MCL stands for the medial collateral ligament. It is one of the four tendons that balance out the knee. It has occurred on the inward side of the knee. It occurs when immediate power is applied to the knee's outside; the tendon is stretched and torn. MCL braces prevent the knee from bulking inward and valgus stress, so add that if you feel pain in your knee. You should use knee support and specifically MCL braces if your knee hurts on the inner side of the knee. Some prevention measures are also used like strength, balance, power, and bracing to decrease the risk of MCL sprain.
MCL sprain is the result of unnecessary extending or tearing of the medial collateral ligament. It is very common in athletes. Notably, in sports with many speedy side-to-side and rotational movements such as football, soccer, lacrosse, and skiing. The severity of the sprain can range from a mild stretch to a complete tear of the tendon.
The seriousness of the symptoms relates to the severity of the injury. The common symptoms include:
A brace can go a long way in helping to prevent MCL injuries. There are five top braces which one to consider for minor MCL sprain to the extreme:
So, the fantastic MCL support is the Donjoy playmaker brace of the knee because you can use it for everyday exercises or during sports. The strap design of the playmaker enhances the support of the knee joint. It prevents MCL injuries and provides stability for recovering MCL.
Many people who have such sprain find that nonsurgical strategies provide effective treatment.
The following two points in R.I.C.E.R. are of most important:
1: Rest and immobilization: Once an MCL injury is diagnosed, the affected area must be rested immediately. Any further movement or stress will only irritate the condition and delay recovery. It is also essential to keep the harmed area as still as possible.
2:Ice: By far the central part. The use of ice will have the best impact on reducing bleeding, swelling, and pain. Apply ice quickly after the injury has occurred or been analyzed.
In addition to this, you may back to your sport once the pain is controlled, movement is complete, and when strength, balance, and force are equal to a healthy knee. The time required for recovery varies with the seriousness of the tendon injury, but it is commonly all-around one month.
All such kinds of sprains are not preventable. You can find better ways to decrease the risks of tendons stretches, injuries, and tears.
So there are some things you can do to help prevent medial collateral ligament sprain:
Warm-up properly: A warm-up is the first need for the body to getting ready for any activity. A well-structured introduction will prepare your heart, lungs, muscles, joints, and mind for strenuous activity.
Avoid activities that cause pain: This is implementable, but try to be aware of exercises. That is causes irritation or pain and either avoids them or alters them.
Rest and recovery: Rest plays a vital role in helping the body's soft tissues recover from arduous exercises. Make sure to allow adequate recovery time between workouts or training sessions.
Balancing and exercises: Any activity that challenges your ability to balance, and keep your balance, will help proprioception. Proprioception is your body’s ability to know where its limbs are at any given time.
Footwear: you should be aware of the importance of suitable footwear. A good pair of shoes will help keep your knees stable, provide adequate cushioning, and support your knees and lower leg during running and walking motion.
Strapping: Strapping or taping can give an additional degree of support and strength to weak or injured knees.
Stretch and strength: To prevent such sprain, the muscles around the knee must be in the best condition. Make sure to deal with the strength and flexibility of all the muscles groups in the leg.
Your physical therapist will work with you to give a treatment that will speed your safe recovery, which includes some exercises and treatments that you can do at home. Further, physical therapy will assist you in returning to your normal lifestyle and daily routine.
First 24 to 48 Hours:-
Your physical therapist may advise you to:
Rest your knee and obtain from walking or any movement that causes pain. They might suggest using crutches and a brace to decrease further strain on your MCL when walking.
Your physical therapist can also help you in:
Surgery is rarely necessary for an MCL injury. If you have surgery, your physical therapist will assist you through a recovery program for more than half a month. In addition, they will help you minimize discomfort, regain movement and strength, and return to normal activities as safely and quickly as expected.
