How to recover an MCL sprain

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The human knee is composed of seven ligaments that go through and around the joint and it's compositional pieces. These ligaments are necessary to maintain stability in the body’s joints. Two of these ligaments are more vulnerable to injuries compared to others. These are the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and medial collateral ligament (MCL). The medial collateral ligament is located on the internal side of the knee joint. It adjoins the thigh bone and the shin bone. This type of knee ligament injury is very common among athletes. Recovery involves both medical intervention and at home recovery strategies.

Method 1 of 4:
Using Self-help Strategies

Protect your knee from further damage. Limit the amount of moving around you do right after the injury occurs. Injured ligaments should be well rested to promote faster healing and to avoid further injury. Make sure to avoid placing any excessive pressure on your MCL, as this could cause further complications.
Another way to avoid damaging your knee further is to avoid exposing your knee to hot temperatures for at least 48 hours after the injury occurs. Hot temperatures could cause your knee to swell up and become even more tender.

2
Immobilize your knee. Your doctor may recommend that you wear a knee brace for a period of time (the length of time depends on how badly the knee was injured). A brace can help to keep your knee stable, which in turn can keep further damage from occurring.

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3

Compress your knee.[1] Use an ice compress to do this. Cold temperatures can help to numb the area so you feel less pain, while also restricting the flow of blood to the area, which can help to bring the swelling down.
Do not place an ice pack or ice directly against your skin;[2] make sure to wrap it in a hand towel first to avoid damaging your skin. Hold the ice pack against your knee for 15 to 20 minutes, then let your knee rest.[3] You can repeat this process throughout the day.


4
Elevate your knee.[4] You should elevate your knee above the level of your heart; doing this can help to keep the amount of swelling that occurs to a minimum. Continue to elevate your knee as much as possible for at least 48 to 72 hours after the injury occurs.
You can use a pillow to prop up your leg.

Method 2 of 4:
Using Medical Intervention

1

Take medications to control the pain caused by the sprain. In addition to managing the pain, you should also try to combat any swelling that occurs by taking either painkillers or NSAIDs[5] :
Painkillers: These medications limit the pain impulses that are transmitted to your brain, so you don’t feel the pain as acutely. You can purchase simple painkillers, like Paracetamol, over-the-counter. If they don’t work to eliminate your pain, you can also get a prescription for stronger painkillers like codeine and tramadol from your doctor.
Oral Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): These medications limit both pain and inflammation by acting on certain chemicals in your body. Common NSAIDs include Ibuprofen, Naproxen and Aspirin.

2

Talk to your doctor about surgical management. Some people do not respond well to taking medications; if you are one of these people, you may want to consider correcting the damage through surgery.
MCL sprains are commonly corrected with arthroscopic surgery; this surgery involves using a tiny camera to get a visual picture of the damaged area to help surgeons repair the sprain.


3

Get a brace for your knee. A lightweight hinged knee brace can help to gradually increase your range of motion. The brace keeps your knee stabilized to prevent further injury.[6]
As you recover, you may be given a different knee brace that can help you to begin using your knee again without putting too much pressure on the knee.

Method 3 of 4:
Strengthening Your MCL with Exercises

1

Go see a physical therapist. There are certain exercises that are recommended for people who have suffered an MCL sprain. However, it is important to talk to a physical therapist before you try any of these exercises; if you begin these exercises too soon after your injury, you could cause further damage.