MCL Injury Treatment Options: Bracing, Rehab, and When to Consider Surgery

You’re walking out of the office with a prescribed MCL injury treatment—bracing, rehab, and maybe even surgery—it’s hard not to wonder how it all started. 

Just a few days earlier, it seemed like a harmless move: a quick sideways step to dodge a defender during a weekend basketball game. But that one motion triggered a sharp pop on the inside of the knee, followed by a sudden, stabbing pain and an overwhelming sense that the joint couldn’t hold weight. Swelling crept in within hours, and by the next morning, bending or straightening the leg felt nearly impossible. 

A trip to the doctor confirmed it: an MCL injury. The ligament had been stretched or partially torn. The recommended treatment? A supportive knee brace, physical therapy to restore strength and stability, and time. Moreover, the doctor told you that you had just narrowly dodged the need for surgery. 

Here’s where you should go next!

What is an MCL injury?

The medial collateral ligament (MCL) is a band of tissue that runs along the inner side of your knee, connecting the femur (thighbone) to the tibia (shinbone). Among common knee conditions, an MCL injury occurs when this ligament is overstretched or torn, typically due to a force that pushes the knee inward.

In simpler terms, the MCL acts like a strong strap that keeps your knee from bending the wrong way. When you twist, fall, or take a hit to the outside of the knee, that strap can stretch too far or even tear, causing pain and instability.

What this means for you is that your MCL injury treatment will depend on how badly the ligament is damaged and how unstable your knee feels.

Doctors usually diagnose an MCL injury by performing a physical exam to check for looseness in the joint and pain along the ligament. They may also order imaging tests like an MRI or X-ray to confirm the extent of the injury and rule out damage to other parts of the knee.

MCL injury symptoms

Symptoms of MCL sprains and tears can range from mild discomfort to severe pain and knee instability, depending on the extent of the damage. Recognizing these signs early can help guide appropriate care and prevent further injury.

• Pain on the inner side of the knee: This is where the MCL is located, and pain here often signals strain or tearing.
  
  
• Swelling: Inflammation around the knee can develop within hours, especially after more severe sprains or tears.
  
  
• Knee instability: You might feel like your knee is giving out, particularly when changing direction or bearing weight.
  
  
• Stiffness and limited range of motion: The knee may feel tight or difficult to fully bend or straighten.
  
  
• Tenderness along the ligament: Pressing on the inside of the knee may cause discomfort or pain.
  
  
• A popping sound at the time of injury: Some people hear or feel a pop when the ligament is torn.
  
  

Proper identification of these signs plays a key role in determining the right MCL injury treatment plan.

How do you treat an MCL injury?

Treating an MCL injury isn’t always a one-size-fits-all process. The right approach depends heavily on how severe the ligament damage is, your level of activity, and how stable your knee feels after the injury. For many people, the recovery process begins conservatively—with bracing and physical therapy—while others may require surgical intervention especially if the ligament is completely torn or if other parts of the knee are also damaged. 

Regardless of the approach, the goal remains the same: restore knee strength and stability while minimizing long-term complications. It is common for MCL injuries to cause knee stiffness that requires treatment.  It is essential to act promptly because even mild injuries, if left untreated, can develop into chronic issues. Whether you’re dealing with a minor sprain or complete rupture, treating knee pain early with the appropriate steps can significantly impact your outcome.

Bracing

For mild to moderate MCL injuries, bracing is often the first line of defense for the initial instability until the ligament heals. A hinged knee brace provides support and limits sideways movement, giving the ligament time to heal while allowing you to stay mobile. In some cases, crutches may be used temporarily to reduce pressure on the knee during the early stages of healing. 

Cold therapy and anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help manage swelling and discomfort. Bracing is usually prescribed for a few weeks, with the timeline adjusted depending on how quickly your knee responds to the treatment.

Rehabilitation

Once pain and swelling subside, rehab exercises for the MCL become the core of the recovery process. A physical therapist will guide you through a personalized program focused on restoring range of motion, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and improving balance. Exercises may include straight-leg raises, quad sets, and gentle stretches to prevent stiffness. 

Later stages of rehab may incorporate agility drills and sport-specific movements to prepare you for a safe return to activity. In some cases, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections may be recommended to support tissue healing, particularly for athletes or those seeking a faster recovery timeline.

Surgery

Surgical repair is typically reserved for severe MCL tears, particularly when the ligament is completely ruptured or when other structures like the ACL is also torn. MCL surgery involves reattaching or reconstructing the torn ligament using sutures, bone anchors and/or grafts. 

Post-surgery, a longer period of bracing and intensive rehabilitation is required, often spanning several months. While most people recover well with conservative care, surgery can offer the best chance for full knee stability in more complex injuries.

MCL injury recovery time

Recovery time for an MCL injury depends on the severity of the damage. Mild sprains (Grade 1) can heal in 2 to 4 weeks, while moderate tears (Grade 2) typically take 4 to 6 weeks. More severe injuries (Grade 3) or those requiring surgery may take 3 months or longer, especially if rehab is extensive. Staying consistent with treatment—whether it's bracing, physical therapy, or post-surgical care—plays a big role in how quickly and fully your knee recovers.

Wrap up

MCL injury treatment can range from simple bracing and rehab to surgical repair, depending on the severity of the damage. Recognizing symptoms early and following a tailored recovery plan is key to restoring knee strength and stability. With the right care, most people can return to their normal activities without long-term issues.

Explore effective MCL injury treatment options—learn when bracing, rehab, or surgery is right for you with expert insight from the Orthopedic Institute of NJ.