Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) Injury

Last updated: February 7, 2026Reviewed date: February 7, 2026Reading time: 2 min read

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Article Summary

The Medial Collateral Ligament (MCL) is a tough band of fibrous tissue located inside the knee. It joins the thigh bone or femur to the top of the lower leg bone or the tibia. The main function of MCL is to prevent the knee from bending inward. An MCL injury refers to a sprain in the medial collateral ligament. It mostly occurs in sports activities...

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Causes

Sudden bending or twisting of the knee
A quick change in direction
Trauma to the exterior of the knee during sports such as football or soccer
Skiing accidents

Symptoms

Pain and infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation
Inability to move the knee
Stiffness
A popping sound at the time of injury
The knee may give out when the patient tries to stand upright
Instability

Diagnosis

Physical examination of the knee may be done
The doctor may ask the patient to bend the knee and move it in different directions to check for range of motion
The stability of the ligaments may also be tested
Imaging tests such as an X-Ray may be conducted by the doctor to clearly see the bone structures in the knee
Further imaging tests such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) may be required to get a clear picture of the knee muscles and ligaments

Treatment
Non-surgical treatment

Application of ice packs may help to reduce swelling
Non-steroidal infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।" data-rx-term="anti-inflammatory" data-rx-definition="Anti-inflammatory means reducing inflammation, pain, or swelling. সহজ বাংলা: প্রদাহ/ফোলা/ব্যথা কমায়।">anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may also help in reducing the pain and discomfort
The doctor may advise using an elastic bandage or brace to compress the knee
Elevating the knee above the heart level may provide respite from swelling
Physical therapy may be recommended to improve the range of motion and strengthen the knee ligaments
Complete rest is crucial for quick recovery

Surgical treatment

Surgery may be required if the ligament does not heal with conservative treatment.
Arthroscopy may be performed to look for other associated injuries in the knee
The surgeons may use bone staples or metal screws to re-attach the torn ligaments

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