MCL Tear
What Is an MCL Tear?
The medial collateral ligament (MCL) runs along the inner side of the knee, connecting the femur to the tibia. It is the primary structure preventing the knee from buckling inward when force is applied to the outer side of the leg. An MCL tear occurs when this ligament is stretched beyond its limit, typically from a side-impact force to the knee.
What Causes an MCL Tear?
The MCL is most often injured by:
- A direct blow to the outside of the knee, pushing it inward (common in contact sports like football and hockey)
- Sudden twisting of the knee while the foot is planted
- Skiing falls, particularly awkward twisting falls
- Landing off-balance from a jump
What Are the Symptoms of an MCL Tear?
- Pain along the inner side of the knee, at or near the site of the ligament
- Swelling, which may be mild for a partial tear or more significant for a complete tear
- Tenderness directly over the inner knee
- A sense of the knee “opening up” or being unstable when weight is shifted onto the injured side
- Bruising along the inner knee in more severe injuries
How Is the Severity of an MCL Tear Graded?
MCL injuries are typically graded on a scale of I to III:
- Grade I — mild stretching with microscopic tearing, minimal instability
- Grade II — partial tearing with some looseness of the ligament
- Grade III — complete tear, with significant instability of the knee
Grading helps guide the treatment plan, as most Grade I and II injuries heal well without surgery.
Coast your way to recovery
Dr. Palsis utilizes innovative treatment techniques to get you back in motion and back to the life you love.
Treatment Options for an MCL Tear
The MCL has a good blood supply compared to other knee ligaments, which gives it a strong capacity to heal on its own. Most MCL tears — even complete ones — are treated nonsurgically:
- A hinged knee brace to protect the ligament while it heals, allowing motion but limiting side-to-side stress
- Physical therapy to restore strength and motion
- Gradual return to activity as the ligament heals, often over several weeks to a few months
Surgery is uncommon for isolated MCL tears but may be considered when the MCL is torn along with other knee ligaments (such as the ACL), when the tear occurs at a location less likely to heal well, or when chronic instability persists despite a full course of nonsurgical treatment. Learn more on our MCL Surgery page.
Get back to what moves you
Dr. Palsis specializes in the treatment of knee, shoulder, and sports injuries.