of the ligament ; Grade III injuries usually involve either a partial or full tear, also called a rupture. “There’s no exact definition of each grade,” Conlon says, “but based on the MRI, they can tell how badly the ligament got stretched out or how much swelling there is.

What does it mean when your ankle is rolled?

That’s a sprain. And as anyone who’s ever rolled an ankle knows, sprains usually mean swelling. “That inflammation is the first sign of healing,” Conlon says.

How long is Curry out?

After an MRI on Curry’s knee, though, the team confirmed that he’d suffered a Grade I sprain of his MCL, and that he’d be out for at least two weeks pending re-evaluation. While Curry is undoubtedly an exceptional athlete, his injury—particularly for basketball players—is not.

Can a physical therapist help a knee?

Now, however, physical therapists understand it’s important to keep the knee relatively mobile, without putting weight on it, to gradually allow it to heal . “If I were treating Steph, I’d want to allow him to move without putting undue stress on the tissue,” says Conlon.

What is a grade 1 sprain?

Ligament injuries are referred to as sprains, and they’re classified or graded by severity. Grade 1 sprains are the mildest, and they typically resolve on their own with a little TLC. In a grade 2 sprain, the ligament is stretched and often partially torn. You’ll probably have some swelling, and your knee may feel weak or unstable. Again, many grade 2 sprains heal on their own with physical therapy and other conservative treatments.

How to help a knee that is stiff?

Seeing the therapist on a regular basis is an important part of the healing process. Strengthening and gentle stretching exercises can help your knee regain its function, and it’s also important for preventing stiffness that can interfere with your recovery.

How does an arthroscope work?

The arthroscope is equipped with a tiny camera. Dr. Van Thiel injects a small amount of fluid into your knee joint to gently expand it. Then he inserts the scope into the joint via a tiny incision. The fluid makes it easier for the camera to “see” inside your knee.

What causes MCL to change direction?

Not surprisingly, MCL injuries are mostly caused by activities that involve rapid pivoting, twisting, or rotation, like changing direction quickly when running, or twisting your knee in a fall.

Where is the incision for knee surgery?

Both types of surgery use an incision along the inside of your knee. This incision allows Dr. Van Thiel to access the entire ligament. If the ligament is torn where it attaches to either the femur or the tibia, strong anchors may be used to reattach it.

Can you have surgery on your ACL?

And as with the ACL, if the injury is serious, you’re probably going to need to have surgery to repair it. A lot of patients worry that knee surgery means they’ll be sidelined for a long time — or worse, that they may never recover complete use of their knee.

Can a grade 2 knee sprain heal on its own?

Again, many grade 2 sprains heal on their own with physical therapy and other conservative treatments. Grade 3 sprains are the most severe. These occur when the ligament is badly torn — usually completely torn in two.

How long does it take to recover from MCL surgery?

Most patients can expect the following in terms of an MCL recovery timeline: 1 You’ll go home the same day of the surgery 2 For the first few days, you will not feel up to much. You will take pain medication, ice and elevate your knee, and walk around for a few minutes a day 3 Within a week, you will be up to more – most patients can return to a desk job within a week 4 Around this time, you will start to have physical therapy sessions to help you regain use of the knee 5 Within 6 weeks, you can begin to do more intensive activities 6 It may take 6 months or longer until you regain full use of the knee and are able to do high-impact activities

What is the MCL tear?

MCL tears are tears to the knee’s medial collateral ligament, which is one of four ligaments responsible for holding the knee in place and providing stability. The MCL usually tears after sudden twisting or trauma to the knee, as can happen after a fall or other accident.

Why is arthroscopic surgery preferred?

Arthroscopic surgery is preferable because it minimizes the recovery time and risk of side effects , as well as the costs associated with surgery.

Can you return to normal activities after MCL surgery?

Most patients can return to day-to-day activities relatively quickly, but there may be an adjustment period before you can return to more intensive activities. Below, we will look at some basics about the treatment of MCL tears, as well as what you can expect during the recovery period.

Can you recover from knee surgery?

However, how much you will be able to recover depends on the specifics of your injury. Your doctor will provide a prognosis based on your unique situation.

Can MCL be treated without surgery?

Sometimes, MCL tears can be treated without surgery, especially if the tear is mild or the patient is older and less physically active. Moderate to severe tears in younger, more active individuals often require surgical treatment.

How long does it take to recover from a knee injury?

It also requires a longer recovery time, typically about three months. In addition to wearing a brace or taking pressure of the knee with crutches, you’ll undergo physical therapy to increase the joint’s range of motion. You can also start walking and pedaling on a stationary bike when the pain subsides.

What is a grade 2 MCL injury?

Grade 2: In a Grade 2 MCL injury, the ligament is partially torn. Treatment is similar to a Grade I trauma, but patients may be advised to stabilize the knee with a brace while they recover. Grade 3: The most severe MCL injury, a Grade 3 MCL trauma means the ligament is completely torn.

What is the MCL?

An MCL tear or rupture can be a debilitating injury, but it often responds well to conservative treatment options like physical therapy. The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inside of the knee and connects the shinbone, or tibia, to the femur, or thighbone.

How to strengthen the muscles around the knee?

Patients can strengthen the muscles surrounding the knee with exercises, including: Hamstring Curl: Stand straight on one leg and tighten the stomach muscles. Bend the other knee and slowly raise the heel toward the buttocks. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other leg.

How to do a squat on a wall?

Wall Slide: With a straight back and feet flat on the floor, stand against a wall. Slide down slowly, ending in a squatting position. Hold for 30 seconds, and then rise.

Can a tear in the knee cause pain?

A tear will also cause pain, swelling, and tenderness. The knee may feel stiff, making it painful to straighten or bend the joint. An MCL injury creates a feeling of instability as well, so it may be difficult to put weight on the knee. MCL injuries are grouped into three grades, each with a different level of severity.

Can you hear popping in your knee?

MCL injuries are seen most often in athletes who play contact sports, but they can also be caused by an accident or a sudden twisting of the knee while skiing. If you’ve ruptured your MCL, you’ll likely hear a popping sound in the knee. A tear will also cause pain, swelling, and tenderness.

How to heal a knee injury?

The knee should be protected with a short-hinged brace for 3 to 6 weeks , depending upon the severity of the injury. Crutches and restricted weight bearing may be needed, as instructed by the doctor. Apply ice to control swelling. Elevate the leg and use elastic stockings if the leg is swollen. As the pain lessens and the swelling decreases, try to gradually regain knee motion. Avoid pivoting or twisting the knee because it might be unstable and give out. Be careful getting out of cars, or catching your toe on a rug. When walking, bear weight according to your doctor’s instructions.

What is the purpose of the MCL handout?

This handout is to help you rebuild the strength of the knee muscles after injury to the MCL of the knee. It is intended as a guideline to help you organize a structured approach to strengthen the knee.

How to straighten knees?

Standing sideways to the step, slowly step up onto the step and slowly straighten the knee using the quadriceps muscles. Slowly lower the opposite foot to touch the floor. Do not land on the floor, just touch gently and repeat the step up.

How to do a squat on a wall?

Stand on the single leg with your back and buttocks touching a wall. Place the foot about 6 inches from the wall. Slowly lower your body by bending the knee and slide down the wall until the knee is flexed about 45 degrees (il lustration). Pause five seconds and then slowly slide back up to the upright starting position. Keep the hips level and be sure you are using your knee muscles to perform the exercise.