MCL Grade II – Swelling
(2 discussions)
Hi everyone.
I was diagnosed with a grade II MCL tear, and I’m current wearing a knee brace to prevent movement in my knee.
My concern is that my knee is still quite swollen and the injury occured over a week ago. Is this normal? How long does it usually take for the swelling to disapate?
Thanks in advance.
R.
2 comments
ATsoccergirl
Ryth-
I am a collegiate level athletic trainer, and we see a large number of MCL injuries. I have a very different approach to these type of injuries than most do.
I assume that you have not had an MRI yet. In my mind this is your next step. If you still have signigant swelling, you may consider having your knee drained which would also check for hemoarthrosis (blood in the joint) which would be indicative of an ACL tear. The MRI would also help rule out addiditional ligament and mensical damage. Mensical tears are a common occurance along side MCL tears since they are connected.
In terms of treatment, I use immobilization for only a day or so then I switch the athlete over to a valgus unloader brace. This type of brace is used for those with unicompartment arthritis, it is designed to take the strain of of one of the compartments. Using it for the MCL, it puts the ligament on a slight stretch which allows for better and tighter healing. It also helps decrease the pain while walking and eliminated any valgus shifting. I also start them on an aggressive PRE biking program. Biking allows for collagen to line up properly resulting in a tighter ligament. I also emphasis closed chain strength training and proprioception.
I have had great result with my protocol, I have returned grade 2 MCL tears in 4-5 weeks, and grade 3 generally around 6 weeks.
In terms of swelling control, make sure you knee is ace wraped,and you are icing and elevating as much as possible. With a strictly MCL injury the swelling is normally gone within a week. If there are other injuries involved it will take longer, especially if it is joint effusion.
ryth
Noone out there who can offer insight?
Going to the doctors tomorrow. Guess I’ll find out then, but my knee is still quite swollen 2.5 weeks after injury. Not thinking i should expect the best.